Topspin or slice BH return from ad side in doubles?

[EddieBrock]

As a right handed returner with a 2 handed backhand if the server stands way out and hits a serve out pretty wide to your backhand (or you're playing a left handed player with heavy slice) are you generally better off hitting through a topspin backhand return or knifing a low slice in doubles?

Normally my default return is the 2 hander, but against someone poaching at the net it seems like keeping the ball low with the slice might make more sense. I can get some good speed and action on the slice and my 2 handed backhand can float a bit more before coming down. I'm also thinking I can drop shot return towards the alley with a similar swing to the regular slice.

What are your thoughts?

 

[norcal]

If a guy's favorite serve is angled out to my 2HBH I will move in and cut off the angle and hit the 2 hander - My BH return is one of my best shots though, I have lots of confidence in it.

edit: I play the ad side in dubs for this reason.

 

[Traffic]

As a right handed returner with a 2 handed backhand if the server stands way out and hits a serve out pretty wide to your backhand (or you're playing a left handed player with heavy slice) are you generally better off hitting through a topspin backhand return or knifing a low slice in doubles?

Normally my default return is the 2 hander, but against someone poaching at the net it seems like keeping the ball low with the slice might make more sense. I can get some good speed and action on the slice and my 2 handed backhand can float a bit more before coming down. I'm also thinking I can drop shot return towards the alley with a similar swing to the regular slice.

What are your thoughts?

If I get pulled wide but have time to get behind the ball, I will hit a topspin with sharp angle. The ts will bring the ball down for incredible angles. Also, it's tough to volley a dipper crossing so hard and server has no time to get to ball. A slice will float too much allowing net man to intercept it.

Another tactic that is more desperation is a flat shot to the net guy/DTL. The ball will come very fast with little time to react. Just make sure it is an IN ground stroke vs just wailing on it as 1/2 the time, the net guy will let that go.

 

[Simon_the_furry]

As a right handed returner with a 2 handed backhand if the server stands way out and hits a serve out pretty wide to your backhand (or you're playing a left handed player with heavy slice) are you generally better off hitting through a topspin backhand return or knifing a low slice in doubles?

Normally my default return is the 2 hander, but against someone poaching at the net it seems like keeping the ball low with the slice might make more sense. I can get some good speed and action on the slice and my 2 handed backhand can float a bit more before coming down. I'm also thinking I can drop shot return towards the alley with a similar swing to the regular slice.

What are your thoughts?

One option you haven't considered is chipping the return over the net player's head. I would recommend that if you're not confident with your two-hander going wide.

 

[IowaGuy]

Topspin.

Even Wawrinka, who slices ~90 of 1st serve returns in singles, generally uses topspin in doubles.

 

[meltphace 6]

I'm also thinking I can drop shot return towards the alley with a similar swing to the regular slice.
What are your thoughts?

Thoughts? Let's make it singular. You want to justify your slice return. Absolutely ok, no? Against the Bryan Bros? Maybe not.

 

[Friedman Whip]

Use both plus others. If you hit the same shot every time they'll pick up on that and just start running to the right spot to hit it back.

 

[travlerajm]

This one is easy. Topspin. When I’m the net man and I see that the ad returner can only slice his backhand, I start licking my chops. For a slice return to be effective, it has to be hit hard. And if it is hit hard, then the only way to hit it crosscourt and still have it land in the court is for it to cross the net near the center strap - this makes it much easier to poach against because it only takes a step or two to cut it off.

 

[Morch Us]

Hit a forehand.

What are your thoughts?

You now know where the ball is coming (for a high percentage serve).

the server stands way out and hits a serve out pretty wide to your backhand

 

[EddieBrock]

One option you haven't considered is chipping the return over the net player's head. I would recommend that if you're not confident with your two-hander going wide.

That's a great suggestion. I'm confident with my 2 hander on a normal backhand, but one bouncing low away from me gives me trouble.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

my goto:
1. lob
2. sharp cc topspin
IMO folks only do this indoors, where a net is a factor, so then i'm forced to return closer to the service line to prevent it from reaching the net...
outside, i just reposition accordingly (even if it's in the next court), and it's not that big a deal... net person still has a long way to go to poach, but even if he does, it becomes a game of rock paper scissors.

similarly people have issues with my kicker, indoors with a net.... personally i think it's a cheeasy way to win a point, so i don't usually use it.

 

[PMChambers]

The goldern rule is do what you feel most comfortable and winning you points until your forced to change. IE: if you like the short slice do so until it's a losing shot. Topspin down the line until prove it's a losing shot. Do boring winnings until you have to change because they are no longer winners

 

[ptuanminh]

If you have all shots in your repertoire, mix it up and find the shots that the net-man doesn't like.
If you can only hit 1 or 2 shots, go for those .

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

My thought is to hit a winner.

 

[RyanRF]

It comes down to which shot you are most comfortable with and which shot you are least likely to accidentally float up the middle.

Personally, I always go topspin bh cc. Even if I miss the sharp angle, it still has good enough pace to not be free for the net guy. My bh slice sometimes works, but can float and get dunked.

Other guys I've played against have better control with their slices and use it well.

 

[ChaelAZ]

For me it depends. I hit a 1HBH so I think it gives me really good slice options and a lot of times I slice cross-court short and low, then follow it through to the middle of the court for a popped up shot. But I do love hitting hard and flat down the middle. That is sometimes just enough outside the netman's reach, and surprising enough for the baseliner that the netman missed.

 

[Dartagnan64]

If it's a left hander hitting a slice, my best experience is to line up out wide and go up the line with the 2HBH. Until the net guy gets wise and alley camps. Then I'll CC sharp angle. I can usually get around on a slice serve and get it directed DTL. If it's a kicker with a real high bounce i tend more to chip it high and CC over the net player and come in behind it. If it's a flat serve, I just try to block it CC. If it's righty slice and not right down the T, I'll look at taking an inside in FH DTL. Down the T, Block it back CC.

Interestingly I never slice from the ad court as I find it the outside in slice floats and takes too long to clear the net and the net man can poach more easily. Whereas when i'm returning deuce side I'll often slice return an inside out BH as I can get better direction and lower trajectory on that shot.

 

[WildVolley]

Whichever you hit better.

In my case, I prefer going with the 2hbh and hitting heavy topspin. If I have time, I might try to spin it at the server's feet if he's coming in.

If I have to lunge to get the ball, odds are I'm going with the 1hbh slice. I hit a great one in my last doubles match. I'd like to have the lunging 2hbh technique of a Djokovic or Chung, but that's going to take some work.