Serve and volley rate in doubles
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SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
Low-level rec is usually 1-Up/1-Back. Pros and high-level rec is often a race to the net. 1 player Up against 2 opponents at the net is a losing proposition more often than not. There is a fair amount of Serve & Volley at higher levels. The "rate" may vary. Or back players will move in ASAP -- when they get a short or medium ball.
That said, many low-level rec players position themselves too tight to the net. I'd suggest 3m (10 feet). If both partners at the net, you might even play off the net a tad more. Or employ a slight stagger.
For aggressive or higher level play, you might play the net closer than this. But if your mobility moving backwards to reach lobs is poor then don't play that aggressive position (unless your opponents can't lob very well). Could be a good reason for playing 1U/1B.
YMMV
That said, many low-level rec players position themselves too tight to the net. I'd suggest 3m (10 feet). If both partners at the net, you might even play off the net a tad more. Or employ a slight stagger.
For aggressive or higher level play, you might play the net closer than this. But if your mobility moving backwards to reach lobs is poor then don't play that aggressive position (unless your opponents can't lob very well). Could be a good reason for playing 1U/1B.
YMMV
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Watching the doubles finals yesterday Brad Gilbert explained the pros are moving away from serve and volley to neutralize the amazing ability of pros to return every serve low and crosscourt. If a pro stays back they can crank that return shot with a forehand. Winning rec players 4.5 and lower should serve and volley 100% of the time unless they are horrible at the net but if they are they won't win at doubles anyway. Actual number of serve and volley in rec tennis that I have seen is around 50% 3.5 and rising as ratings go up. But, like I said, to win, you should serve and volley 100% of the time and if that isn't the best strategy based on a tennis player's limitations, they won't beat a serve and volley team in doubles most of the time.
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
Yes, there is more variety in the modern pro doubles matches than there was some years back. Some S+V, but often not. Sometimes points finish with both up, sometimes only 1 up. Pretty much agree with your assessment of rec tennis as well
S&V-not_dead_yet
Talk Tennis Guru
Most pros S&V near 100% of the time on 1st serve; it varies more on the 2nd serve.
Rec: at 4.5, I'd say it's about 2/3 of the time on 1st serve. Some teams are just more comfortable staying back and that doesn't necessarily mean they are going to be easier to beat.
ballmachineguy
Hall of Fame
What is doubles?
S&V-not_dead_yet
Talk Tennis Guru
It's where 4 people play singles but they only use one court and one ball with two people on a side.
You can't talk to the other person on your side, you can't coordinate strategy, you have to stay on your side, but you get to blame them when the point is lost.
