Drill to Win

Close the Net for Better Doubles

By Monty Basnyat

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Doubles is a very fast paced game. Points don’t tend to drag on as they sometimes does in singles. This is primarily due to the positioning of the players on the court. At the start of the point, there are usually two people positioned at the net (the servers partner and the receivers partner). In advanced play, often three if not all four are at the net once the serve is returned. With everyone closing the net, it’s usually bang, bang, bang and the point is over. It happens that quickly. Only rarely will you see an eight ball rally with say a couple of lobs along with a three-volley exchange and then an overhead smash for the point to end.

Close in and Volley

So with the action heated, a good doubles player must have quick hands to defend and react, volley low at his opponent’s feet, and close in for better angles. This drill, “Close in for some Good Doubles” teaches you just that. After your initial warm up, play a few rounds to 11, it’s a great way to start your weekly doubles match.

Close the net after the initial contact is made and look to take the advantage.

All four players begin just outside the service line. A player from Team 1 feeds the ball to a player from team 2. Team 1 cannot close in until a player from the opposite team has made contact. Once the first contact has been made, it’s a free for all and the object is to win the point. The best way to accomplish this is to close the net and angle away the volley. First team to reach 11 points wins. Teams can alternate feeds every other point. Play sudden death at 10 all.

Three Player Drill

The same drill can be played with three players. Play two against one and rotate after every game. The team with two players can only use the half of the court (including the ally) the single player is on.

Tips for Success

It’s more important to keep the ball low at your opponent’s feet then hitting it high and hard.
After making contact with your volley, quickly bring your racquet back to the ready position before your opponent makes contact.
Watch your opponent make contact and read the ball as it comes off the strings.
Close in towards the net, especially on low balls when your opponent is forced to volley up.
When your opponent forces you to volley from a low position, controll the play by hitting softly right back at your opponent's feet.
The more you close the net, the greater angles you can create.