Tennis View contributing author, Greg Moran’s new e-book, “The Fact About Tennis: The Definitive Information for the Leisure Participant” is now accessible on Amazon.
Greg’s e-book was written particularly for the hundreds of thousands of leisure gamers across the globe. Described because the “Finest coach of leisure gamers within the nation”, Greg has been enjoying, educating, learning, and writing about tennis for over 50 years. He’s spent greater than 100,000 hours on the court docket serving to hundreds of gamers from ages 3 to 93 enhance their tennis. Fairly merely, he is aware of what works and, equally essential, what doesn’t
Over the following (5) points, we’ll be that includes excerpts from Greg’s bestselling e-book. As a bonus for Tennis View readers, Greg is providing complimentary copies of The Fact About Tennis to the primary ten those who contact him (United States solely). Greg may be reached a Gmfsrc@optimum. net.
Half One: Excessive-Proportion Doubles
Taking part in high-percentage doubles encompasses two issues: positioning and shot choice. Which of the assorted formations will give your crew the highest-percentage likelihood of successful the purpose? Then, from that formation, what are the highest-percentage photographs to execute?
Positioning
On the 4.0 degree and above, the crew that controls the online wins the purpose 85% of the time. Listed here are three causes why:
1. For many gamers, volleys are technically simpler to hit than groundstrokes. Groundstrokes require extra preparation, longer swings, and intense motion and timing. For probably the most half, volleys solely demand that from the prepared place you flip your shoulders transfer one or two steps, after which push your racket ahead with minimal follow-through. If two gamers of equal capacity get right into a groundstroke/volley change, the baseliner will often miss first.
A main aim in doubles is to pressure your opponents to hit the ball up so you may then aggressively hit it again down. Which means (on the acceptable time) you may finish the purpose both by driving a volley at your opponent’s toes or hitting down the center. You may’t drive “down” from the baseline, solely on the web.
When your crew controls the online, you’re taking time away out of your opponents. Your photographs will seem to have extra tempo, they usually should hit a top quality shot each time they strike the ball. In the event that they don’t, you may finish the purpose with one shot.
So, sure, the highest-percentage formation is 2 gamers on the web. Nonetheless, to win, your crew should transfer nicely and volley successfully. You could additionally be capable of anticipate lobs and drives and hit strong overheads. These are abilities that take time to develop. Your present degree of play will dictate how profitable this formation will be.
In case you’re a crew on the 3.5 degree or beneath, the one-up, one-back formation will doubtless provide the highest-percentage likelihood of successful matches. There’s no disgrace in that. It’s what it’s—for now. Nonetheless, if you wish to transfer as much as the 4.0 degree, spend loads of follow time growing your web abilities.
Shot Choice
Whereas angles and alleys could win factors on the decrease ranges (the place gamers don’t cowl the court docket correctly) and senior tennis (the place each the gamers and the ball transfer at a sluggish tempo), in a fast-paced, doubles sport, most factors are gained by hitting to a few locations:
Down the Center
Hitting down the center of the court docket all the time creates a component of confusion for the opposite crew. It’s all the time enjoyable to observe your opponents give one another the “The place have been you?” take care of your shot goes untouched between them.
Plus, if you play down the middle, your opponents should create their very own angles—a tough factor to do. Lastly, should you hit down the middle and don’t hit the ball nicely, you’ll most likely nonetheless maintain it in play. Once you go for alleys and angles, solely to overlook your goal, you’ll doubtless lose the purpose with an error.
At Their Ft
Don’t attempt to hit photographs your opponents can’t contact—hit photographs they will’t return.
Numerous instances I’ve seen a participant miss a straightforward volley as a result of he tried to maintain it away from his opponent as an alternative of hitting at his toes.
Overlook about ‘preserving it away’ out of your opponents—you’ll make too many errors. As a substitute, work on inserting the ball at awkward areas of their physique (toes and hips) to pressure them to overlook. In the event that they do handle to get the ball again, it’ll doubtless be a straightforward sitter that you may assault.
Over Their Heads
The lob is probably the most highly effective shot in tennis. By highly effective, I don’t imply tempo. I imply impression on the purpose. Be it the low, offensive lob to push your opponents from the online or the excessive, deep defensive lob that offers you time to get better, each high-level crew understands the advantages of an efficient lob. It’s a must have shot.
When groups on the 4.0 degree and above compete, they play lengthy, strategic factors with numerous lobs. These gamers have gotten over the ego increase of hitting that uncommon world-class/fortunate shot and perceive that the lob is one in all their handiest weapons.
When your opponent’s take management of the online, and also you’re not assured you may drive a low shot, lob. Drive them to maneuver again and hit an overhead, probably the most bodily demanding shot within the sport.
To sum up: Management the online and win your factors by hitting down the center, at your opponent’s toes, or over his head.
One remaining level: Keep away from Alley Obsession
Making an attempt to hit down your opponent’s alley is among the lowest share photographs in doubles. Right here’s why:
The alley is simply 54 inches extensive, plus the online is larger on the ends than on the middle. Stand on the baseline and drop and hit ten balls, aiming for the alley. You’ll see how tough executing the shot is.
To hit the alley, you’ll often have to alter the path of the ball. Not a straightforward factor to do.
In case you don’t hit the shot completely, you’re giving your opponent two straightforward choices to beat you: they will volley down the center or drill it at your accomplice.
Three situations wherein you need to hit to the alley are in case your opponent:
Leaves it open.
Volleys poorly
Actively poaches
On the 4.0 degree and above, the primary two situations largely disappear. Skilled gamers cowl their alley and volley nicely. Take a fast look and, if the participant hasn’t shifted to cowl his alley, go for it. Nonetheless, if he has, don’t be cussed, return the ball crosscourt, and proceed the level.
In high-level doubles, the one time to focus on the alley is when the online participant is actively poaching. Then, the occasional alley or physique shot will assist maintain him trustworthy.
