The following post is an excerpt from the Second Edition of The Tennis Parent’s Bible NOW available through most on-line retailers! Click Here to Order
Doubles Question 8: My daughter doesn’t like to volley. Can she still win at doubles?
Frank: 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 her tactics. Second, she’ll need to choose a system of doubles that exposes her strengths and hides her weaknesses.
The four common doubles systems seen on the WTA Pro Tour include:
- Both players rush the net
- One player plays up and one back
- Both players play “double back”
- “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!
Doubles Question 9: 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?
Frank: In my opinion, the player that uses their peripheral vision to quickly detect the quality of their partners shot has 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!
Doubles Question 10: 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?
Frank: Being aggressive in doubles is critical. Unfortunately, playing only offense is more than just hitting hard. Ask your son to look into the below forms of offense.
- Time Management: Taking away time with aggressive court positioning.
- Redirecting the Ball: Changing the angle of the ball versus just crushing it.
- Applying Building Shots: Building shots are essential in forcing the opponent into vulnerable strike zones and court positions.
In review, ask your son’s coach to begin to focus on the art of applying offensive, neutral and defensive shot selections (spins and speeds) at the appropriate times.
