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Doubles
Strategy
Playing Lefty/Righty Team, Part 1
By Monty Basnyat, TennisONE Associate Editor
Question
My partner and I struggle when playing a doubles team with one right handed,
one left-handed player. In this case, the lefty is on the deuce side, allowing
both players to cover the middle with their forehands. My favorite put-away
is down the middle--rats. Also, unfortunately, the lefty has a good backhand
down-the-line shot and the righty has a good net game. Help!
Answer
Ok, first things first. When playing
a lefty/righty team where both players are covering the center with their
forehands, learn to open up the middle before you go there (rather than
going there first). A good way to achieve this is by hitting out to the
sides, especially on the easy points you can control. This strategy will
force your opponents to cover the alley, thereby leaving the middle vulnerable
to your favorite put-away. To set the tone to execute this, your team should
mix the returns as well as the volleys to the sides right from the start
of the match. You'll find this tactic will keep your opponents guessing
and give your team the opportunity to execute your down-the-middle strategy.
You also mention, somewhat in despair, that the choice of going out to the
alleys might not be a good one because the lefty opponent has a good backhand
and the righty opponent has a good net game. When you face good opponents,
you may think they only have strong points in their game. But no matter
how good your opponents are, there are some dimensions to their game that
are weaker than others. Your job is to quickly assess what they are and
come up with a game plan to attack them continuously. Yes, you may lose
a good percentage of points executing this strategy--and you will against
good opponents--but you are giving your team the best opportunity to win
by keeping a cool head and continuing your attack on their relative weaknesses.
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