Experienced
players are often willing to lose points to win points. Confusing, maybe but a good receiving team
exhibits this in doubles. Receiving teams are not expected to overcome the
serving teamıs advantage. Consequently, they must take chances if they are to
increase their odds of winning.
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The serving team's advantage is
created by the cycle of the point. The cycle is composed of an entrance shot,
a transition shot, and a net shot. Entrance shots are used to enter the
point - they are serves and returns. Transition shots are hit from the mid-court
and used to transition to the final phase of the point that happens at the net.
Net shots are hit from inside the service line and are used to end the point
(successfully we hope!).
The serving team's advantage lies in the fact that they hit
their entrance shot first and therefore will have first access to the net zone.
If the server is able to enter behind a solid serve, and make a nice crosscourt
transition shot, the chances of the receiving team winning the point from behind
in the cycle are not very favorable. So you can see that the serving team's transition shot is
critical to its success in the net zone.
If receiving teams are to break
serve, they must put pressure on the server to perform consistently during his
transition phase. When the receiving team challenges the server's transition
shot it will tend to deteriorate and with it the serving team's ability to stay
ahead in the cycle.
There are several ways to put additional pressure on
the transitioning server: First, you could try to rip the return of serve. This
however, will mean loss of accuracy and an increase in unforced errors.
Secondly, you could attempt to jump ahead of the server in the cycle by making
your return of serve a transition instead of an entrance shot. This will force
the server to attempt to get further into the net to stay ahead of you in his
quest for a net zone shot. Both approaches will work at times but are not
without risk.
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Although a good volleyer will pass you in your alley frequently, it will pay
off later when the match is on the line. |
The most important way to challenge the server's transition shot is to
send your net player in motion by poaching. When the receiving team
increases the pressure on the server by poaching it's far less risky to
the receiving team.
When the receiver has to pressure the server he does it from behind in
the cycle or by charging the cycle in an attempt to beat the server to the
net. When the poacher applies the pressure, he does it without even having
to hit the ball. When the poacher makes a move the server must decide if
the crosscourt is still an option or if the alley is the path of least
resistance.
To be effective, the
receiver's partner must challenge the server by poaching often when whenever the return is low at the
server's feet. The key here is to patrol the middle in order to challenge the server on almost every return.
Although some will work out better than others, this constant pressure will
force the server to keep paying attention and thinking about your alley. While
your initial thought may be not to poach on questionable returns, you need to.
Remember, you have nothing to lose. The trick is to get the server used to
knowing your plan is to make his life miserable.
Although I suspect you'll get
passed in your alley frequently by a good volleyer, losing a few points now will
pay off later on. Most players are far too reluctant to lose points. Don't be.
If your team is to break serve, pressure the server as much as possible.
Remember, you
only need one break.
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Poaching creates a guessing game for the server, taking him out of
his comfortable crosscourt transition game. |
Even if the server volleys well on the routine
points and poaching seems useless, keep the pressure on. This doesnıt mean to
poach EVERY point. Once you start poaching, you'll change the normal crosscourt
ratio of 80% to a lower number.
What if your poaching lowers the server's
numbers to 50/50? If 50% of the time the server is transitioning to your alley
then poach 50% of the time and stay home 50%. This is a guessing game for the
server, to play properly or risk losing his serve. And on the big points, he will feel
the pressure. That's when the server nets a volley or misses your alley by 4
inches.
You must pressure the server constantly throughout the match. By
pressuring the server you send the message that you are not afraid to lose
points. This allows the server to feel the pressure. No one likes to have to
face a poacher all the time especially when they're expected to win. Just be
willing to lose some points for the greater good.
The above article is an excerpt from Unlimited
Doubles! For more detailed explanation of this concept and to improve your doubles game
refer to the book.
