After writing the last article on doubles partnerships I thought I should expand a little bit regarding doubles strategy. For this part I am going to focus on some basic tactics when serving.

Before I begin we need to make clear that doubles is a very different game to singles, we often see solid doubles teams defeat players they wouldn’t have a prayer against in singles. The doubles court is 36 feet in width; that is 9 feet wider than a singles court and since each player covers only half the court they end up covering a third less than they would in singles – this makes a huge difference and changes the strategic character of the game.

Once we realise this we can begin to see that the team at the net has the advantage – if you played singles on a half court the incentive to come to the net would dramatically increase because no matter how poorly you volleyed your opponent would find it far more difficult to pass – this is exactly what happens in doubles and it governs every strategic principle beginning with the serve.

The server should be looking to follow his serve to the net as much as possible; this establishes his team in the dominant position and increases the probability of winning the point. The server’s partner should be aware of his positioning.

A good place to start is approximately halfway between service line and net and halfway between side and centre line. This position will need to be adjusted depending on what the returner’s tendancies are. If the returner rarely hits down the line, edge closer to the centre thus reducing the target area and look to poach. Likewise if the returner rarely lobs don’t be afraid to edge close to the net, analyse your opponent’s game and adjust accordingly.

It is vitally important for the server to hit a high percentage of first serves in, a good target to aim for would be 80%. Should you find yourself or your partner missing the first serve consistently don’t panic - slow the first serve down, the advantage is still with you because the serve offers the first opportunity to reach the net.

If your team is returning and you notice the opponents are struggling with their first serve percentage then look to stand in on the second serve, hit returns that force volley errors or indimidate the server into staying on the baseline and look to move forward towards the net.

As far as service positioning is concerned I would endorse mixing the serve up but concentrating the majority towards the middle of the court because from this position the angle on the return is reduced making it difficult for the returner to pass the net player and also because it increases the chances of a successful poach for the server’s partner.

The poach is a key tactic in successful doubles, it takes pressure off the server and intimidates opponents undermining confidence. A returner who is faced with a net player who is constantly moving and looking to poach is much more likely to miss returns, especially on crucial points.

Timing and movement are the two critical keys to great poaching – the decision to poach should be made in conjunction with your partner before they serve but movement should be delayed until the last moment. Look to move after the ball has bounced on your opponent’s side and just before they strike the ball, it is important that the receiver doesn’t see you move and is unable to react.

Of course timing should be adjusted dependant on the opponent’s ability to respond and results. For the poaching movement it is crucial to make sure your path is across the net in a diagonal fashion and moving forwards. I especially emphasise moving forwards, it is important to close in tight to the net, be committed and volley with volition.

I am asked often by club player how often they should be looking to poach. I tell them to think about attempting a poach at least once per service game. The net player must remain a constant threat by being alert, looking to pick off high balls or slow moving returns that stray close to the middle of the court.If they are content to stand still and cover the line the server is forced to cover too much court and opponent’s realise there is no threat of a poach thus returning is improved.

Big points are often a good time to go for a poach, think like your opponent’s – when will they least expect it? Another tip that I’m regularly asked for is how to deal with a team that plays with both back at the baseline for return games – I always suggest in this instance to hit deep down the middle of the court especially on the first volley and look to create an opening, this cuts down their angles and opens the court for you. Just watch for lobs!

Be aggressive and decisive at the net this is hugely important, it breeds confidence. Add these things to your doubles game and I can promise you’ll increase your win percentage. Until next time!