I hate doubles.

[Oxford]

I have been working hard developing my singles game and when I play doubles i feel it messes up what I have been working on so tonight (doubles night) i did not go.

In doubles:
- I cannot get in a rhythm or flow
- most of the time the base line players hit to each other with an occasional lob if i'm at the net
- never get much of a workout
- can't use all the court like in singles
- all new strategy (that I don't have - hey, I'm still working out my singles strategy)
- too much chatter
- i play too safe and high percentage so not to **** off my parter (which I have if I start going for alot of winners) OK... I start pushing some
- my open flowing singles games suffers and I pick up bad habits from my doubles playing.
- points are over too soon
- feel like I am on a team sport...I don't like team sports

Anyone else feel like I do about playing doubles?

OX
give me the singles life

 

[koopa_troopa]

Do you want real tips or is this just a rant?

 

[Oxford]

Do you want real tips or is this just a rant?

both

ox

 

[baek57]

poach so theres no more baseline rallies. poaching is like my favorite thing about doubles.

 

[North]

I have been working hard developing my singles game and when I play doubles i feel it messes up what I have been working on so tonight (doubles night) i did not go.

In doubles:
- I cannot get in a rhythm or flow
- most of the time the base line players hit to each other with an occasional lob if i'm at the net
- never get much of a workout
- can't use all the court like in singles
- all new strategy (that I don't have - hey, I'm still working out my singles strategy)
- too much chatter
- i play too safe and high percentage so not to **** off my parter (which I have if I start going for alot of winners) OK... I start pushing some
- my open flowing singles games suffers and I pick up bad habits from my doubles playing.
- points are over too soon
- feel like I am on a team sport...I don't like team sports

Anyone else feel like I do about playing doubles?

OX
give me the singles life

Doubles can help your singles, even if you are a baseliner, if only by helping you get better at approaching the net. But much of what you refer to has more to do with temperament than with tennis strokes. I think there have been a few studies on this (doubles vs singles personality types) - anyone know offhand about this?

I also dislike doubles (though as a S&V singles player, I am pretty good at doubles) for some of the same reasons as you - chatter, team sport, less physically active, really like the one-on-one of singles, etc. I originally just played singles but was encouraged, by a pro, to play doubles to help my net game, which it did.

I still play singles most of the time but have had to be active in finding a bunch of like-minded people who I can play singles with on a regular basis. It is always much more enjoyable for me than doubles - just a temperament thing.

 

[Loco4Tennis]

the way to make doubles better is to vary the formation, "I" formation, all back, all front, switch sides in middle of point, also get together with other player at everypoint and cordinate your attack, serve and volley (i'll try this next) would also work
i agree with you that doubles is very static at times, but thats when you have to get creative and mix things up, ofcourse all of this needs to be run by your partner ahead of time so you both are onboard with the idea

 

[albino smurf]

Singles > Doubles

 

[Zachol82]

I prefer singles over doubles too. However, I still play doubles with my friends. It's a good way to practice volleys since doubles is all about net play. That's about all it's useful for in terms of helping out your singles game.

 

[Off The Wall]

It's Darwinian...the nature of doubles has selected your doubles game for extinction.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I have been working hard developing my singles game and when I play doubles i feel it messes up what I have been working on so tonight (doubles night) i did not go.

In doubles:
- I cannot get in a rhythm or flow
- most of the time the base line players hit to each other with an occasional lob if i'm at the net
- never get much of a workout
- can't use all the court like in singles
- all new strategy (that I don't have - hey, I'm still working out my singles strategy)
- too much chatter
- i play too safe and high percentage so not to **** off my parter (which I have if I start going for alot of winners) OK... I start pushing some
- my open flowing singles games suffers and I pick up bad habits from my doubles playing.
- points are over too soon
- feel like I am on a team sport...I don't like team sports

Anyone else feel like I do about playing doubles?

OX
give me the singles life

These are typical complaints about doubles from singles players.

My answer to all of the above is "you obviously are not playing doubles but are playing singles (in your mind) with four players on the court."

