Are You Desirable?

Do you want to be in demand as a partner? If so, here are a few things you need to know.

* You'll need to develop the ability to place your serve to the opponent's weakness in an effort to keep your net player alive and set them up to hit an aggressive volley.

* You should work on your angle crosscourt and your lob return of serve to keep your partner out of trouble when they are positioned at the mid-court hot seat area. (A well-executed service return allows them to move toward the net and put pressure on the opponents).

* When you are at the net you are there to hunt the ball not to guard the alley. A predatory mindset is a must!

* Communicate, communicate, communicate! When you are at the net and you are being lobbed, let your partner know if you are taking the shot (MINE) or if they need to back you up (YOURS)! If you need to go behind your partner to cover a deep lob that they can't reach, let them know you've got the ball (I'VE GOT IT!), and then be sure you let them know if they need to switch or stay where they are to balance your team's court coverage.

* Don't be a showboat! If you don't have a simple to execute high percentage shot to win the point outright, play the shot that best serves your partner's position, whatever that position may be. 

* Stay positive when your partner misses -- chances are they didn't miss on purpose just to irritate you. Dropping your chin to your chest and drooping your shoulders is a very negative act (BODY LANGUAGE HAS A BOOMING VOICE) and is unlikely to boost your partner's confidence or their willingness to work hard to help you win the match.

* When you miss, don't explain to everyone within earshot the reason that you missed and the fact that you never missed that shot before.

* Most importantly - please I'm begging you now - do not coach your partner! When you coach any player in the middle of a hotly contested match the information given usually undermines the player's confidence and lowers their performance. I know you are well-meaning but some of the things I've heard doubles players tell their partners in my 50 years as a Teaching Pro boggles my mind. 

Have fun and always fight hard to run down every ball they hit. Doubles is a team sport and inasmuch demands a firm understanding of good positioning and sound shot selection to succeed at any level. Hitting the ball hard and deep doesn't necessarily make you a good doubles player. Learn the tactics and strategy of the game and you'll always be in demand.