Tennis View contributing author, Greg Moran’s new ebook, “The Reality About Tennis: The Definitive Information for the Leisure Participant” is now obtainable on Amazon.
Greg’s ebook was written particularly for the thousands and thousands of leisure gamers across the globe. Described because the “Greatest coach of leisure gamers within the nation”, Greg has been enjoying, instructing, finding out, 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 necessary, what doesn’t
Over the subsequent (5) points, we’ll be that includes excerpts from Greg’s bestselling ebook. As a bonus for Tennis View readers, Greg is providing complimentary copies of The Reality About Tennis to the primary ten folks that contact him (United States solely). Greg might be reached a Gmfsrc@optimum. internet.
Half One: Excessive-Share Doubles
Enjoying 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 stage and above, the crew that controls the online wins the purpose 85% of the time. Listed below 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 capability get right into a groundstroke/volley trade, the baseliner will often miss first.
A major purpose in doubles is to power your opponents to hit the ball up so you possibly can then aggressively hit it again down. Because of this (on the applicable time) you possibly can finish the purpose both by driving a volley at your opponent’s ft or hitting down the center. You may’t drive “down” from the baseline, solely on the internet.
When your crew controls the online, you’re taking time away out of your opponents. Your photographs will seem to have extra tempo, and so they should hit a high quality shot each time they strike the ball. In the event that they don’t, you possibly can finish the purpose with one shot.
So, sure, the highest-percentage formation is 2 gamers on the internet. Nonetheless, to win, your crew should transfer nicely and volley successfully. You need to additionally be capable of anticipate lobs and drives and hit strong overheads. These are abilities that take time to develop. Your present stage of play will dictate how profitable this formation will be.
If you happen to’re a crew on the 3.5 stage or beneath, the one-up, one-back formation will seemingly 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 stage, spend loads of apply time creating your internet 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 gradual tempo), in a fast-paced, doubles sport, most factors are received by hitting to 3 locations:
Down the Center
Hitting down the center of the court docket at all times creates a component of confusion for the opposite crew. It’s at all times enjoyable to look at your opponents give one another the “The place had been you?” take care of your shot goes untouched between them.
Plus, while you play down the middle, your opponents should create their very own angles—a troublesome factor to do. Lastly, for those who hit down the middle and don’t hit the ball nicely, you’ll most likely nonetheless maintain it in play. Whenever you go for alleys and angles, solely to overlook your goal, you’ll seemingly lose the purpose with an error.
At Their Ft
Don’t attempt to hit photographs your opponents can’t contact—hit photographs they’ll’t return.
Numerous occasions I’ve seen a participant miss a simple volley as a result of he tried to maintain it away from his opponent as an alternative of hitting at his ft.
Neglect about ‘retaining it away’ out of your opponents—you’ll make too many errors. As an alternative, work on putting the ball at awkward areas of their physique (ft and hips) to power them to overlook. In the event that they do handle to get the ball again, it’ll seemingly be a simple sitter you could 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 influence on the purpose. Be it the low, offensive lob to push your opponents from the online or the excessive, deep defensive lob that provides you time to recuperate, each high-level crew understands the advantages of an efficient lob. It’s essential shot.
When groups on the 4.0 stage and above compete, they play lengthy, strategic factors with plenty of 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 simplest weapons.
When your opponent’s take management of the online, and also you’re not assured you possibly can drive a low shot, lob. Pressure 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 ft, or over his head.
One closing level: Keep away from Alley Obsession
Trying to hit down your opponent’s alley is among the lowest proportion photographs in doubles. Right here’s why:
The alley is simply 54 inches extensive, plus the online is greater on the ends than on the heart. Stand on the baseline and drop and hit ten balls, aiming for the alley. You’ll see how troublesome executing the shot is.
To hit the alley, you’ll often have to vary the path of the ball. Not a simple factor to do.
If you happen to don’t hit the shot completely, you’re giving your opponent two straightforward choices to beat you: they’ll volley down the center or drill it at your associate.
Three eventualities during which it is best to hit to the alley are in case your opponent:
Leaves it open.
Volleys poorly
Actively poaches
On the 4.0 stage and above, the primary two eventualities 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 sincere.
