success in doubles: Five more Tips (Part II) 

by: Mike Sprouse/TennisCT

If you missed Part I of "Doubles Tips", please click here.

Today, we'd like to pass along five additional things to focus on that will help your doubles game. As always, getting to know your partner's strengths and tendencies will make you a better and more successful team. But the following tips will pay dividends for you regardless of whether you have had the same partner for years or are being paired up with a new one this season.

• Mix up your return game

  • Too often, we see that amateurs get into too much of a routine or pattern by hitting every return of serve cross-court, or away from the net person. While this should be the play usually, mix it up especially when you are returning against a softer second serve. Hit at the net person, throw up a lob over the net person, mix up the pace of your returns. Anything you do to create uncertainty for the serving team will pay off.

• When your partner is serving, mix up where you stand at net

  • There is something that's known as the "I" formation, which means the net player stands in a straight line in front of the server (essentially taking away the standard cross-court return of the opponent). This is a great way to distract the returner or at least get he/she thinking more about where to hit the return. It is especially useful against a returner who is in a groove on his/her returns.

• Pay attention to where you hit your first volley

  • If serving and volleying, pay attention to where you are hitting your first volley. The standard play is to hit your first volley back cross-court to the returner who is usually still at the baseline after his/her return. However, sometimes it is good to make an aggressive first volley at the opponent standing at the opposite service line directly in front of you. This is especially useful if the return is weak and you have the chance to make an offensive volley.

• Touch shots are as effective as powerful ones

  • Drop shots, drop volleys and lobs are important in doubles and too often they aren't practiced enough. Each of these shots can be used either offensively or defensively. Our normal expectation in doubles is to brace for up-close, powerful shots hit at us that require fast reflexes; however, sliding underneath a lob or dropping one short at the opponents feet will be invaluable tools for you to use in your arsenal.

• Communicate 

  • Last and most important: communicate with your partner! This includes: verbal communication in between points, verbal communication during points ("mine", "yours", "switch"), nonverbal communication between points (signals) and nonverbal communication during points (seeing where your partner is positioned, where your opponents are positioned and then adjusting your position as a result). Communication takes time to hone with your partner. The very best doubles teams in the history of the sport weren't necessarily the best individual players, but they were the best team.