Guys, how close to the net should the server's partner play? Assuming the server can run, is it okay to get within, say, five feet of the net under the assumption that the server will be covering lobs?
Depends.
Can the net player defend against lobs over his head? Can the net player defend against a ROS that jams into his body? Can the server hit serves that solicit weaker hit returns? Do the returner's gun for the netplayer's belly button?
The closer the better, but only if the net player can pass the above tests.
Depends.
Can the net player defend against lobs over his head? Can the net player defend against a ROS that jams into his body? Can the server hit serves that solicit weaker hit returns? Do the returner's gun for the netplayer's belly button?
The closer the better, but only if the net player can pass the above tests.
Guys, how close to the net should the server's partner play? Assuming the server can run, is it okay to get within, say, five feet of the net under the assumption that the server will be covering lobs?
You generally want to be about half way between the service line and the net. There's some scope for being slightly closer/further away depending on how effectively your partner serves. You don't want to be too close, because you just compromise your ability to hit smashes if the ball pops up, as it's easier going forwards to the ball than back. On 2nd serves, I tend to be a fraction further back. If your partner is LeeD and he's serving, you'd probably better off standing in the opposite service box as that's where you'll be headed when he DFs...
Did you know Matt double faulted 5 times in his set against Dave (Navi).
He also double faulted 4 times against Rkelly.
My seven trumps his paltry attempts to best me.
Not that I am great at doubles..but once you played it for a bit you learn there are some skills that you absolutely need that you don't need in singles - or don't need to use much..
#1. Overhead. You need a good overhead so that you can neutralize lobbers. This is critical to beating the 3.0/3.5 winners - as lobbers win at that level.
#2. Kick/Topspin serves up the middle (while standing out wide). This is critical to set up your opponent for easy volleys.
#3. Put away volley. Despite what some tennis coaches teach - you need to learn to put some stick on your volleys. Contrary to what one poster said higher level doubles have VERY short points. If you get that volley - it needs to be a winner.
#4. Strong return into the alley. If you don't learn this shot - your opponent net player will start hanging all over the net poaching everything. Yeah you don't hit that often but you better have it.
#5. Strong cross court return into (or at least close to) the alley.
With decent doubles players the points are over quick.. So one mistake - and bam - point done.
Its not some 'zen' experience..IMHO. Its really learn to hit these shots.. Singles players basically don't have them - because they don't use them. In singles you can return a puff ball up the middle or a lazy cross court return. You might hit one or two overheads a match. You might hit maybe a half dozen volleys. And you never return into the alley - because that would be out. Nor do you learn to hit serves up the middle while standing out wide..If you do that you would leave the court open..
Go out practice those shots - and you will be better at doubles. Sure positioning and anticipation play a huge role too.. But eventually you will start to learn that. This idea that doubles is some kinda of mystical chess match has little basis in reality... its not really that much deeper then singles strategically.. Get really good at those shots - you will start winning your doubles matches, IMHO.
Is doubles a different game? Kinda. Because you need different shots..and its not forgiving at all.. I don't have the numbers but certainly alot more winners are hit at high level doubles...