A sure way to win more doubles
matches is by closing in to the net so that you can
finish(win) points by hitting un-returnable angles. By
moving forward, racket up and ready, you can volley the ball from a higher point,
producing better angles. When done correctly, your volleys
will be off the court before your opponents can make a move
for them. The best news is, that the closer you are to the
net the less you have to swing.
I had the pleasure of watching
Dennis Van Der Meer demonstrate this principle in a most
unique way at one of his tennis facilities in Hilton Head
Island, South Carolina. It was an amazing site, especially
since he was winning points at the net against a
high level junior player...WITHOUT A RACKET. Van Der Meer
grabbed the lid from a water cooler, held it in front of him
and had the junior player blast ground strokes at him from
the baseline. He stepped diagonally forward, pointed the lid
in the direction he wanted the ball to go and proceeded to
put away volley after volley! By meeting the ball at a high
point, close to the net, he was able to hit the ball at an
angle that was off the court, into the fence in many cases,
before the other player could move.
Of course even with perfect
technique, success also depends on your opponents trying to
hit passing shots, not lobs. If your opponents have good
lobs, or exceptionally good passing shots(low and/or away
from you), you may have to adjust your court
position/strategy.
Generally speaking, the doubles team
that can close in on the net and create
winning volley angles, wins the match.
Practice this strategy with your partner
and watch your winning percentage grow.