Doubles is a different game and perhaps you may never learn to appreciate doubles to the fullest extent. However, you are at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to your perspective about doubles and it only tells me that you don't know how to play it.

Anything that one doesn't understand is normally jaded in one's mind. When your mind understands what you are suppose to do, how you are suppose to respond or react during the point, and when you get engaged into the mental aspects of doubles, it is far from being boring.

 

[Oxford]

These are typical complaints about doubles from singles players.

My answer to all of the above is "you obviously are not playing doubles but are playing singles (in your mind) with four players on the court."

Doubles is a different game and perhaps you may never learn to appreciate doubles to the fullest extent. However, you are at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to your perspective about doubles and it only tells me that you don't know how to play it.

When your mind understands what you are suppose to do, how you are suppose to respond or react during the point, and when you get engaged into the mental aspects of doubles, it is far from being boring.

OK I'll buy that...but my point is that it has a negative affect on my developing singles game

Anything that one doesn't understand is normally jaded in one's mind.

but I don't buy that.

ox

 

[PimpMyGame]

Where I live there isn't enough interest for a singles league. And courts are expensive, so doubles has been thrust onto me. I used to think it weird but I truly enjoy it now. Will still always prefer singles though.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

OK I'll buy that...but my point is that is has a negative affect on my developing singles game



but I don't buy that.

ox

Well, then what can I say, I guess I should be more direct with you.

You are wrong about all of the above, including your original post. Doubles play does not have a negative affect on singles and it never has. If it does with "your" game, you are probably the first person in the history of the game to come up that it does. You just dont know what the heck you are doing out there.

Obviously, you are not teachable, only care to argue, and are not willing to change your perspective. This brings me back to my original point that you dont know what you are doing out there nor do you know what you are talking about. Kudos to you.

 

[Nellie]

I find that doubles is a different game. In my opinion, it emphasizes serve, returns, movement and court position, whereas singles is more about getting the ball back and creating space.

I know people that are great doubles players but lousy singles players, and vice versa.

 

[Oxford]

Well, then what can I say, I guess I should be more direct with you.

You are wrong about all of the above, including your original post. Doubles play does not have a negative affect on singles and it never has. If it does with "your" game, you are probably the first person in the history of the game to come up that it does. You just dont know what the heck you are doing out there.

Obviously, you are not teachable, only care to argue, and are not willing to change your perspective. This brings me back to my original point that you dont know what you are doing out there nor do you know what you are talking about. Kudos to you.

Bill, I used to have respect for you but have learned you have a self righteous, arrogant, hostile and pompous attitude should anyone disagree with your sacred proclamations. Sure, you have some tennis knowledge but yer like that crusty old tennis coach that has ALL the answers and nobody else does and we are idiots if we think we do. "LEGEND"? Yeah, in your mind.

I have been around forums long enough to quickly recognize an insecure malcontent so there is no point in responding to you. You are too bull-headed and a troll in "reg" clothing.

And don't bother trying to bait me into your games. Seen it all before. Thank GOD for the ignore button.

There, someone had to say it.

OX
call if you want me to tell this to you directly
760-942-1100

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Bill, I used to have respect for you but have learned you have a self righteous, arrogant, hostile and pompous attitude should anyone disagree with your sacred proclamations. Sure, you have some tennis knowledge but yer like that crusty old tennis coach that has ALL the answers and nobody else does and we are idiots if we think we do. "LEGEND"? Yeah, in your mind.

Man, I could careless that you have even the smallest respect for me. This is a bulletin board. I am certainly not in this for popularity contest. And if you get your little feelings hurt because I challenged your willingness to learn or this post, geeez, you have more problems then you care to admit!

Once again, you are not teachable, your post is off-base, and you have no idea what you are talking about nor did you ever care to want to understand anything deeper then your limited thinking provides you now!

Your post is more of a RANT then anything else and should have been posted somewhere else.

I have been around forums long enough to quickly recognize an insecure malcontent so there is no point in responding to you. You are too bull-headed and a troll in "reg" clothing.

Yeah, I am a meanie. LOL

Once again, you dont know what you are talking about concerning doubles. Doubles is a game that CAN enhance your singles game and not the other way around.

