Transition --- Doubles

Kenny022593

Professional
So, me and my friend are decently strong singles players and we played doubles together today, we couldn't seem to do anything with our game in doubles and we were talking after. (we lost 4-6)to top of our loss it was to two older people maybe 38+ haha =P. well we were talking after and we were saying we didnt work together and it felt like we would always let the other person down or we were carrying them on our shoulders. we made aton of unforced errors and we knew we were playing terrible. How can we get into a mentality of trusting one another and being a better team focused on doubles and not playing like it is singles?
 

DaKinG

New User
Singles play and doubles play is very different.
You use different strategies and tactics.

Just keep practicing together and you'll get used to it
and eventually be able to know when you or your partner is going to get the ball, etc.
 

Storm_Kyori

Hall of Fame
I do agree with King here. I also have this problem. My game as I have been told better suits Singles, but Doubles is my fav past time. I have trouble finding a partner likes yours, someone who can hold his own. A partner whose game is somewhat rounded. Out here I have trouble finding a guy who I can depend on. I would like for this person to back me up when I hit a weak shot or just stay positive when they themselves hit a bad shot. I have played with guys who just bring themselves down and in doing so their game deteriorates and I end up getting their bad vibes. I think because you two are strong players individually try to establish who is more comfortable/ stronger on a certain side and go from there. Experiment with positions. If you partner has a good fh put him in a position that could work to your advantage and switch things up if they aren't working. I know better advice is out there, but these are my thoughts. Hope you guys get better.
 

SystemicAnomaly

Bionic Poster
As a doubles player, you must consider that every shot that you hit affects not only you, but also your partner. When considering shot selection, you should always keep this in mind. You can make your partner look good or bad, depending on your own choices.

For instance, if you are missing a lot of first serves, you may be making your partner a sitting duck at the net with an easy 2nd serve. Get a high % of 1st serves IN when playing doubs -- like 2 out 3 or. better yet, 3 out of 4. If your partner at the net is constantly getting passed up the alley, hit less serves out wide. Either serve right at the receiver or hit up the middle (the center service line) -- this latter option will make it easier for your partner to poach (and will not get passed on the alley so easily).

For more about doubles strategy and communicating with your partner:

http://www.OperationDoubles.com

.
 

tennisdad65

Hall of Fame
to top of our loss it was to two older people maybe 38+ haha =P.

No need to be embarrased :oops:. Older guys are better at doubles, because they tend to play doubles a lot. You just get better by experience, better volleying, strategies, and playing together a lot.
 

Steady Eddy

Legend
Some people do well in doubles because of their personality as much as their strokes. If their partner poaches, and blows it, they say, "That was the right idea." They're always positive, and they make their partner feel comfortable. Other guys are always scowling, it seems that they're angry with their partner. Because of this, the partner just gets worse.

One thing that makes doubles so different than singles, the drive shot that goes high over the net, with power, and lands deep in the opponents court, you almost never use that in doubles. If someone gets a high, hard shot while at the net, it's easy to put away. In doubles you keep the ball close to the net. It should be dropping after it crosses the net so that it's hard to volley. The points are short. There are few rallies. Don't think you'll always win against old guys in doubles. You don't need to be in that good a shape to win in recreational doubles.
 

Kenny022593

Professional
No need to be embarrased :oops:. Older guys are better at doubles, because they tend to play doubles a lot. You just get better by experience, better volleying, strategies, and playing together a lot.

sorry i didnt clarify this but it was a guy and a lady haha =P
 

user92626

G.O.A.T.
sorry i didnt clarify this but it was a guy and a lady haha =P

Tsk ..tsk..oh the shame!!


I'm just kidding. One thing strong singles players can do, which I often stretch to my partner, is keep it basic: keep hitting strong cross court by default, or to an open area when things get messy. While the net guy tries with all his life to poach the ball (forget about delicate volleys), don't rely on him. Keep thinking the ball will still come to you as a ground shot.
 

Kenny022593

Professional
Tsk ..tsk..oh the shame!!


I'm just kidding. One thing strong singles players can do, which I often stretch to my partner, is keep it basic: keep hitting strong cross court by default, or to an open area when things get messy. While the net guy tries with all his life to poach the ball (forget about delicate volleys), don't rely on him. Keep thinking the ball will still come to you as a ground shot.

so you are basically saying keep the intense mentallity of a singles match but switch it into a doubles strategy?
 
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