Coaching Tip - August 2021

Return Options For Doubles

The game of Doubles is fast moving and requires smart thinking.
A good doubles team play as a team.

Serving is important but the return of serve can be the key to winning your Doubles matches.
It is important to get the return of Serve back into play but the options below will help to put pressure on the Servers.

Return Options – depending on where opponents are positioned

• Return crosscourt to your opponent’s feet if he/she is serving and Volleying
• Return Crosscourt and deep if your opponent stays back
• Lob over the Server’s partner at the net aiming for the Backhand side
This is a good mix up so that you keep them guessing
• Aim at the Net player particularly on the short second Serve and if the net player is a weak volleyer
• Attack down the Middle of the court so as to create some confusion about who of the 2 players is going to go for the shot at hand
• Return crosscourt with a soft shot and going for the short angle
This will help to create a gap down the middle of the court as well as making it difficult for the server to volley anywhere but up.

You will need to practice the tips above during your hitting and organised practice sessions so that these Return of Serve options can become a natural part of your game plan.

I hope that the above tips will help you improve your Return of Serve so that you can take your Doubles game to the next level.

Try not to confuse yourself by thinking too much.
Keep it Simple. Relax and let it happen

Let me know if you can think of any other options to help you achieve a more consistent and effective physical and mental game.

Tennis the game of a lifetime

Contact me by Email if you have any comments or helpful Tennis hints.
Let me know the things that work for you.

Coach Steve
Email steve.james@stevejamestennis.com
Website www.stevejamestennis.com