The game of doubles can be twice the fun but also twice the frustration. We all know this is true!!!     

        However, there are really only a few key concepts to keep in mind.   Take a look at some of them.

Communication.  To be more successful at the game of doubles, you and your partner should move around the court as if you were tied together to close up any openings for the opponents to exploit. To help do this, remember to talk to your partner so that there are no surprises about what you are doing or where you are going. This works well for serve placement or crossing for a poach attempt.

Exploit Weaknesses. Make mental notes during the warmup about which strokes you should avoid and which ones are weakest on your opponents side. Play to the ones that will give you the softest returns or the best chance of unforced errors. If there are no obvious weaknesses, work the middle to take away the angles and make it harder to keep the ball away from your partner.

Return as low as Possible. The whole idea in doubles is to force the opposing team to hit 'up' so you can hit 'down' for the winner. The best way to do this is to return to your opponent's feet. This works really well against a serve & volleyer who therefore must volley up to you or your partner giving you both a good chance to attack and put it away.

Hit down the Middle. Here are some reasons to hit most of your shots down the middle. The net is lower in the center, your opponents could get mixed up as to whom should go for it, and as always the angles are reduced. Most teams are overly protective of the alleys so unless you have a clear winner there go for the middle and by the way watch out for your own!!!

Avoid the Man at the Net. The closer a player is to the net, the better chance he/she has to put the ball away for an easy winner because there are many more angles and much more court to see as a target. Therefore, stay clear of hitting to the player at the net and return everything crosscourt where the net is lower and the ball can't be poached. If the net player becomes too aggressive then simply lob to remove the danger and then move up.

Control the Net.  The net is the front line or war zone in the doubles game. The team that controls the net has the best chance of winning. So think ATTACK!!!  If you make a good, deep seerve----move to the net. If you make a good, deep return----move to the net. If your opponents are there----lob them and move to the net. This tactic and the above mentioned will help put you and your partner in the winner's circle!!!! 

(Compliments of Vic Braden)

Yours to serve (and volley!)