Tennis Doubles Strategy and Tactics

 Who takes the ball down the middle?

Doubles is without a doubt the sport of a lifetime!! Players have less court to cover and the focus is on the placement of shots and strategy instead of power and sprinting from side to side and up and back. Playing doubles teaches you patience, court strategy, placement of shots, and consequences of shot selection.

Let’s see one very common situation where all four players are up at the net. Who should cover a shot placed down the middle?

The last person to hit the ball should take a down the middle shot because he is more tuned in to that particular point? The player who is closest to the net should take the ball? The player with the strongest shot – usually the forehand – should play the middle?

Kind of confusing ??!!

Actually, there is one more simple solution: The player who is diagonally opposite the opponent hitting the ball should cover the middle. If your opponent in the deuce court tries to hit the ball between you and your partner, you will step forward the centre and take the shot, since you are diagonally opposite the player hitting the ball.

There are a few reasons to choose this tactical approach:

•  It will be easier reaching the ball, coming slightly crosscourt.

• It gives time for your partner to cover the alley, in case the opponent tries to hit down the line.

• In case the opponent hits a wide volley crosscourt, you simply have to step forward to cut in off.