Switch your tactics and mindset away from singles when you’re playing doubles.
Doubles tennis is a completely different game from singles.
Singles pits two people against each other and is in complete contrast to the need for teamwork in doubles. Singles could be considered as a game of the imagination while doubles is a science of angles.
In doubles, when you hit a shot you should do so to avoid putting your partner in trouble. The keynote to success in doubles is teamwork and not individual brilliance. A doubles team is as strong as its weakest player.
The first essential of doubles play is to put the ball in play. A double fault is bad in singles but is inexcusable in doubles. The return of service should be certain. After that, shots should be low and to the server coming in. Do not strive for clean aces in doubles until you have the opening. Remember that to pass two players is a tough task.
Always attack in doubles. The net is the only place in the court to play doubles and you should always go for the kill when you see a real opening. You can poach (go for a shot which is not on your side of the court) whenever you see a chance to score but don’t poach unless you go for the winner or you will open up your court.
Volley and smash whenever possible and only retreat when it is absolutely necessary.
When the ball goes toward the sideline, the net player on that side should go in close and toward the line. Their partner should fall slightly back and to the centre of the court, covering the shot between the two players. If the next return goes to the other side, the two players should reverse positions.
The theory of court covering is two sides of a triangle, with the angle in the centre and the two sides running to the sidelines and in the direction of the net.
Each player should cover overhead balls over their own head, and hit them in the air if possible as allowing them to drop gives the net to the other team.
Use the lob as a defence and to give time to get yourself and your partner out from a bad position.
All shots in doubles should be low or high. Don’t hit shoulder-high as it is too easy to hit a winner back. Volley down and hard if possible. Every shot you make should be made with the intention of opening the court.
Hit down the centre to disrupt the teamwork of the opposing players but hit to the sidelines for your winners.
Identify the weaker of your opponents and centre your attack on them and keep it there.
Pick a partner and stick with them. They should have a style that is not too similar to yours in order to increase the overall strength of your team.
The Art of Doubles
Winning Doubles Strategy for Recreational Tennis Players
Love Tennis: Women's Hoodie
On the Ball: Doubles Tennis Tactics for Recreational Players
