Essential Tennis Doubles Tactics For Beginners

Tennis Doubles is an exciting and dynamic version of the game, and one that many beginners find intimidating. While there are complex strategies involved in doubles, there are also a few essential tactics that every beginner can use to improve their play. Here are the five essential tennis doubles tactics for beginners. 

Communication Is Key

Like in any team sport, communication between teammates is critical in tennis doubles. Make sure you talk to your partner throughout the match - from before the first serve to after the last point - so you know who’s taking what shots and when. You should also communicate during points to make sure both players know who is going to hit which shot and where they should move next so that no one gets confused or caught out of position. Last but certainly not least talking openly about expectations (i.e., specific goals) beforehand helps form trust and encourages better performance in the match.

Cover The Sidelines

One of the most important aspects of doubles play is covering your respective side of the court. During play, you should stay on your side of the court and take care of your own shots. This way, if your partner makes a weak shot, you should be able to cover it and keep the point alive. Similarly, while serving, make sure one partner covers the deuce court while the other covers the ad court so that they are ready to take any shots from their opponents. You and your partner must find a balance between covering the entire court without either player being stretched too thin or too close together.

Be Aggressive At The Net

When playing doubles, it's important to take advantage of opportunities at the net when they present themselves since this gives your team a great chance of winning points quickly with well-placed volleys or smashes. Volleying is particularly useful in doubles since it prevents your opponents from getting set up in position again after returning your serve or groundstroke shots and gives them less time to react. Additionally, try using angled volleys instead of straight ones whenever possible as these tend to be more effective at catching your opponents off guard and winning points quickly!  

Utilise Lob Shots

Lob shots can be very effective in doubles as they give you and your partner time to get back into position if you are on the defensive. Lobbing is especially useful when playing against players who like to stay close together near the net - by lobbing over them, you force them out of their comfort zone and make it harder for them to anticipate where your next shot will go.

Return Serve Aggressively

When playing doubles you should try to return the serve aggressively court-court rather than down-the-line. By returning cross-court your opponent at the net will have a far harder time volleying your returns. If you return serve too passively, your opponent will be able to volley your shot too easily and force you out of position or simply hit a volley winner.

In doubles tennis, communication and strategy are key for success. It is important to cover the sidelines of your side of the court, be aggressive at the net with volleys and smashes, use lobs when necessary, and return serve aggressively cross-court. With practice and a healthy dose of teamwork, you'll be ready for competition soon!

---

Play Tennis Better