The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible. Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo
DOUBLES- PART 2
Question: My son is on the court working on his strokes five days a week. He practices more than most kids ranked above him at the club. My question is why are doubles so hard for him?
Answer: Winning doubles consist primarily of serving, returning and secondary strokes. In fact, with high school age boys, the doubles points last an average of 3 hits. That is a serve, a return and maybe a volley. Practice in the method in which you are expected to perform. To be great in doubles, spend at least one day a week on serving, return of serve and transition volleys.
Question: When should a net player look to poach in modern tennis?
Answer: There are 3 basic poaching opportunities. Poaching as well as “fake” poaching is a critical element in keeping the opponents uncomfortable. Emphasize that poaching is tons of fun! Reward your child every time they attempt a poach.
FUN FACT: Often the poaching player draws errors and wins points without ever touching the ball. Visual distraction is an important element in competitive tennis. If your child needs to poach more, they should look for an opponent who is vulnerable. This could be a vulnerable court position or strike zone at contact.
SPECIAL NOTE: The primary strike zone is waist level. An opponent striking a ball around their shoe laces or leaning back to strike a ball above their shoulders puts them in a vulnerable position. So…poach!
Here are the three most common times to poach:
(For the below example, A= Server; B= Servers Partner; C= Return of Server; D=Return of Server’s Partner.)
1.) A serves to C’s backhand= B is poaching.
2.) A serves & volleys, C returns at the feet of A= D poaches.
3.) A and C are in a baseline exchange, B or D spots a vulnerable strike zone, body language or court position from the opponent= poach.
Question: How are doubles different than singles?
Answer: The only true similarity is that both games are played on the same of court. Here is how we break down the differences:
- Different “secondary” technical strokes are called upon more often
- Different tactical patterns are used in different formation
- Different movement is required
- Different communication and anticipatory skills are required
SPECIAL NOTE: Plan on training doubles and/or playing doubles a minimum of one day a week.
Question: My daughter doesn’t like to volley. Can she still win at doubles?
Answer: You bet! At least up to a certain level. Her first step in playing doubles without attacking the net is to choose a partner that’s ok with this fact. Second, she’ll need to choose a system of doubles that exposes her strengths and hides her weaknesses.
The four common systems we see on the WTA pro tour are:
1.) Both players rush the net
2.) One up and one back
3.) Double back
4.)”I” Formation
FUN FACT: The most vulnerable system in doubles is one-up- one-back. The most common system played around the world? One up one back!
Question: Our high school coach says don’t ever look back at your partner’s ground strokes, yet I see pro’s doing it. Which is right?
Answer: In my opinion, slightly using your peripheral vision to quickly detect the quality of your partners shot is a huge advantage. Picking up visual and audible clues as soon as possible is a major part of the evolution of the game. Pros make their living by picking up these clues and moving before the opponent even makes contact with their shot. Anticipatory speed is a learned behavior.
FACT: Let’s say you are at the net, only looking forward. Your partner is in trouble hitting a vulnerable, lunging floater. Well, your partner knows your dead, both opponents know your dead…Guess who does not know you’re dead? …You!
Question: My son and his partner serve 120 mph and can rip the ball. They are super aggressive, yet they lose in doubles to less talented players. What are they doing wrong?
Answer: Being aggressive in doubles is critical. Offense, unfortunately, is more than just hitting hard. Ask your son to look into the other sides of offense.
- Time management: Taking away time with aggressive positioning.
- Changing the angle of the ball versus just crushing it.
- Applying building shots: These are essential in forcing the opponent into vulnerable strike zones and positions.
Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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