Switching b/w Singles and Doubles Returns

[Roforot]

I've started playing more singles to get ready for a tournament but when I played a fun match of doubles recently I was disappointed in my returns (kept putting it over the middle). For those who routinely play both singles/doubles how do you go about calibrating your returns? I even went to chipping/charging and couldn't get that angle back.

Of course I don't want to start hitting returns wide when I play singles again later this week!

 

[spaceman_spiff]

Aim at the server's feet. In doubles, the angle to the server should be far enough from the net man as long as you hit a decent return. In singles, the server's feet are close enough to the center to give you some margin for error if your timing is off.

 

[mightyrick]

In doubles, you need to use the space provided by the alleys. So when you give your crosscourt return, it really needs to be in the alley if you can manage it. If the net man is cheating over to the middle too much, then on a down-the-line return you need to put it in the alley.

Too many times, I see guys who only play singles refuse to use the alleys. And they get absolutely crushed in doubles. I mean you're giving up NINE FEET of extra space that your opponent doesn't need to cover if you don't use the alleys.

It just takes practice. You have to get used to it. How do you calibrate? You just consciously look at the target spot in the alley and aim for it.

If you have problems aiming in singles, playing doubles will cure your aiming problems. Doubles forces you to be precise. Once I started playing doubles, my singles game jumped by leaps and bounds.