TennisOne Lessons

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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