From: Steve Tourdo [tourdo@saber.net]
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2001 12:34 AM
To: jmargolies@tennisone.com
Subject: Unlimited Doubles

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR PARTNER WONT COME TO THE NET.

Doubles brings a component to the game that can often be very
challenging. In fact, your partnerís approach may be so different from
yours that you swear theyíre really on the opponentís team. In this
monthís lesson we will address what you can do when your doubles partner
wonít come to the net.

Itís common that two players who seldom play together have different
ideas on how to emerge victorious. Letís clarify the two basic means to
emerge victorious. (1)  beat your opponents with superior shot making,
(2) your opponents lose to you by making unforced errors. Both are valid
routes to victory and should be available to a fully functioning doubles
team.

When your partner doesnít come to the net you should recognize that they
plan to be steady and wait for an error. This strategy is reflected by
their baseline court position. Your partner plans to stay back where
they have time to pick up on the opponentís shots and   block them back
or lob them. Recognize your partnerís baseline strategy and, when
successful, you will emerge victorious despite your need to attack.

If your baseline partner is successful and the opponents are indeed
losing, perhaps you should put your aggressiveness ideas on hold and
join your partner at the baseline. Boredom aside, your newfound position
may provide a good opportunity to practice consistency and besides, itís
working!

On the other hand, when your opponents stay steady and recognize that
your partner isnít  trying to beat them, joining your partner at the
baseline would result in loss. Once youíve tried your partnerís baseline
technique and met with failure, itís only fair they try your more
aggressive ideas. Discuss this fact and attempt to get your partner to
change tactics and move to the net. If your partner still wonít come
into the net, or agrees to but remains on the baseline, you must
single-handedly represent your team in the more aggressive net position.

To do this, pay attention for opportunities to move aggressively at the
net. Your court position will play a major role in your success. Take a
stance thatís near the service line to help ward off your baseline
opponentís lob urges. Pick and choose your opportunities to move out and
poach the ball. INSERT Pick off MOVIE- Caption: Be patient and selective
of your opportunities to poach. If your partner is steady, there is no
rush. Wait patiently until the opponent is in some trouble.

When you see your opponentís eyes come off you to make their final focus
on the ball they intend for your partner, move out between the hitting
opponent and your partner to intercept the ball. INSERT head down MOVIE-
Caption- Itís safe to move when the opponentís eyes are off you.  Move
diagonally if theyíre hitting hard and laterally across the service line
if theyíre blooping the ball. Take this valuable opportunity to end the
point by volleying into an opening near the net playing opponent.

To summarize: work with your partnerís style. If itís not working and
they wonít change, head for victory on your own by carefully planned
poaches.

Enjoy your challenges and good luck until next time.