Serving from Ad court in doubles, to backhand wide or down T?

[Pro Kenneth]

I tried to search for this but couldn't find a solid answer, in doubles how should I serve on the Advantage side of the court: wide to the returner's backhand (assume everyone on the court is a right-hander), so even if they hit down the line, it is to my partner's forehand, or down the T, where the angle of the return will be limited (i.e. cant pass down the line really, only the middle or cross court back to me, and I typically am the stronger partner of my team).

 

[J011yroger]

I tried to search for this but couldn't find a solid answer, in doubles how should I serve on the Advantage side of the court: wide to the returner's backhand (assume everyone on the court is a right-hander), so even if they hit down the line, it is to my partner's forehand, or down the T, where the angle of the return will be limited (i.e. cant pass down the line really, only the middle or cross court back to me, and I typically am the stronger partner of my team).

In theory you serve down the middle to eliminate the angle and involve your partner.

In reality your opponent has a crappy backhand, so serve there.

J

 

[rkelley]

Some things to consider are how good your opponent's bh is and which serve you hit better. If you can, kicking it high to the bh side can be a good play, especially with a 1hbh. Will your partner be aggressive at the net? If you have a strong serve down the T and your partner has a decent volley, one play is to serve down the T and have your partner poach every return. Make your opponents show that they have an answer for that play before you do something else.

The most important things, generally (IMO), are hit shots you can get in (no point in going down the T if you land it 25% of the time), make your opponent hit balls they don't want to hit, don't be predictable, in that order.