My job as the server or the returner of serve is to make my partner look really, really good.
That’s right.
I have one job and one job only and that’s to play shots that enable my partner to poach, fake-poach, fake-poach and go, whatever it is..
As the player working their way up to net, all I think about is what shot will make my partner look good.
Going for aces, huge returns of serve, etc., won’t get it done out there.
Be an efficient, clean shotmaker, and take the mystery out of what you’re trying to accomplish with your serve and your return of serve.
If you’ve got a partner who either doesn’t recognize that you’re laying the ball perfectly in front of them and/or doesn’t reciprocate when you’re starting up at net, either send him/her over here to WebTennis or simply find yourself another doubles partner.
Doubles is all about your partner, and if you truly want to become a sought after doubles partner, then you’ll get your mind right about the types of shots you should be playing.
OK, I want to know what’s on your mind about those two topics – that it’s OK to play shots from the “no-man’s land” area and that most transitional shots need to be about simply getting the ball cross court and down at your opponent’s feet so that your partner now has an opportunity to look like a stud.
This is pure doubles 101, and we’ll of course start to cover all of those other situations that can happen when you transition up to net behind your serve and your return of serve, but for today, get out there and get some practice time going.
What’s on your mind…? Let me/us know below.
Brent
