By Eli Buenaventura
For Variety

ALTHOUGH doubles is not an attractive television proposition, it has been, however, the most sought after game on public and private tennis courts for many years. In fact, a recent poll survey states that over sixty percent of the tennis population worldwide plays more doubles than singles. The reason is that a doubles game is very social and court fun is on a high note. While matches sometimes can be like a garden-party atmosphere, doubles is no less demanding to one’s tennis skills. Players must have sound techniques and correct doubles thinking to enjoy it. And like singles, there are also strategies and ways to play doubles, be it for a competition or just for fun. Here are some pointers to reinforce your doubles ideas.
1. Get a compatible partner. You have to get a partner you like. He must also like you. You and your partner must not only have decent tennis skills. You and your partner must also have common temperaments and interests. You must both be positive on every mistake you make. Compatibility should be similar to a personal relationship. The more you accept your partner, the better your partnership will be – win or lose.
2. Communicate all the time. You and your partner must understand the importance of communication on the court. A good doubles team talks before and after the point is played. For instance, they talk on what to do with the return and talk again whether the plan works or not.
3. Always have game plans. The most challenging part in doubles is that you and your partner have a very little space to pass your opponents and very little time to react on every shot. The situation is more heightened when you are facing tall opponents. Make sure you have two or more plans when you play your doubles match. For example, one plan to use against tall players is to hit the ball low and deep. Tall players have difficulty in returning low shots. For net poachers, game plan should be to hit lobs down the line.
4. Put your first serve in. In singles, a fast first serve is a necessity to force a point. In doubles, however, ball velocity is not that important. Putting your first serve in, regardless of speed is better than the fast one that will only land to the net. There are two reasons behind this approach: The receiver thinks the serve is fast so he will position himself on the baseline or further. Another reason is that the server has less pressure to put the ball in, particularly on important point.
5. Live on crosscourt shot. It is the best-shot selection in returning a serve. There are two advantages behind this shot: The margin of error is bigger as the net is lower in the middle. The other reason is that the court is longer and your ability to hit an angle shot is magnified.
Forget about hitting the ball down the line. The net is higher on the sideline and to clear the net you have to hit a little bit higher. And that will be an ideal volley shot for your opponent. You can solidify your cross-court confidence by practicing with your partner hitting a lot of cross-court shots both on deuce and ad court.
6. Hit down the middle. This effective strategy has been proven and tested since time immemorial and its effectiveness in doubles has no signs it is coming to an end. Always hit down the middle whether your opponents are both at the net or on the baseline. Your opponents will not only be confused, but their return shot will be weaker and it will be easy for you to put it away.
7. Hone up your net game skill. A doubles point is decided most of the time at the net. It is important that you and your partner have decent volleying skills. Otherwise, your match will always be on the edge. You can improve your volleying skills by doing volley drills simulating actual game. Let your partner volley the ball crosscourt and volley the ball back to him. Do 100 times on the ad court and 100 times on the deuce court.
8. Work on under practice shots. Many younger recreational players undermine the effectiveness of lob and angle shots. They think a lob shot is only for seniors. If you watch an ATP doubles championship, a lot of lob and angle shots are played to either to get back on the point or finish it. Practice lob and angle shots as often as you can. You and your partner will be surprised how it is easy to win a point and wrap up the match.
9. Maximize your strengths. The good news about doubles is that you and your partner need not be superb in your entire strokes department. The key, like in corporate management, is putting your strength to where it can be utilized to the fullest. If your partner has a very dependable backhand, let him take the ad court and you take charge of the deuce court. If your partner has a very strong overhead, agree beforehand that he will be responsible for all lob returns
10. Respect your opponents. Like you and your partner, your opponents also team up because they have skills to win matches. They also have game plans in their sleeves and ready to use them as the situation arises. Respect their skills. Don’t take them for granted. Discuss what strategies you will use to beat them. Thinking and deciding earlier on what are you are going to do against them makes doubles very interesting not only socially, but mentally as well.