I just can't play well in doubles

[sundaypunch]

These guys are very good obviously, but this is a perfect example of how boring doubles is. The whole time is spent picking up balls to get ready for the next serve.

A real workout going on out there stand hit return and if you get the return in it is put away unless it is hit in a certain spot. If it is returned correctly then there will be a few shots and ball smashed away, how exciting this is.

No wonder I see some high level players at my club that are old and out of shape but yet still play 5.0 doubles. The same guys that would get blown off the court in singles from 4.5 singles players.

As I said in an earlier post, I am a life long singles player that is just starting to take doubles more seriously. I hear what you are saying and used to feel the same way. I still enjoy singles much more than doubles.

That being said, it is a bit embarrassing to be the weak link in a game of average doubles players. At some point it is about becoming a more complete tennis player. I don't want to be that guy that is a respectable singles player but a hack at doubles. Others may not care about this.

I will say, playing doubles has greatly improved my net game in singles (which was pretty much nonexistent).

 

[coaching32yrs]

A pair of good 60 yr olds signed up for a USTA seniors doubles event. The tournament director called the night before saying there were not enough signups- would they like to go into the Open division. Reluctantly they agreed. They drew the #1 doubles team in the Section- a D1 college kid and teaching pro. #1 team won the first set easily. The old guys came back in the 2nd set driving the college kid crazy with a diet of lobs and short slices. The oldies owned the net, and they hardly missed a volley or overhead. The third set was close but the #1 team won- the teaching pro was just too strong. I was one of the old guys and it was so much fun. My partner and I can out volley, out lob, and out poach most of you young whippersnappers out there!

 

[GuyClinch]

Doubles is more skill then athleticism so its ideal for older players. Tennis is already on the 'skill' side of the spectrum for a sport. Doubles is drifting into golf and billiards territory..

I like both. The advantage of singles I think is that its much better for drilling your groundstrokes and you can play much more aggressively because no one is depending on you. Plus its a much better workout. I think singles helps maintain your athleticism - whereas doubles does alot less for it..

But doubles is fun too. As a casual player I like mixed doubles. There are not many sports you can play with women that are still competitive and fun.

 

[mightyrick]

Doubles is more skill then athleticism so its ideal for older players. Tennis is already on the 'skill' side of the spectrum for a sport. Doubles is drifting into golf and billiards territory..

Funny analogy.

I think I'd liken singles tennis to standard golf.

I'd liken doubles tennis to a 4-man scramble in golf.