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Joe's secrets: Job descriptions for doubles players

A quick refresher to remind you of the key things you need to focus on when playing doubles.

 

Server:

  • call out the score
  • plan the speed and spin; serve & volley or stay back
  • get 75% 1st serves in play
  • serve to the middle in the deuce court, at the returner's body in the ad court, or to the weaker side of the returner
  • 1st volley should go down the middle
  • server is responsible for 1st volley 95% of the time

 Server's partner (SP):

  • call server's placement if signals are being used
  • shift with the serve placement
  • know your targets if the ball is played to your area
  • adjust to back if ball goes by you and key on opponents
  • play net aggressively, poach on all floating returns
  • should cross or fake on all serves

 Returner's partner (RP):

  • help to make call
  • key in on SP if SP makes a play; RP is responsible for the middle of the court
  • if return gets by SP, move in 3 quick steps to apply pressure, shifting with the angle of the return
  • if ball is returned low to server's feet, stay inside and ready to cut off server's 1st volley
  • play back to change up and give a different formation to serving team

 Returner:

  • position in centre of possible serve angle
  • use outside stroke on any ball at the body
  • ball in play: never wide or in net
  • always attack weak serves
  • try to keep ball low to allow RP to poach and threaten
  • both play back until you get opportunity to attack off a good shot
Posted on 17/08/2009 by Joe Anan