A Winning Doubles Team
Playing doubles in tennis can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, as you cooperate with a partner to outwit your opponents. But it also takes skill and strategy to be a successful doubles team. Here we look at what makes a good tennis doubles player, and the essential elements needed to create a winning doubles team.
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Knowing the Basics
As with all racquet sports, understanding the basics of the game is the foundation upon which to build a successful doubles team. You need to know the rules and regulations, the court layout and boundaries, and the responsibilities of each player.
Knowing the fundamentals of tennis will help you make the most of your time on the court. You should have a good understanding of the scoring system and the basic strokes, such as the serve, the forehand and the backhand. And, of course, you should be familiar with the variety of shots that are available to you, such as the lob, the drop shot and the volley.
Communication
Good communication between partners is essential for a successful doubles team. You and your partner need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both on and off the court. Discussing tactics, strategies and plans of attack is essential to beating your opponents.
It’s also important to be able to communicate during the match itself. A quick call of “yours”, “mine” or “ours” can be the difference between winning and losing a point. You should also be able to communicate what shots you are planning to play, and where you want your partner to be positioned.
Positioning
Positioning is key in doubles tennis. You need to be aware of where your partner is at all times and where your opponents are. You should be able to adjust your position on the court in response to your opponents’ shots, and to support your partner when needed.
You should also be aware of the court’s ‘power positions’, such as the centre of the court, the backhand corner and the forehand corner. Knowing the court’s power positions can help you to anticipate where your opponents are likely to return the ball, and to plan your shots accordingly.
Shot Selection
Choosing the right shot at the right time is an important skill for a doubles player. You need to be able to identify which shots will give you the best chance of winning the point.
For example, if your opponents are positioned close to the net, you may want to play a lob or drop shot. But if they are positioned further back, you may want to play a deep groundstroke or a topspin shot.
It’s also important to know when to play a ‘safe’ shot and when to take a risk. Sometimes a risky shot can pay off if you can anticipate where your opponents are likely to return the ball.
Net Play
Net play is an important part of doubles tennis. Knowing when to come to the net, when to stay back, and when to move forward or back is vital.
You need to have good footwork to be able to move quickly and efficiently around the court. And you should have a good understanding of the different types of net shots, such as the overhead, the smash and the volley.
Serve and Return
The serve and return are the most important shots in doubles. You need to be able to serve accurately and powerfully, and to return a wide variety of serves.
Your serve should be placed strategically in order to put your opponents under pressure. You should also be able to read your opponents’ serves and anticipate where they are likely to return the ball.
Volleying
Volleying is a key skill in doubles tennis. You need to be able to read the direction of your opponents’ shots and anticipate where they are likely to return the ball.
You should also be able to adjust your grip and body position in order to play a variety of volleys. Being able to use different types of volleys, such as the backhand volley, the forehand volley and the overhead volley, will help you to control the point.
Mental Toughness
Mental toughness is essential in doubles tennis. You need to be able to stay focused and composed under pressure. You should be able to remain positive and confident, even when things aren’t going your way.
And you should be able to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity. Being able to stay calm and focused, even when you’re making mistakes, will help you to stay in the match and come out on top.
Teamwork
Teamwork is the most important element of a successful doubles team. You and your partner need to be able to work together, communicate effectively and trust each other.
You should be able to play to each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and be aware of each other’s positions on the court. Working together and supporting each other will help you to outwit your opponents and come out on top.
Conclusion
Being a successful doubles team takes skill, strategy and teamwork. Knowing the basics, communicating effectively and positioning correctly are essential elements of a winning doubles team. You also need to be able to choose the right shots and net play, serve and return, and volley well. And, of course, mental toughness and teamwork are essential for success. With these elements in place, you and your partner can create a winning doubles team.