Do hit up the middle a lot.  There is a seam between the two players that may be unreachable for either of them and will often cause confusion as to who should take the shot.  It is also difficult to get enough angle on a hard hit ball up the middle to hit a winning shot against you.   When in doubt or confused SHUT DOWN YOUR THOUGHTS AND HIT HARD UP THE MIDDLE.  It is seldom a bad play and beats hitting a shot you aren’t sure of.

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Don’t hit in the alley unless there is a clear opening.  This is a sucker shot when forced rather than taken when available.  The net is higher and if you miss to the outside the point is lost.  If you miss to the inside the opponent will have an opportunity for a winner.  Usually the time to hit to the alley is when you are drawn wide and the net player doesn’t move to cover.

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Don’t double fault.  The lowest percentage shot faced continually by tennis players is the return of serve in doubles.   With the net player in the proper position the receiver has about half as big a target as they do in singles.  This means that you are giving away a point when the chances of success are very high.

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Do get comfortable at the net.  Doubles is won at the net not at the baseline.  There are more angles and winning positions from the net than at the baseline.  You will also force more errors from your opponents.

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Do serve to the T.  This allows the net player a better opportunity to pick off the return.  Especially when the T is to the backhand, but it is still a good play if you can stretch the forehand.

Do lob. See if they can hit it and back them off of the net.

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Do practice your overhead.  More than anything the overhead is a timing and practice shot and anyone can have a good one IF it is practiced regularly.  Hit some every time you go out!!

Don’t go backwards except when they hit an overhead.  Moving back not only reduces the angles of shots that you may cut off and limits your own angles, but usually leaves you with your weight back and on your heels unable to move laterally at all.

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Do talk to your partner.  Especially in regard to where you are going on the court or where they should go.

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Don’t give any negative signals or comments to your partner.  Always encourage as negative comments tend to snowball a players bad play into more bad play. 

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Don’t verbalize any negatives to yourself during a point that is in play, this often causes a subsequent error.  After the point you can give yourself about 5 seconds to be upset, then let it go completely.

Do develop a good solid second serve.  This is the most important shot, it can’t be just pushed in or inconsistent.  If it is pushed the opponents will likely take advantage of it and there will be more pressure on you.  If it is inconsistent you will lose too many points.

 

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