Over the history of tennis, it’s always seemed that the Australians really “get” that doubles is a team sport.
I know that it sounds obvious, that since doubles is played with two partners, it’s a team game, right…?
Well, the way so many of us constantly go for shots that have nothing to do with “enabling” our partner, we can easily lose the concepts of good solid doubles.
The Bryan Brothers, the #1 doubles team in the world from out here in California, clearly understand that playing doubles is not about you, it’s all about your partner.
I was fortunate to get some telephone time with Joel Drucker yesterday. As you may know, Joel is one of the world’s leading tennis writers, tennis TV producers, and the author of “Jimmy Connors Saved My Life”, a popular tennis book.
Joel loves to play doubles and he says he’s learned a ton over the years from Australian players, not only from his globe trotting tennis & TV writing jobs, but also at John Newcombe’s Fantasy Tennis Camp. Joel is heading to Newk’s next week for Joel’s 14th year attending this wildly popular tennis camp hosted by Newcombe and plenty of his Aussie mates.
And since I’m off to Perth Australia in a couple of weeks to play the ITF World Team event, I thought it might be a good time to tie it all together. I wanted to pick Joel’s brain on the obvious concept of doubles being a team game and how and why from time to time we tend to lose sight of that simple concept.
“Doubles Is Playing For Your Partner…”
Discover in doubles which player is the “Feeder”, “The Attractor”, “The Protector” and more…
Become a doubles master and you’ll eventually get tired of your phone ringing off the hook 24/7 as other players want you as their doubles partner!
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“Doubles – Why & When To Be Where On The Court”
A 21 Chapter DVD by Brent Abel – $39
2 Disc Lesson – This is a 2 disc set including a DVD that plays on any worldwide stand alone DVD player AND a Data CD that contains all of the 21 video chapters formatted for your video iPod/iPhone. These videos will also play directly from your computer with QuickTime.
Click here now to take your doubles game a new level of expertise and enjoyment.
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Excellent commentary on doubles. Such a different game than singles, at once more involved and yet simpler. As someone who started playing seriously only in my 40′s, I continue to learn and try to apply what I learn through play, drill and through your tips. I for one tend to get too introspective during any match and need/want to show more support for my partner during doubles. Good to hear reinforcement to this point. Thanks!
Really, the key to understanding how “to play for your partner” is to practice specific situations in doubles. Shadow doubles of course being one of the best drills out there…
Brent
“Doubles: Why & When To Be Where On The Court” – A 21 Video Chapter DVD by Brent – Claim Your Copy Now
Brent:
Just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed all of your tips about doubles. I have passed your website onto most of my friends who have noticed that my play has really improved over the past year.
I just changed where I end up on the court after I serve. I now try to end up exactly where you suggested – just inside the service line. I have a bit more time to hit a good net shot and have really driven my opponents crazy due to my superior court position.
I listened to Joel’s comments. Please thank him for us “older tennis players” who love to play doubles.
Sincerely,
Howard Lem
Hi Howard and I appreciate (as does Joel) your kind words. You know, it’s such a great feeling I get to have when I get your kind of feedback that simply states you’re really enjoying the game. Thanks…
And isn’t that a wonderful feeling to tangibly know that you’re improving?!? It gives us a great reason to keep tinkering, experimenting, learning, all of the good stuff.
Thanks again Howard.
Brent – Brent’s Current List Of DVD & Downloadable Tennis Lessons
I’m sitting here listening to some great comments about how to play better doubles. I’ve been to 5 International Symposiums in the the past 6 years and I have heard a lot about doubles and it is fantastic to hear some fresh and productive ideas to try on court. Thanks
Thanks Pablo. There’s never ever just one way to get things accomplished in doubles, but the geometry of the court begs us to play the game as a team sport where both partners work in harmony.
Brent – “Doubles – It’s All About Your Partner”
I’ve had several doubles partners tell me they just want to play their game and to please not talk between points. I’ve also been told that talking between the points causes them to lose focus. So I agree with you that most players don’t see doubles as a team sport. It seems as though they have one game style and are not comfortable or interested in adjusting even if that means gaining an advantage. It’s so rare to find someone that wants to play “real” doubles – talking between points, planning serves, returns, poaches, strategizing. Very frustrating not to mention boring!
Find a new partner Paula. Life’s way too short for putting up with partners that don’t want to be a team player.
Brent – Doubles: It’s All About Your Partner
Hello from Russia!
Can I quote a post “No teme” in your blog with the link to you?
Hi, I noticed your website after I was reading up on tennis. It is an utterly wonderful game but it takes so much practice to get descent at. Fed is my favourite player after his triumph yesterday. Keep up the pleasant work.