Joe's secrets: Job descriptions for doubles players
A quick refresher to remind you of the key things you need to focus on when playing doubles.
Server: - call out the score
- plan the speed and spin; serve & volley or stay back
- get 75% 1st serves in play
- serve to the middle in the deuce court, at the returner's body in the ad court, or to the weaker side of the returner
- 1st volley should go down the middle
- server is responsible for 1st volley 95% of the time
| Server's partner (SP): - call server's placement if signals are being used
- shift with the serve placement
- know your targets if the ball is played to your area
- adjust to back if ball goes by you and key on opponents
- play net aggressively, poach on all floating returns
- should cross or fake on all serves
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Returner's partner (RP):
- help to make call
- key in on SP if SP makes a play; RP is responsible for the middle of the court
- if return gets by SP, move in 3 quick steps to apply pressure, shifting with the angle of the return
- if ball is returned low to server's feet, stay inside and ready to cut off server's 1st volley
- play back to change up and give a different formation to serving team
| Returner: - position in centre of possible serve angle
- use outside stroke on any ball at the body
- ball in play: never wide or in net
- always attack weak serves
- try to keep ball low to allow RP to poach and threaten
- both play back until you get opportunity to attack off a good shot
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Posted on 17/08/2009 by Joe Anan