Regular Season Nov 21, 2009
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In doubles tennis, technique and communication play crucial roles in victory, but how much importance does positioning play? Is a doubles team strongest when both players are up, back or when one is up and one is back?
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Matt DeVault
Alexandria Tennis |
 | Without question positioning in doubles has the highest importance. The best communication and technique only works if the doubles team is in good position. I have seen many doubles matches won by teams considered a little weaker in terms of skills because they were always in the right place. In regards to vertical alignment, the best situation is to get both up at the net in a more aggressive position. At the high school level, most players struggle mentally and physically if they have to defend both up. |
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Stan Malless
Avon Tennis |
 | I think I speak for most coaches when I say that a doubles team is strongest when both players are up, especially when both players have strong volleys and are comfortable at the net. But many girls have trouble playing comfortably at the net. The girl's tennis game tends to be much more backcourt oriented as most girls are more consistent and are very strong lobbers. Because of this, I tend to be more tolerant of girls players that feel more comfortable playing one up and one back until I can help them be more confident at the net. I only encourage both players back in certain defensive situations. We do practice all three scenarios for match play. |
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Richard Fair
Perry Meridian Tennis |
 | As a rule, you should attack with both players at the net. That's what I believe in, and that's what I teach. However, there are factors to consider with each team and each set of opponents. If my team has weak volley and overhead skills but better ground strokes and lobbing skills, then playing from the baseline or midcourt can be better than playing at the net. As a coach, I have been both the implementer and recipient of that strategy, and it's painful to watch. Winning is slow and monotonous, and losing that way is agonizing. It is a last resort tactic. Doubles should be fast-paced and aggressive. But speaking as a coach, find what works best for your team, and go for it. |
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