 What side should you play? Returning serve in Doubles is more demanding than it is in Singles. You only have half the court to hit to, and maybe less if the servers partner volleys and poaches effectively. Before the match starts, talk with your partner about which side of the court each of you should return from (deuce or ad). Your decision should be based on each players strengths and weaknesses. Play the deuce side IF you can hit an “inside out backhand” and, the ad side IF you can hit an “inside out forehand.” These shots are an ABSOLUTE NECESSITY to hit the ball crosscourt to the open side. |
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| 10 TIPS for DOUBLES Return of Serve By: Michael Kowalski – USNTA Certified Instructor and USRSA Certified Stringer. |
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| 1. Before EVERY point, communicate with your partner on which strategy and formation you will use. (Yes, every point… when serving and returning!)2. Most returns will be hit cross-court. However, when playing a team that poaches a lot, once in a while hit down the line … and lob down the line… your team won’t be predictable. (Even if you lose the point, you have delivered a message.) 3.The return is the set up shot… it’s the next shot you think about “going for.” Don’t try to hit an outright winner with your return.
4. Pick out a target to return to.(Yes, an actual “spot” you expect to hit! Non-specific ideas produce general results… that generally fail.) 5. Focus on the ball. Never play your opponent. Commit to your target and go for it… if you are worried about the net man moving, decide on a shot that takes them out of play BEFORE you need it… and hit that shot as you focus on the ball. 6. Don’t forget to hit some deep returns directly at the server. (You do normally return it soft, low and a short angle to get them to hit you back a high ball don’t you?) 7. An aggressive play is to return serve and immediately follow it to the net. Always a consideration on the second serve! This puts the pressure on the serve and volleyer to make a good first volley. Focus on keeping your returns low to force the server to volley up. This will set up your partner for an easy pick-off. 8. Strong servers come in knowing they only have to protect half of the court. But hitting off-speed shots that pull the rushing server wide makes their groundstoke or volley very tough. 9. As a surprise tactic, use a lob on the return (especially if the server is serving and volleying). A lob is really tough for them to handle when it goes to their backhand corner. Your team may also be able to take over the net if the net player is forced to retreat. 10. Hit some returns right at the net player. Do this as a surprise tactic or if the net player seems uncomfortable at the net. I like to do this early in the match on the first second-serve I get… and I NEVER hit it into the net… it may go long, but I don’t care, if they can get out of the way… IF… so what? I’ve sent a message! |
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