Tennis Doubles Strategy Lesson - Returner's Partner

http://wp.me/pUxIL-zg - Click that link to go to this video's blog post.

Brent Abel

- 2009 USA National 60s Hardcourt Singles Champion
- 2009 Worlds 60s Doubles Bronze Medalist
- 2009 Worlds 60s Singles Quarterfinalist
- 2010 USA National 60s Hardcourt Doubles RunnerUp

*** Brent's Downloadable, DVD, & Online Tennis Lessons ***
http://www.WebTennis.com/Tennis-Lessons/

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• receiver
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• receiver's
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[webtennis]

You're right. We do have to sort of split the difference with our perception of the two possible extremes, however, you can narrow the difference by knowing your partner, knowing your opponents, and developing a better understanding of what can realistically happen.

Some times our perception of those differences is not 100% reality.

Glad you're enjoying these doubles tips.

Brent

[georgep202]

As the partner of the service returner, am I not first responsible to return the poach if my partner doesn't get the return by the net person? And to do this, shouldn't I be facing the net person? I believe it was Blaskower in The Art of Doubles who said the service returner's partner should only watch the net person and not where the service lands. She says the returner can see faults, as he would in singles. What do u think?

[webtennis]

@georgep202 Hi George. Pat and I agree on about 99% of how to play doubles, but one of the things we don't is what you're referring to.

I watch my partner's return to know instantly where it's headed, shot type, speed, etc so I can decide what I'm going to do next.

If I play against the mad poacher, then yes, I'll have to immediately look to see if they're going, but in reality, and someone should chart this, players 4.5 below only poach about 10% of the time.

Poach, fake poach, go... Brent

[FrostyTheBeerMan]

Hi Brent, when you are receiving, and your partner moves up to the net just after you have hit YOUR ball back over the net, how many times out of ten will the receiver of your ball hit back to YOU ? .. would it be the majority of the time ? , as the moving forward of your partner would make your opponent think they have a better chance against you, as your further from the net ?

Great video, thanks for sharing your expertise with us.

[webtennis]

@FrostyTheBeerMan Hey Frosty... What we haven't worked through yet is when & how the receiver's partner poaches off a good return.

We'll get into all of that in a series of upcoming tips.

The biggest poaching mistake I see from the returner's partner is they tend to not first move up and then go, but instead, they wait at the service line and then try to poach from there.

We'll work on this crucial skill soon. Brent

[georgep202]

I knew from your interview of Pat that you two agree on most doubles issues. Even though I play with only 3.5 and 4.0 players, because we have less control than more skilled players, the net player hits more balls without having to poach. I'm trying to watch my partner strike the ball as well as watch the net player. In other words, I try to split the difference. BTW, these videos are really helpful.