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If tennis is 50% mental and 50% physical, then doubles is more like 75% mental and 25% physical. You're not only trying to figure how to best play your game, you're also trying to figure out how to work with your partner. So, in this episode of Tennis Quick Tips, I'm giving you a quick mental checklist for tennis doubles. These are the things you need to be sure and think about every time you step on court for a doubles match. You can listen to this episode by clicking on the media player above or by listening in with your favorite podcast app. You can also subscribe in iTunes by clicking on this link: tennisfixation.com/itunes.
SHOW NOTES:
I think the big difference between singles and doubles is how much more you have to think when you're playing doubles. It's not enough to have great shots or to physically dominate your opponent. In doubles, you have a partner that's also playing and your superior tennis skills may just result in most of the balls going to your partner. And that's really not going to help you win your match.
So you need to be mentally prepared for the doubles game in tennis. And that's why I have a specific mental checklist I go through before my matches. A checklist that reminds me about what I need to be thinking when I'm out there on the court with my partner. Here's my doubles checklist:
1. Do not worry about disappointing your partner. Having a negative attitude helps no one. If your partner has actually shown up for the match, then he or she is willing to play tennis with you, right?
2. Don't blame, scold or coach your partner. This kind of behavior is a recipe for disaster. Your partner is your partner, not your child or your student. Even when you're playing with a weak partner, it doesn't help to make your partner feel bad. So work with your partner on coming up with a game plan that utilizes whatever strengths your team has. Compliment and encourage your partner to get the best out of your relationship.
3. Communicate with your partner. Make sure your partner knows what you're thinking and trying to do on court so he or she isn't surprised.
4. Poach. A lot. Stop waiting for the ball to come to you. Your partner needs you to be active even if you don't get to the ball. If you're active at the net, your opponents will be distracted and are much more likely to make an error.
5. Don't worry about getting passed. If you are poaching and your opponents are able to pass you with a down-the-line shot, don't get discouraged or give up on your poaching. You're pressuring them if they're going for that shot. And until they prove that they can make it over and over again, you should be happy that they're trying it. So keep up with your poaching efforts.
6. Think placement more than power on your shots. Aim low (at their feet) or high (lob behind them). Go for the angles or down the middle. It's very important in doubles to do something more with the ball than just giving it right back. What you want to avoid is the shoulder high ball that goes right to your opponent who easily puts it away.
7. Serve smart. Serving smart in doubles means several things. Get your first serve in. You don't want to give your opponents too many weak second serves that allow them to easily move into the net. And place your serve up the middle a lot. This will help set your partner up to poach. Serve deep to keep your partner from being creamed at the net. Finally, mix up your targets and avoid being predictable. Throwing in a wide serve or even a short serve can often surprise your opponents and draw an error.
RESOURCES AND LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Here are a few Tennis Quick Tips episodes that can help with your doubles game:
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MY FIRST TENNIS MINI-COURSE:
If you're really interested in building your endurance and fitness for tennis, I know you'll like my very first tennis mini-course, Simple Endurance Training for Tennis. For more information, just visit:
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