| What should you look for when choosing a doubles | | | | keep it low and at their feet. |
| partner and had me reminiscing about partnerships I've | | | | The first volley is a very tough shot, if an opponent is |
| had in the past, some successful others abject failures | | | | constantly being forced into playing it, as the match |
| and why they turned out as they did. This is one of | | | | wears on mistakes will happen. Be sure to throw in a |
| those tennis lessons especially for doubles players! | | | | few cheeky returns up the line - this will keep the |
| I always looked for an accurate serve when choosing | | | | net-player on their toes. Keep them guessing or they |
| a doubles partner, notice I say accurate rather than | | | | will be constantly crossing and intercepting. Doubles |
| powerful. Obviously both are preferable but I've found | | | | strategy is simple but so often forgotten and winning |
| that accuracy is the more important attribute. An | | | | at doubles can be achieved through a combination of |
| accurate serve allows both yourself and your partner | | | | hard work, solid doubles strategy and taking tennis |
| to plan the point easily with percentages in mind. | | | | lessons from the right people. |
| One particular doubles strategy I had much success | | | | I have found over the years that a partner's |
| with was the body serve and the cross interception, | | | | personality crucial. It is sometimes the intangible traits of |
| this only consistently works if the server is accurate; | | | | two potential partners and how they complement |
| should the ball deviate into the opponent's hit zone they | | | | each other that make the difference. Winning at |
| have plenty of time to switch their shot. I'd still use this | | | | doubles usually comes down to which partnership[ gels |
| play with servers who are less accurate but I would | | | | best. Be sure to communicate between points |
| ensure they crossed and stayed on the baseline thus | | | | because it is this that enables you both to strategise |
| giving us the best chance of success should the | | | | and maintain the same wavelength. |
| returner read the move. | | | | It is of vital importance that both of you remain positive |
| We all know how vital the serve is in the modern | | | | even when the going gets tough - avoid blaming |
| game of tennis but an often overlooked shot; | | | | each-other or yourself. If communication breaks down |
| especially in doubles is the return of serve. If you can | | | | your strategy will fall apart. Play to each other's |
| make a high percentage of returns success is | | | | strengths and encourage each other's weaknesses; |
| becomes far more probable; there is nothing as | | | | this allows not of you to perform at your full potential. |
| satisfying for a server as seeing an opponent's return | | | | A final 'secret' tip I'll give is this; think about playing the |
| hit the bottom of the net or fly out the back. The | | | | more consistent player (in particular the most |
| returning player in doubles should be looking to play the | | | | consistent returner of serve) on the advantage side of |
| ball back across the court 90% of the time, doing this | | | | the court, this means the more solid player faces more |
| increases percentages and avoids the high part of the | | | | of the 'big' points thus increasing your percentages of |
| net and the net-player. If an opponent is rushing the net | | | | winning. |
| after their serve - force them to play a volley and | | | | |