In the Tennis doubles is a completely different world to singles. The court is bigger, there are four players on the court, net play dominates and the rallies are often faster and more dynamic.
Who in the Sportcenter Wittenau If you want to play doubles successfully, you need more than just hard groundstrokes. Tactics, communication and clever positioning are the key. Whether you are training with a fixed partner for the association matches or simply playing a fun round with friends in our convertible hall - with the right strategy, you will get more out of your game.
Here's our ultimate guide to making life difficult for your opponents and winning more matches.
6 tactics that work immediately
You don't have to be a professional to use these strategies. Small adjustments are often enough to throw your opponent off balance.
- Conquer the web In doubles, points are won at the net. If both players of a team are in front at the net, this creates massive pressure on the opponents.
- The tip: Try to move forward as often as possible. Volleys are often easier to convert than groundstrokes from the baseline. Use our fast hall floor to move forward aggressively.
- Move around the network Nothing is more pleasant for the opponent than a net player who stands like a statue.
- The tip: Move sideways, feign movement. This forces your opponent to rethink their shot or change direction - which often leads to a mistake.
- Aim for the feet A volley at chest height is easy. A volley that you have to scrape off the laces is extremely difficult.
- The tip: Play the ball flat over the net or with topspin in front of the opposing net player's feet. He will probably hit the ball into the net or return it high („serve“) so that you can score the point.
- Push your opponents back If both opponents are at the back, you are in control.
- The tip: Play your groundstrokes long and deep into the corners. This forces your opponent onto the defensive and gives you time to advance to the net.
- The middle is the goal („Down the Middle solves the Riddle“) An old tennis saying that is still true. Shots through the middle are extremely effective in doubles.
- The advantage: You force your opponents to communicate („Do you or I?“), which often leads to mistakes. You also take away the opponents' angles for the next shot.
- Attack the weaker backhand Almost every recreational player performs better with the forehand than with the backhand.
- The tip: If you have the choice, play the ball hard on the weaker opponent's backhand volley.
The right positioning: Where should I stand?
Many players in the Sportcenter Wittenau are intuitively wrong in doubles („somewhere in the field“). Here are the basic rules for solid positioning:
- When your partner serves: Stand at the net approximately in the middle between the center line and the single line (not in the double court!).
- The distance to the net: Do not stand too close to the net (danger of lobs) and not too far away (danger of low volleys). A distance of 2-3 meters is ideal.
- Move with the ball: If the ball flies to the other side, move forward slightly so that you can intervene aggressively. If your partner comes under pressure (e.g. through a lob), pull back.
Formations for advanced users
Do you want to surprise your opponents in your next match? Try out these variations:
The I-formation The net player crouches low in the middle of the court (on the T-line), the server stands directly behind him.
- Target: The returner does not know where the net player is moving. This provokes errors.
The Australian line-up Server and net player are on the same side. The other half of the court is completely open.
- When to use it? When the opponent hits excellent cross-returns. This formation forces him to play the more difficult shot „longline“ (along the line).
Serve & return: the first stroke decides
Serve strategy: You don't have to hit aces. In doubles, it is more important to get the first serve into the court so that your partner can intervene at the net.
- Tip: Serve often through the middle (on the „T“). This takes away the angles for the returner and makes it easier for your partner to intercept the return („poaching“).
Return strategy: The return is the most important shot in doubles.
- The golden rule: Play cross (diagonal) and avoid the net player. A solid cross shot takes the opponent's net player out of the game and neutralizes the point.
- No-Go: Do not attempt any risky „winners“ down the line unless the net player is constantly poaching in your half.
Net tactics: Poaching, faking & pinching
How do I become a nightmare for my opponents at the net?
- Poaching: You cross aggressively into the other half to intercept the return and finish the point with a volley. Discuss this with your partner beforehand!
- The Fake: You twitch briefly towards the middle, but then stop in your corner. The opponent tries to pass the ball past you (line) and often makes the mistake.
- Pinching (narrowing): You move a little more towards the middle to make the field look smaller. You invite your opponent to try the risky shot along the line („longline“).
Conclusion: practice makes perfect
Doubles is chess on the tennis court. Try out these strategies at your next match at the Sportcenter Wittenau.
Don't have a doubles partner yet? Or would you like to practise these tactics under professional guidance?
- Training: Book a lesson with our trainers to work specifically on volleys and positioning.
- Seat booking: Whether indoors in winter or outdoors in our convertible hall in summer - you will find the perfect conditions with us.
Grab three friends and test your new strategy!
See also:
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- Tennis without membership: Why Sportcenter Wittenau is the best alternative to a club
- Spontaneous tennis in Berlin: How to book a court in under 2 minutes
- Tennis in Reinickendorf: The only hall with a convertible roof
- Why our „Grand Slam floor“ is better for your joints than ash
- Tennis Tegel Berlin without club
- Hire tennis rackets in Berlin Tegel & Wittenau: top equipment for occasional players