JACKIE BOHANNON
Guest Writer
news@lbknews.com
In countless doubles matches my opponents always hit the ball to my partner who is a weaker
player. I get it, they want to win. Should I aggressively poach or go for winners every time I get the ball? It makes for a tense and confusing game. What should I do to better my chances of winning (other than getting a stronger partner)?
Definitely do not go for winners every ball. That is an extremely low percentage strategy and will only put more stress and pressure on your partner who you do not want to feel inadequate. Do your best to give your partner confidence and get the most out of their abilities.
For starters, identify your opponents’ weaknesses and try to expose them. Do they have a partner that is significantly weaker? Can they hit a forehand, a backhand, a volley, and overhead? Can they run? Focus on your opponents’ shortcomings instead of your partners.
The next step is for you to be consistent and reliable. Play the big points well. Get your first serve in, don’t miss your return of serve, and put the ball away when the opportunity presents itself. Always hit high percentage targets. (I.e. down the middle or at the net player’s feet)
Finally, I suggest mixing up your positioning. Don’t be predictable. This will help you poach more and be more interactive and also confuse your opponents. For example, if you are serving sometimes serve and volley, sometimes have your partner poach, sometimes fake, sometimes have your partner play both back. When you are receiving, try chipping and charging, lobbing and charging, drop shot a 2nd serve, playing both back, etc. If you find a strategy that works stick with it until it stops working and then change it up again. When there is a significant differential amongst the partnership the key is for the opponent to never know where the stronger player is going to be, and never know what you are going to do. Keep them on their toes, and while you are at it, stay on your toes too!
Jackie Bohannon is the Director of Tennis at the Bird Key Yacht Club.