And don't bother trying to bait me into your games. Seen it all before. Thank GOD for the ignore button.

LOL

There, someone had to say it.

OX
call if you want me to tell this to you directly
760-942-1100

LOL, boohoo

 

[Oxford]

ahh BILL BILL BILL LOL...

thanks for reinforcing my points

yer too easily owned. feelings not hurt bud... well, not mine

OX

 

[Bungalo Bill]

ahh BILL BILL BILL LOL...

thanks for reinforcing my points

yer too easily owned. feelings not hurt bud... well, not mine

OX

LOL, yeah right.

 

[raiden031]

I like doubles. In fact as a former singles specialist, I used to feel the same way about doubles until I learned how to play it and now I appreciate it. I still get frustrated with it sometimes, but 99% of the time it is because I'm playing with a weak partner. I don't like when opponents target my partner on every shot or when my partner double faults frequently or can't return easy serves. Other than that I have a fun time. I can't stand playing too much of singles or doubles and often need to change it up. In my ideal world, for every 3 matches I play, 2 of them will be singles and 1 will be doubles.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I like doubles. In fact as a former singles specialist, I used to feel the same way about doubles until I learned how to play it and now I appreciate it.

Exactly right!

I still get frustrated with it sometimes, but 99% of the time it is because I'm playing with a weak partner. I don't like when opponents target my partner on every shot or when my partner double faults frequently or can't return easy serves. Other than that I have a fun time. I can't stand playing too much of singles or doubles and often need to change it up. In my ideal world, for every 3 matches I play, 2 of them will be singles and 1 will be doubles.

Good! Well put.

 

[user92626]

I hear you, Ox.

I don't really like doubles at this point which I'm learning strokes and consistency. However, since it's the only type of tennis I have access to, I learn to enjoy it and try my best to stick to my goal -- learning strokes and consistency.

-- It's a real challenge to develop a rhythm for your own. To help this, I stay strictly at baseline. So, our wins rely only on winner, hard strokes, no net points.

-- The biggest challenge's got to be picking the "right" partner. One that does not pressure you into trying to win at all cost. Damn, that'd just ruin the level of tennis WE (most folks here) play. So, I just learn to be assertive and set expectation.

 

[Burt Turkoglu]

I used to be just like you as well. I played singles only in college. Playing doubles just seemed to screw me up. (Actually, one of the tactics in dubs is to break up the rhythm of the other team with poaches, formations, etc.). Now I play mostly doubles and love it. I remember McEnroe hardly practiced when he was at the top of his game. I remember him saying that playing doubles was his practice. I don't think that this could happen nowadays as the singles game has changed so much. What makes doubles fun for me is all the different strategies you can use to defeat the other team. The Bryan Bros. dad says singles is checkers and doubles is chess. That doesn't make it better....just different. Both are so much fun. Anyway....my 2 cents.

 

[Bottle Rocket]

Anyone else feel like I do about playing doubles?

I do and I don't. I agree with most of the other posts in this thread about there being some benefits to it, as well as the possibility of it actually being fun. Aside from that, there is something else that I don't think has been mentioned yet.

I think there is a lot of be said for being in situations where there is something on the line. In doubles, success depends on you and your partner. Therefore, your partners success and enjoyment will most likely be dependent on your own performance. This added pressure of having a team mate can put your game under a microscope, so to speak. It can reveal weaknesses in your game that can be masked by only playing singles, depending on the level of play. You're not going to get away with lazy footwork, dinking back backhand returns, or a shaky second serve (or low first serve percentage). When the pressure is on, the truth will be revealed. If you're interested in improving and knowing exactly where you stand, I think a competitive doubles match can be very educational.

I also think the lack of "rhythm" and not being able to hit every ball can be helpful. If you're playing an opponent in singles who's playing a smart match or is just a crafty player with no other option, there is a good chance that you're not going to have any rhythm in the singles match. I think being able to get in position, maintain your technique, and hit an effective shot even without being in a "rhythm" is extremely important. If your strokes cannot stand up to this type of thing due to impatience, a lack of discipline, or simply bad technique, doubles is a great opportunity to practice this.

