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Strategy: What To Do Once The Match Starts

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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

Last week, we provided Part One of the answer: What To Do BEFORE the Match begins. This week we provide Part Two.

Part Two: What To Do Once the Actual Match Starts


How you and your partner play and communicate in the first few games are critical elements in seizing the momentum.

Play High Percentage Tennis

Whatever you do the first couple of games, don't start out by slugging the returns or trying to crank out your serves. You are not fully warmed up just yet. Learn to work yourselves into the match. Play high percentage tennis while trying to figure out your opponents' game. If you thought you saw your opponents' game in warm-up, you could be in for a nasty surprise. Many times during warm-up, you see what your opponents want you to see. That weak backhand shot you saw in the warm-up has suddenly turned into a wicked crosscourt winner during the match.

Assess Their Strategy and Their Game

Your team also needs to figure out your opponents' positioning and strategy, and you can only see this when the actual match starts. In the first few games, you should be asking yourself, Do they like to stay back? How often are they serving and volleying? Does one person prefer coming behind the approach rather than the serve? Are they both closing in at the net? Which side do they return better from? The earlier in the match your team can answer these questions and react, the better chance your team has to grab an early lead.

Communication

Next start discussing your findings with your partner immediately. And after every point, learn to make eye contact. If your partner make a good shot, compliment your partner or give him/her a high five. If your partner makes an error, encourage him/her by saying something like, "Good try partner, I've got the next point." And expect nothing less from a partner that you have teamed with to do battle. By communicating right from the start, your team's intensity builds as the match gets deeper.

Variety

Don't be afraid to mix your returns up or start poaching right off the bat. Play percentage tennis but don't wait for things to happen. However, don't forget to alert your partner if you are going to mix things up. This way he/she is ready and alert. By showing variety early in the match you will keep your opponents guessing all day.

So to seize an early lead in a doubles match, you must start out:
  • Playing high percentage tennis.
  • Quickly assess your opponents' strategy and abilities.
  • Communicate constantly and positively with your partner.
  • Mix up your shots and give your opponents something to think about - like why your team is suddenly ahead 4-1 and why tennis is such a difficult sport!

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