How to create your rhythm when you are playing in a slow tempo double's game?

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How to create your rhythm when you are playing in a slow tempo double's game?

by Kwok
(Southern California)

I played in a tennis league at the level 3.5. Last Sunday, I played in a double's match. Technically my partner is not as good as I am. Our opponents were not as good as I am either, in my opinion.

They lobbed a lot and kept hitting the ball to my partner because they sensed that my partner was not as skilled I was. So most of the time, I just stood there watching the ball going back and forth in a pretty slow pace.

I tried to be as alert as I could be. But after a while I just got bored and stopped moving my feet the way I should be. Then suddenly the ball came my way, and because I was not well prepared, I returned the ball poorly. The rest was history, we lost the match.

So, my question is: In such an environment, how can one stay mentally alert and physically prepared for a shot that comes your way once in a long while.

Please give me some ideas, Tomaz or whoever has the experience.

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How to create your rhythm when you are playing in a slow tempo double's game?

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Oct 30, 2007
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Motivation keeps you alert
by: Tomaz

Hi Kwok,

This situation happens often when there are two doubles players where one is better than the other and the opponents know that.

You've analyzed everything correctly now you just want to know how to stay alert?

It's about motivation. Do you REALLY want to win that match? If not, then your alert level will drop.

You cannot get bored if there is a lot on stake.

That's how doubles are. If you want to keep running and hitting balls all the time, play singles.

P.S. That's exactly why I prefer (singles) tennis to volleyball. I get to play all the time compared to just a few touches with the ball when I play volleyball.

Oct 30, 2007
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Thanks to Tomaz
by: Kwok

Thank you for your comment, Tomaz.

I have been thinking of playing more singles but I also like the fun of playing with a partner in doubles. Winning doubles match really takes two people working together.

If one person doing most of the work, it takes most of the fun out of the game.

Mar 25, 2009
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Poaching and fake Poaching?
by: Matchpoints

During Pro-Am events and when my clients have me play in, I resort to 'Customer Tennis'. The situation is pretty similar to what you described. What I do to 'stay in' the game is do a lot of fake poaching and actual poaching. Here are a few examples of what I'll do (all these have been discussed with my partner prior to the point starting).

1. During serve - If my partner is serving, I'll tell him that I'll fake poach if he serves down the middle.(just shuffle one step over after the serve goes over the net and get right back). I might keep doing that the rest of the point. I might as well get a workout since I'm playing doubles.

2. Receiving - I'll tell my partner that I'm going to poach after he successfully returns cross court and the opponents net person doesn't poach. My partner also doesn't rush in just in case they lob or pass me somehow. (we're talking 3.5 level here and accidental shots happen very often)

3. Cross Court Rally - I'll tell my partner that if the rally lasts more then 3 shots (or whatever number) then I'm going to poach on the one after and to watch my back. This goes rallies at the net as well.

4. I also tend to play a little further back then my partner I don't mean to say that I'm all the way back but just about 4-6 feet or so). This allows my partner to get closer to the net and have easy pickings while I get to cover his back. If you're both at the same distance from the net then the opponents will obviously hit to the less threatening one. By staying a little further back then your partner, you've made yourself look less threatening and your partner more threatening. It's a good equalizer. Being the better player (and I'm going to assume that you're faster also), it's best to be the one that retrieves the lobs more often.

Have your partner do the same thing and no one is ever where they're 'supposed' to be at the 3.5 level.

I'm not the best doubles player in the world, but I've discussed this matter with several former #1 doubles players in the world. Their big thing is to pretend like you're going to poach off every shot. Sometimes you'll actually poach simply because once you get your feet moving, it's a lot easier to keep them moving.

I do the above mentioned for quite a few reasons.
1. It equalizes the playing field so that one person doesn't get picked on too much

2. It keeps me moving so I don't get bored out of my mind.

3. It makes tennis more enjoyable for my partner as he gets to put more balls away and also knowing that you've got his back it allows him to be more confident at the net.

4. It makes it more fun for everyone since you won't have to hit more powerful and better shots to win but win by always moving and putting your opponents under pressure and letting them defeat themselves. No one wants to hit to the guy that can blast his forehand/backhand at them.

Worst case scenario, you got a workout out of doubles :) Hope that helps.

Cheers
Davi

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Mar 25, 2009
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Submitted by: Matchpoints

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During Pro-Am events and when my clients have me play in, I resort to 'Customer Tennis'. The situation is pretty similar to what you described. What I do to 'stay in' the game is do a lot of fake poaching and actual poaching. Here are a few examples of what I'll do (all these have been discussed with my partner prior to the point starting). 1. During serve - If my partner is serving, I'll tell him that I'll fake poach if he serves down the middle.(just shuffle one step over after the serve goes over the net and get right back). I might keep doing that the rest of the point. I might as well get a workout since I'm playing doubles. 2. Receiving - I'll tell my partner that I'm going to poach after he successfully returns cross court and the opponents net person doesn't poach. My partner also doesn't rush in just in case they lob or pass me somehow. (we're talking 3.5 level here and accidental shots happen very often) 3. Cross Court Rally - I'll tell my partner that if the rally lasts more then 3 shots (or whatever number) then I'm going to poach on the one after and to watch my back. This goes rallies at the net as well. 4. I also tend to play a little further back then my partner I don't mean to say that I'm all the way back but just about 4-6 feet or so). This allows my partner to get closer to the net and have easy pickings while I get to cover his back. If you're both at the same distance from the net then the opponents will obviously hit to the less threatening one. By staying a little further back then your partner, you've made yourself look less threatening and your partner more threatening. It's a good equalizer. Being the better player (and I'm going to assume that you're faster also), it's best to be the one that retrieves the lobs more often. Have your partner do the same thing and no one is ever where they're 'supposed' to be at the 3.5 level. I'm not the best doubles player in the world, but I've discussed this matter with several former #1 doubles players in the world. Their big thing is to pretend like you're going to poach off every shot. Sometimes you'll actually poach simply because once you get your feet moving, it's a lot easier to keep them moving. I do the above mentioned for quite a few reasons. 1. It equalizes the playing field so that one person doesn't get picked on too much 2. It keeps me moving so I don't get bored out of my mind. 3. It makes tennis more enjoyable for my partner as he gets to put more balls away and also knowing that you've got his back it allows him to be more confident at the net. 4. It makes it more fun for everyone since you won't have to hit more powerful and better shots to win but win by always moving and putting your opponents under pressure and letting them defeat themselves. No one wants to hit to the guy that can blast his forehand/backhand at them. Worst case scenario, you got a workout out of doubles :) Hope that helps. Cheers Davi

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Mar 25, 2009
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Doubles Strategy
by: Kwok

Davi,

Thank you very much for your excellent ideas. They sound a lot more fun to carry out ( for me and my partner ).
Thanks again,

Kwok

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How to create your rhythm when you are playing in a slow tempo double's game?

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How to create your rhythm when you are playing in a slow tempo double's game?