Tennis Strategy Tips for the Beginning Doubles Player

Tennis is nothing more than a physical representation of the classic game of chess. Each stroke represents a piece of your chess army and how you apply those pieces can determine the ultimate outcome of any match. To be able to develop an effective tennis strategy, a players needs to understand their own game, strengths and weaknesses, very well. It is even harder for a doubles team to learn this. However, here are some simple tips for beginning players just starting to play matches.

Tip 1: Do What You Do Well

Most beginning tennis players feel swamped and overwhelmed when they first start playing matches. There are so many things to keep track of during a match and add on top of that worrying about stroke production can lead to feelings of dread and despair. Simple do what you already know. That means if you only know how to hit a ball high and deep, then hit it high and deep. If you are only able to hit the ball cross-court, then hit it cross-court. It makes no sense to try and hit shots that you have not learned or practiced very much. Stay within your game and limits.

Tip 2: Keep The Ball Cross-Court

Most beginning players get all caught up in thinking of where they should hit each shot. Keep it simple; hit every ball cross-court. The court is longer on the diagonal and subsequently this allows more of a margin for error. Also, a good cross-court shot makes it very difficult for your opponent's net person to intercept, or poach, your shot. Also there is a great sense of calm that comes from knowing in advance where you will be hitting your next shot. This affords a player more time focusing on hitting the ball and less time on thinking where the ball should be hit.

Tip 3: Get The Serve In

This is just plain old good advice for any player at any level! Most beginning players are simply terrified of serving. Serving is all about confidence. The most important part to serving is believing you can serve! It is a common fact that most players will tend to relax on second serves because they believe they will not come as hard as the first. Most players are more anxious returning first serves; so get a lot of first serves in! They do not have to be 140 mph but they do have to be in. Make your opponent, who is a beginner as well, have to return your serve. This places the pressure squarely on their shoulders.

These are some simple easy to employ strategies for beginning tennis players. The most important thing to remember is to not get overwhelmed by what is happening on court, by feelings of anxiety, and doubting your own abilities. Tennis is a sport and a game. So just have fun! That is the most important thing after all.