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Strategy: What To Do BEFORE The Match

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Strategy Question

"When we play doubles, we just can't seem to get going at the beginning of the match. What can we do?"

Answer


What you do BEFORE you step onto the court is just as important as what you do WHEN the match begins. There are two parts to this answer. Part One is titled, "What to do BEFORE the Match," and Part Two is titled, "What to Do Once the Match Starts." Tune in next week for Part Two.

Part One: "What to do BEFORE the Match"


The first thing to do before the match is to prepare yourselves mentally. Try to arrive at least 40 minutes before the match with all the appropriate gear needed to play. This way you have plenty of time to stretch and discuss. While you are stretching as a team, talk with your partner about your last match - regardless whether you won or lost. What did you do as a team that worked? Where do you need to improve? This question/answer session sharpens up your mental preparedness. It also opens up the lines of communication between you and your partner, which you'll need to rely on during the match.

Now that you have stretched and discussed a few possible scenarios and strategies, you are ready for a good warm-up. When you warm up, hit a lot of balls cross court and also concentrate on your serves and returns, volleys and overheads. Complete your warm-up 10-15 minutes before your match. This way you can relax, read a magazine, or do what ever you need to do to relax. One caution, however. Don't get caught up in social chit-chat with other people. Don't let your mind wander from the challenge ahead of you. If you need to talk with someone, talk with your partner. You can talk all you want after your victory.

When warming up with your opponents, analyze their game and look for cues. Do they like to run around their backhands? Don't they shy away from taking overheads? Do they hit topspin or slice shots, and from what side? Now discuss your insights with your partner BEFORE the match begins! Don't expect a lot of gratitude from your partner if you've waited until you're down a set to trot out your secret assessment of your opponents' weaknesses.

Stay tuned for Part Two next week.

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