Tennis Strategy for the Intermediate DoublesTeam

Naturally tennis players that have honed their skills in practice will want to challenge and test those skills in a match setting. For the intermediate player strategy begins to be as important as stroke production. Here are some helpful and simple tips that the intermediate tennis player can use while playing doubles.

TIP 1: Communication

It is critical that both players of a doubles team be on the same page. This cuts down on the guessing as what is going to happen and also eliminates the need for the net player to be constantly looking back at his partner to see what shot they will hit. Simply talking before a match about a game plan is very helpful. It is also a good idea for partners to talk in between points when serving and returning. Knowing in advance where the serve or return is going to be hit helps your partner out a great deal. Even though you may not be able to hit the ball where you want it every time, this is still good practice for the next level of your game. It also helps with structuring your points.

TIP 2: Stronger Server Serve First

A good play is to have the player with the stronger serve serve first in the match. This sets the tempo for the match and also mathematically, this player will serve more games. This should give your team more confidence and also place more pressure on your opponents. Letting the stronger serve go first also gives their partner a bit more time to get into the match at the net.

TIP 3: More Consistent Returner On Ad Side

Conventional thinking says let the stronger return play the Ad court. I like having the more consistent player take that side. This puts the odds in your team's favor that the point will get started. It also places more pressure on the server because they know that the serve will be returned. Also more game points are played from that side and again it makes good sense to have the player that can get more points started playing from that side. This also allows your bigger hitter to take a few more chances on returns from the Deuce court.

Practicing and putting into practice these three simple tips can have a profound impact on an intermediate doubles team play and record. Take the time to discuss a game plan with your partner before a match, discuss strengths and weakness, and decide who will serve and return first. All these things can lead to more fun and certainly more wins on a tennis court!