I also don't think I have ever met anyone with great volleys (great relative to their groundstrokes) who didn't like doubles. I have not met too many who have awful volleys who enjoy doubles. There seems to be a pretty good correlation here. At least, until users on this forum read that comment...

Anyway, I do mostly agree with you. I generally don't enjoy doubles a whole lot (unless I feel equal in skill to my partner), but I will always respect it.

 

[ledor]

I've been playing a lot more doubles after high school years and I just stand there and there's really no sweat involved, and we are just all one shot wonders.

I went back to singles and it's just a whole another world, getting rhythm with groundstrokes, ball placement, setting up to make your opponent produce errors. This is a lot different than doubles. More sweat, moving feet, proper technique. I have a better love for the game, overall.

For doubles, you really have to have a partner that clicks with you, or it won't be as enjoyable as you want it to be.

 

[5263]

Bill,

It's not that. He's just not Athletic enough for dubs. LOL!!

OX, don't take that personal, it's just a joke between Bill and me, along with a few others who remember the offending thread.

 

[5263]

ledor,

If you are just standing there, you are playing some sad dubs or have some very poor opponents!

 

[sureshs]

Doubles is more dangerous than singles. Last nite, Mike (his real name hehehehe) at the club got hit you-know-where when he was the net man. He collapsed on the ground in pain and was mocked by all the others.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Bill,

It's not that. He's just not Athletic enough for dubs. LOL!!

OX, don't take that personal, it's just a joke between Bill and me, along with a few others who remember the offending thread.

Now, how did I know you were going to say that? Let's not bring up more things for him to get mad about. Otherwise, he might think we are flaming.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

ledor,

If you are just standing there, you are playing some sad dubs or have some very poor opponents!

Ahhh, you beat me to it. The word "sad" indeed is the correct word.

 

[In D Zone]

I am with Bill - doubles does not demishes you skill in singles. In fact I have noticed a big improvement on my singles game (all court player) this is after playing a number of doubles.

Here are some of the improvement I noticed:
- Serve to gain the advance. Learned to serve with a purpose allowing the net person to end the point sooner with an overhead smash.
- better return of serve (attacking the serve and directing to the baseline player to avoid getting poached)
- improvement on footwork when coming into the net
- I stayed more calm when both opponents are hitting the ball right back at me. Helped improved my passing shots and lobs.
- Improvement on my volleying, drop shots and overhead skills. My serve & volley skills have dramtically improved.
- Better court positioning and footwork in covering the net , poaching and covering dtl shots.


If you are playing with a weaker partner: No problem
- Motivate your weak partner to play with confidence. Hey - if you are at the net , any ball coming in is fair game. Volley your hearts out.
- if the weaker partner is at the baseline, perfect time for me to start poaching. Love the fast exchanges - it keep me on my toes.

I played 6 sets of doubles on monday and then 1.5 set singles yesterday. I killed my opponent 6-2 ; 4-3 (run out of time). I am a 4.0 all court player.

 

[In D Zone]

One other thing I enjoy playing doubles is playing against 2 lefties!!!!

- it's a good practice playing against opponent who can serve wide out to your backhand. Yes - I sucked before but I kept playing with these guys. Now - I owned them.

I did find doubles initmidating and boring before - but if you focused on what you can learn from playing doubles you'll find that there are plenty of things learning to gain rather than loose.

It's all about your attitude!

 

[Eastern Technifibre]

doubles is boring at first but once you start playing it gets fun and improves your singles game

 

[just out]

I like doubles. In fact as a former singles specialist, I used to feel the same way about doubles until I learned how to play it and now I appreciate it. I still get frustrated with it sometimes, but 99% of the time it is because I'm playing with a weak partner. I don't like when opponents target my partner on every shot or when my partner double faults frequently or can't return easy serves. Other than that I have a fun time. I can't stand playing too much of singles or doubles and often need to change it up. In my ideal world, for every 3 matches I play, 2 of them will be singles and 1 will be doubles.

