doubles return help

[GrandSlam Legend]

the general rule when i play is try to get the ball in and keep it in play thats for singles.... but... i was playing doubles and couldnt slice return or hit weak returns so i wasnt sure what to do...

i tried to add more but kept hitting it way out... and it was difficult...

i was dealing with people who kept hitting 108-115 mph first serves and 90 mph second serves...

getting a break was difficult...

what do you do?

[kevhen]

Have your partner play back so you don't have to worry so much about weak returns. Don't try to hit them back hard but maybe practice on hitting your returns so they stay low and harder for the netman to poach and will drop at the servers feet if he is coming in. Hitting low returns is key in doubles. Hit them back crosscourt near the doubles alley if possible with plenty margin for error. Don't try to hit hard, just low.

Don't worry about not breaking serve in doubles but keep trying.

[badger_badger]

i agree with eveything kevhen said except the part about having your partner stay back. IMO winning the points at net is crucial to winning in doubles so i wouldn't advise having both players at the baseline. you can do to improve your rally during points by practicing crosscourt rallies with your partner. at first try to get 30 balls back and forth then make it harder by making a rule that you have to hit the shots past the service line. this drill will not only help you hitting shots crosscourt but also give your shots more depth, which will prevent the opponent baseliner from attacking a short ball and coming into the net.

Good luck!

Jay

[anniflava]

Check out Martina Hingis. All of her returns go crosscourt and bounce at the opponent's feet.

[GrandSlam Legend]

i tried :( but... the poacher always poaches and gets me... but the balls are coming really fast... i cant do much with the balls... its very difficult facing 100+ mph serves and trying to control them!

[Kaptain Karl]

1 - Lob over the Net Player's head for your return a few times....

2 - Lob to the Server's back corner....

The "both play back" is a good option if nothing else is working. Then you just need to fight your way back in to the net.

- KK