By Piyush Salekar, St. Marlo Country Club
Typically, doubles players get tied up in match strategy, the quality of their strokes, volleys, communication, and positioning. To simplify all these elements, I look at doubles tennis as a mere exchange of time. Understanding how to control the flow of the match is key to gaining control of the match. This also can help in limiting the options and time granted to our opponents to make decisions during crucial points in a match.
In doubles, the dynamics of time are controlled by multiple factors such as speed of the serve, depth of shots, pace of shots, positioning of players, and the nature of rallies. Unlike the independent nature of singles, doubles introduces a team element that can complicate the timing of movements and decisions made within a team.
Every shot played involves negotiations of controlling time and the options given to your opponents. When you hit the ball, you are not only thinking about the placement of your shot but also the positioning of yourself and your opponent. What are the major placement options for your opponent when they get to the ball, and how can you and your partner cover the area where the ball is most likely to go?
Limiting time and options for your opponents
Here are some ways that can help you gain control over the time exchanged in a doubles match and how you can ensure limited options for your opponents.
Closing the net: Closing the net has always been one of the best strategies in doubles as long as you and your partner have good communication and positioning. Closing the net puts pressure on your opponents as they are required to react quicker with a limited view of the open court and placement options. Being well-positioned at the net also will open up more options, angles, and spaces for you and your partner to hit a winner.
Variety in shots: While closing the net or setting up your partner, there are going to be multiple options. It is ideal to keep the ball low, so keep practicing your slice. Keeping the ball low cuts down many options for your opponents and forces them to lift the ball up to clear the net, thus giving your team the opportunity to put the ball away.
Targeting weaknesses: Playing the majority of your balls to the weaker player or to the weaker side of your opponent will put them under pressure and force them into making more errors. Targeting their weakness also will ensure a dull return and give your team the advantage.
Positioning: Positioning plays a vital role in limiting your opponents’ options. To understand what the best position is during any point, you need to change your perspective. Think about your opponents’ positioning while they are about to return your ball. Think about the high-percentage placement options they have and position yourself to cover most of those. While doing that, it is completely okay to leave smaller open spots on the outer sides of the court. This way, you and your partner will limit your opponents’ options.
Conclusion
Doubles tennis is just as much about time management as it is about technique and skills. In most match situations, it is challenging to think about fixing our technique or sharpening your skills. Rather, simplifying and thinking about controlling the exchange of time during the match could be useful. Placing your shots in a way that takes time away from your opponents while limiting their options is the ideal way to ensure your success.