2 to 1 ratio is good for me too. I think OX makes some good points though, I don't think doubles really hurts my singles game if I'm playing singles and doubles but there is no way I can go from playing almost all doubles for a period of time to singles and not suffer with my singles game, doubles is not a good substitute for singles (or even hitting/practicing). Many of the league guys here are good doubles players but would play singles a full level lower -- and many are one hit (one stroke (big forehand) or one volley) wonders.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I hear you, Ox.

I don't really like doubles at this point which I'm learning strokes and consistency. However, since it's the only type of tennis I have access to, I learn to enjoy it and try my best to stick to my goal -- learning strokes and consistency.

-- It's a real challenge to develop a rhythm for your own. To help this, I stay strictly at baseline. So, our wins rely only on winner, hard strokes, no net points.

-- The biggest challenge's got to be picking the "right" partner. One that does not pressure you into trying to win at all cost. Damn, that'd just ruin the level of tennis WE (most folks here) play. So, I just learn to be assertive and set expectation.

Doubles is not a substitute for singles and singles is not a substitute for doubles.

Playing doubles for singles players can ehance your game. However, if a person is bored and "not getting it" or is constantly in the wrong place and is playing the game by themselves or thinks they are playing by themselves, they are falling short on what doubles is and in a real sense does not understand what they are doing out there which adds to the dilemma.

 

[SlapShot]

I really disliked that my HS coach had me playing doubles when I felt that I was a stronger singles player during part of my senior year, but now I play a lot of dubs, and feel that I'm getting better as an all around player because of it.

I'm not your typical doubles player - I've got long strokes, like to bang away at the baseline, and am not a tremedously great volleyer yet, but doubles is really helping to change that. I'm never "bored" during doubles - it's much more of a challenge for me to play solid doubles than it is to play solid singles.

 

[user92626]

Doubles is not a substitute for singles and singles is not a substitute for doubles.

Playing doubles for singles players can ehance your game. However, if a person is bored and "not getting it" or is constantly in the wrong place and is playing the game by themselves or thinks they are playing by themselves, they are falling short on what doubles is and in a real sense does not understand what they are doing out there which adds to the dilemma.

Bill, you're talking about playing doubles and singles the proper way, which there's nothing for me to disagree, but Ox and I are facing with the problem with having only doubles, and I was saying to him to make the best of it. I still could learn the stroke mechanics in doubles, some footwork, partial rhythm, (and awhole lot of human interaction )

I do get the differences between doubles and singles.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Bill, you're talking about playing doubles and singles the proper way, which there's nothing for me to disagree, but Ox and I are facing with the problem with having only doubles, and I was saying to him to make the best of it. I still could learn the stroke mechanics in doubles, some footwork, partial rhythm, (and awhole lot of human interaction )

I do get the differences between doubles and singles.

Perhaps, but I think you are thinking I am comparing doubles to singles, I am not.

I addressed Oxford's reasons of why he "hates" doubles. They were reasons that clearly showed me he approaches doubles with a singles mentality which indicates his lack of understanding and knowledge of the game of doubles.

Playing doubles the "proper" way to me means you play doubles with the mindset to play it correctly just as you would try to play singles correctly. Your ability to execute is a different story.

The problem with Oxford is he is playing doubles as he would singles, which does not mix well. Doubles is doubles, and you need to learn the game and play it correctly before saying you dont like it. Unfortunately, his analysis of the game of doubles is not correct.

Doubles is not necessarily about stroke mechanics. It is about positioning, movement, defending, and playing offensively. It is about running plays, anticipation, being mentally alert, and developing a knack at being in the right place at the right time. It is about knowing how to move and when to move. It is about setting up your partner and your partner setting you up. It is about having court awareness on what your opponents are doing and moving to a good position to either defend or take the initiative. It is about keeping the ball between you and your partner and not getting mixed up and losing your court position. It is about a lot more then just stroke mechanics.

 

[The Home Run Kid]

I like the strategy in doubles a lot, I'm just not a big fan of the fact that my game depends on another person. I dunno, maybe that's horrible and close-minded of me, but that's just the way I feel sometimes, especially if I play well and my partner doesn't.

