SLT Boss
In league, my partner and I always play the later matches when weโre the home team because we can take the summer heat, but I always get to the club early to watch the other matches that are going on. I use that time to make mental notes of strategies I see that work (and those that donโt,) and get myself mentally pumped to kick tennis butt. And I canโt tell you how many times Iโve witnessed what I call โthe burnโ; thatโs when one member of a doubles team hits a shot back to the opponent who then easily gets it past his partner.
Letโs say you and your partner are both up at the net, and your opponent in the deuce court hits aย cross-court shot thatโs a little wide and stays above the net. Now, most recreational players automatically think, โKeep it away from the net manโ, and will volley the ball cross-courtโฆ DONโTย DO IT. Instead, use your high-to-low volley and put that ball down your opponentโs alley. This tactic dramatically shortens reaction time from your opponent and keeps you from opening up your court.
DONโT DO THIS:
Since the ball was hit cross-court and wide, your partner has moved over to cover the middle, leaving his alley wide open. If you return the ball cross-court, your opponent now has a HUGE passing opportunity by going down your partnerโs alley. Is that your partnerโsย fault? NO. He correctly moved to cover the middle when you went out wide for the shot. It was your fault for returning the ball cross-court and unintentionally setting up your partner to be โburnedโ with a passing shot.
DO THIS INSTEAD:
Just rememberโฆ every time youโre at the net and get pulled wide on the deuce side, and you have the high forehand volley, pound that ball down your opponentโs alley and recover for the next shot. And be sure to use this tactic in your practice matches so that you can own it when you play in league.