COACHING TIPS – DOUBLES TACTICS

What are the basic principles of good doubles?

Close in on the net and prevent your opponents doing it.

Aim shots down and keep them low to force opponents to hit up from below net height. Think of doubles as being like volleyball, where you finish a rally with a spike at the net.

Play to the opponent furthest from the net when you’re in a deep position. Target the opponent nearest to the net when you’re in a position to hit down on the ball from near the net.

Target your opponent’s weaknesses. Play shots which force your opponents to play to your strengths.

Aim between your opponents. It gives you a great margin for error and your opponents may hesitate while they work out who should play it.

Anticipate, be mobile and adapt your position according to the positions of your opponents and your partner.

Encourage your partner!

Maria Bolster

TAKE CHARGE AS SERVER’S PARTNER

Is it my job to guard the tramlines when my partner

serves?

Yes! and no! If the receiver is regularly passing you down the line, talk to your partner and suggest a different placement!

React to where the serve pitches in the court i.e. guard the tramlines if it’s wide: move to the center if the serve is down the middle.

You can encourage the receiver to play the shot you want, i.e. position yourself wide to encourage a crosscourt return, move towards centre to tempt the pass, close in on the net to tempt the lob, etc. Be active, alert and aggressive (poach, fake poaches, etc).Generally, make sure the receiver is worried about you.

Take the captain’s role and suggest service placements.