 

[Tennisman912]

One hit wonders are not really playing doubles, they are just faking it, as bashing the ball is not what doubles is about. Some people do play doubles because they think they can hide certain weaknesses or are just too lazy to play singles. If they were playing serious doubles, they would learn that against good doubles players those weaknesses will be exploited to the max.

Doubles and singles are different, but complementary games. Most are better at one than the other but playing both and understanding both is definitely good for your game. I personally prefer doubles by a wide margin but do play both. Doubles does take more time and effort on your part to understand but once you do, you will really appreciate what it can teach you.

Some will always prefer singles and that is certainly their choice, but the variety you see in quality doubles is what makes it funner (to me), especially at the higher levels. True, it generally takes less wind or endurance to play but as you get better you will have some pretty exhausting points. You generally need more control to be a better doubles player since your targets are generally smaller than in singles. And that will certainly help your singles game.

Yes, a good partner makes life easier but if you are a strong doubles player you can make up for a lot. Most in my experience who dislike doubles usually have not given it a chance to try to understand it or just play like they are playing singles with 4 on the court as others have suggested (although not all). The truth is the more you play it, the more you appreciate it. Those who dismiss doubles prematurely are doing themselves and their game a disservice in my humble opinion. If you are cost conscious, it is also obviously cheaper as well, as may be a concern for some, especially those in the north who have to play indoors half the year.

I just love to play and will play whatever I can find. Although once you become solid in doubles, you will get many calls to play to fill in. Good luck and tennis to all.

TM

Good tennis to all.

 

[BreakPoint]

I have been working hard developing my singles game and when I play doubles i feel it messes up what I have been working on so tonight (doubles night) i did not go.

In doubles:
- I cannot get in a rhythm or flow
- most of the time the base line players hit to each other with an occasional lob if i'm at the net
- never get much of a workout
- can't use all the court like in singles
- all new strategy (that I don't have - hey, I'm still working out my singles strategy)
- too much chatter
- i play too safe and high percentage so not to **** off my parter (which I have if I start going for alot of winners) OK... I start pushing some
- my open flowing singles games suffers and I pick up bad habits from my doubles playing.
- points are over too soon
- feel like I am on a team sport...I don't like team sports

Anyone else feel like I do about playing doubles?

OX
give me the singles life

Very simple....start working on your doubles game. Doubles is a very different game from singles. To be a complete tennis player, you should be proficient in both. Federer, Nadal, Davydenko, Sampras, and even most of the clay court baseline players are very good doubles players. Don't forget that Gonzales and Massu won the gold medal in doubles at the last Olympics, and those two guys never come to the net in singles except to shake hands.

 

[BreakPoint]

OK I'll buy that...but my point is that it has a negative affect on my developing singles game

How can it? Don't you want more variety in your singles game?

Doubles is a lot harder to play well than singles because there is so much more strategy in doubles. In singles, you can just block back your returns. If you do that in doubles, your partner will end up eating a fuzz sandwich. In singles, you can just hit or lob the ball back and forth over the net until someone misses. You can't get away with that in doubles. You actually have to hit every ball with much more accuracy and purpose and to be able to set up the points for yourself and for your partner much better.

 

[PimpMyGame]

How can it? Don't you want more variety in your singles game?

Doubles is a lot harder to play well than singles because there is so much more strategy in doubles. In singles, you can just block back your returns. If you do that in doubles, your partner will end up eating a fuzz sandwich. In singles, you can just hit or lob the ball back and forth over the net until someone misses. You can't get away with that in doubles. You actually have to hit every ball with much more accuracy and purpose and to be able to set up the points for yourself and for your partner much better.

It's true ref accuracy. Since playing doubles I have been able to hit more accurately. Unfortunately my movement isn't as good when I play singles.

 

[kv123]

Doubles is a different game. Some people are good at doubles and suck terribly at singles while the latter is true. But for most people play what you have most fun with. For me i have fun playing both doubles and singles. you say you don't get much of a workout but that depends on who your playing with and against. Theres always poaching thinking strategy watching reactions.