Alan Margot – Clever Tennis

Being Effective at Net When Playing Doubles

Good doubles teams have the ability to cover the court effectively. They always seem to be in the right place at the right time, balanced and expecting the next shot. Their positioning and movements are in sync with each other, and also with their opponents' movements.

In this video segment we're going to look at how you can cover your alley and also cut off the return. We'll look at the concept of mirroring your opponent's movement and we'll also show you how to neutralize those obnoxious lobbers and maintain an aggressive position at net.

Here are some guidelines to help you get better at recognizing and responding in the moment, and becoming sharper at what you do at the net. This will get you out of "dial-up" and into a "T3" line!

  • See and sense the situation… get your personal camera off yourself and focus it onto your opponent. Pay attention and respond immediately to your opponent’s positioning and movement.  Be the mirror!
  • Get quicker in moving toward the alley and getting centered, so you can get quicker in getting out of there and cutting off that middle ball!
  • Move toward the alley – not into the alley!
  • Trust the pattern and expect to hit the ball.  Remember, as your opponent starts that forward swing, she is watching the ball, not looking at you!  
  • Neutralizing the obnoxious lobbers: by starting a few steps back, close to the service line so your opponent notices your new position. Do it right away and make it obvious!
  • Practice your timing of when to move forward and split-step and cut off that return! If you move in too soon, they’ll see you! If you move in too slowly, you’ll miss the poach!

Now I know when it comes to poaching, you've heard good coaches say, "Get quicker, see it sooner, react faster to cut off that return!" ... and you're thinking ... "How do I do that?"

Here's how!

Alan Margot

Alan is the founder of www.clevertennis.com - a fun and enjoyable video based learning website that teaches doubles tactics and strategies to the 3.5 to 4.5 level.

Alan is currently the Director of Tennis at the Atherton Tennis Center, Holbrook-Palmer Park in Atherton, California. For 35 years he has taught and coached all levels and ages of players including sectional and nationally ranked juniors and touring professionals in the Bay Area. He has also served as a NorCal Regional Director of the United States Professional Tennis Association.

“At CleverTennis we are always thinking of new ways to connect with people to teach tennis, whether it’s through our Tennis Getaways or through our DVDs and videos. Learning is fun - at every level!”

For more information on CleverTennis Getaways see www.clevertennis.com.