“Playing [doubles] together is like dancing together,” says Helle Sparre, Head Teaching Pro at Scott Valley Swimming and Tennis Club, in Mill Valley, Calif. Helle is also the author of Dynamic Doubles: Play Wining Tennis Today!
In doubles, you and your partner will increase your odds for success if you have some set plays to employ that put you in a winning position.
If you’re a right-handed player receiving a right-handed opponent’s serve in the deuce court, Helle recommends lobbing your return over the opposing net player. The serving opponent will be forced to play a backhand – likely a defensive lob to counter your offensive one. Follow your shot to the service line (and avoid closing in too tight on the net), says Helle. You’ll be in a strong position to move in to finish – and win – the point.
