11 Simple Tips for Better Doubles

• The better server serves first- Gets you off to a good start and allows the stronger server to serve more times.

• Get your first serve in- It helps keep the pressure on your opponents and does not allow them to get a swing at your second serve. It also allows the server’s partner to not “false start” when poaching.
• Serve down the middle (or into the body)- This should be done frequently but not exclusively. This limits the receivers’ angle by forcing them to keep the return in the center of the court. This also allows your partner the opportunity to poach.
• Hold serve- If you don’t lose your serve, it's hard to lose the match. If you lose focus, get back to your rhythm. Set your eyes on the spot where you want to serve, take a deep breath, relax and make a smooth toss and swing. The server's partner also plays an active role in influencing returns, poaching and supporting the server as well.
• Consistent returns- Get your returns back into play, most often crosscourt. Don’t give away points with your return errors. Every missed return is the same thing as a double fault to your team.
• Take over the net- Use the position at the net to your team’s advantage by hitting angles and decreasing your chance of hitting the ball into the net. When hitting deep, keep the ball low with underspin to make your opponents hit up.
• Talk to your partner- You and your partner must communicate to win. Period. Meet at the T frequently to set strategy, high five and stay on the same page.
• Support your partner- The Golden Rule applies. If you find yourself being critical of your partner, STOP. Your job is to help raise the level of your partner, not decrease it. Share in your successes and help build up a partner when they are having a bad day. We have all been there, so treat your partner as you would like to be treated.
• The ball is always coming to you- By remembering this, you will rarely be surprised and you will remain intense and ready to play.
• Angle your body- Make sure to face the player who it hitting the ball. This will allow you to address the ball, have full vision of your opportunities and get your feet moving the right direction.
• Have FUN- Sounds simple but we often forget it. We all started this sport to have fun with our friends. Don’t let that be lost when concern about wins and losses comes first.

Remember these 11 simple tips when playing doubles and your success and enjoyment of the game will soon follow.

Understand Your Role

In our chosen career as tennis professionals, we are often asked to wear various hats. Besides an instructor of tennis we are meteorologists, psychiatrists, fitness trainers, maintenance workers, bartenders, politicians, accountants, fashion consultants, physical therapists and much more. With all this in mind, our most important role is the one of motivator, encourager and role model.

Understanding your complete responsibility as your facility’s and students’ tennis professional is something few fully grasp. But the ones that do are successful beyond measure. I’m not talking about monetary success, although that will surely come with a job well done. True success comes in the form of respect, admiration and loyalty from your students and their families. The impact on someone’s life, in which you have been cast as an authority figure, is enormous. Once you have built that bridge of trust, they respect your opinion and thoughts and seek your approval. Fill that student with your knowledge of the game you love, but also with positive thoughts and words about their unlimited potential. Tell them honestly that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to and work hard to help them achieve their goals and dreams. They are expecting your best and they deserve all you have to give.

We, as tennis pros, have been thrust into a position of authority over so many lives. It is so important, especially with juniors, that they have your enthusiasm, encouragement and approval. You may not give much credence to this thought, that maybe your knowledge of the game and God-given skills will overcome negative words or actions on your part. There is one thing that is important to remember here, your students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. We all know fellow tennis professionals who like to tell us and their students how good they are or how great they used to be. Encourage them to stop telling their students about their own achievements or competence and start telling them how great they can be. Your students’ future is bright and limitless and it might just start with you. You have no idea what your students are hearing at home or school and it might be that one word of encouragement that thrusts them to the next level.

As an influential figure in your students’ lives, many items are under your control. With your positive encouragement, heartfelt concern and expert knowledge you release good things into their lives. You release self-confidence, success, sportsmanship, self-reliance, happiness, healthiness and much more. You are responsible for helping them become the best that they can be and shaping their future. If you are unwilling or unable to perform this role, don’t be surprised if that position of authority is taken away from you. Students will not stick around for very long if your best quality as a professional is hitting a forehand better than them. Constantly look for ways to improve your teaching abilities and your encouraging qualities to make yourself an asset in their lives.

Never take for granted the position you are in and the influence you have over their lives. Show them with your actions the proper behavior to handle themselves on and off the court. Tell them with your words that nothing can impede their path to success. Famous distance runner Steve Prefontaine said it correctly when he stated, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift". Ensure that you and your students never waste the opportunity to be the very best that they can be.