Nerves: “My Nerves Really Got the Better of Me”

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Nerves: “My Nerves Really Got the Better of Me”

Madison Keys has never been one to hide from the truth. After her loss to Renata Zarazúa in the US Open, she admitted something every competitor—whether in a Slam or a club match—has felt: nerves can take over.

“For the first time in a while, my nerves really got the better of me, and it kind of became a little bit paralyzing. I felt like I was just slow, I wasn’t seeing things the way I wanted to, which resulted in a lot of bad decisions and lazy footwork.”

It’s striking to hear this from a player who has already lifted a Grand Slam trophy this season. But Keys’ honesty reminds us of a universal truth: nerves don’t discriminate. They can hit when you least expect them, even in a “career year.”

Why Nerves Feel Paralyzing

Sports psychology has long studied what happens when pressure turns excitement into fear. Muscle tension creeps in, footwork slows, and decision-making clouds. In tennis, where balance and quick first steps are everything, being half a beat late can unravel an entire game plan.

As Keys put it herself: “I felt like I was just slow, I wasn’t seeing things the way I wanted to, which resulted in a lot of bad decisions and lazy footwork.”

Nerves Mean You’re Ready

Here’s the irony: nerves are not a sign of weakness. They’re a sign of readiness.

Bruce Jennings, before breaking world records, used to throw up from nerves. Serena Williams admitted she still felt “shaky” before major finals, despite more than two decades at the top. Rafael Nadal, throughout his career, relied on rituals—placing his bottles just so, adjusting his shorts, bouncing on the baseline. These weren’t quirks, but anchors. They channeled nervous energy into rhythm and control.

As uncomfortable as they feel, nerves are your body’s way of saying: you’re about to do something important. With age, those nerves can intensify—performance anxiety tends to grow sharper, not softer. For juniors, it often shows up differently: the fear of disappointing coaches or family. And sometimes, that pressure leaks out in unhealthy ways, like bending the rules or even cheating.

Practical Ways to Tame Nerves

The good news: nerves can be managed. Not eliminated—because nerves mean you care—but managed.

  • Pre-Match Rituals: Creating a consistent routine (listening to music, breathing exercises, visualization) helps anchor the mind.

  • Left-Hand Squeeze: Research shows that squeezing a tennis ball with the non-dominant hand before serving reduces overthinking and steadies execution.

  • Footwork Focus: Returning to basics—split steps, prep steps, crossover moves—can reestablish rhythm when your brain feels foggy. Rafael Nadal built his match-play identity around such details. At the start of matches, he would sprint to his return position—not just out of habit, but to keep his heart rate elevated and his body engaged. That simple ritual ensured his footwork was alive from the first ball—a reminder that movement patterns can settle the nerves before strokes ever do.

  • Mini-Resets on Changeovers: Think of changeovers as built-in reset buttons. Slow your breathing, towel off, replay the previous points briefly in your head—and then let them go. Use those ninety seconds to shift attention forward: What’s the next serve target? What’s the next tactical adjustment? Just as Keys spoke about the need for longer training “reset blocks” during a season, these mini resets in a match help restore balance, calm nerves, and re-enter play with clarity.

Whisper Tip:

Madison Keys’ candid reflection is a reminder that tennis is as much mental as physical. Nerves will always surface—but they don’t have to define the match. Some days, particularly when you’re tired or not feeling well, you just can’t get over the hump. Even so, the real secret to tennis is simple: just keep turning up.

Nerves don’t mean you’re unprepared. They mean you’re ready to play. The real question is: can you perform when it matters?

How Title IX Built US Women’s Tennis

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How Title IX Built US Women’s Tennis

For decades, US women have carried the Grand Slam torch, and in 2025, the trend is more alive than ever. Gauff, Keys, Pegula, Anisimova, and Navarro headline a wave of US women who dominate the game’s biggest stages. Four straight Slam finals have featured a US woman. Two Grand Slam winners.

That strength shows up in the 2025 US Open draw: six US women are seeded, more than any other nation. Gauff (#3), Pegula (#4), Keys (#6), Anisimova (#8), Navarro (#10), and Kessler (#32) form the deepest national presence at the tournament.

But this dominance didn’t happen by accident. It traces back more than 50 years, to Title IX, the landmark US law that required equal opportunity for women in education—including sports.

What Is Title IX?

Passed in 1972, Title IX prohibited sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools and universities. While its language never mentioned “sports,” its ripple effects transformed athletics in the US. Suddenly, high schools and colleges had to create programs, scholarships, and infrastructure for female athletes.

That meant more courts, more scholarships, more coaches—and most importantly—a cultural expectation that girls would play sports just as boys did.

How It Shaped Tennis

Tennis was already unique: it was one of the rare sports where women could earn prize money and media attention, especially after Billie Jean King’s 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” win. Title IX supercharged that pipeline.

  • College tennis as a development weapon: Navarro, Kessler, Stearns, and Collins all sharpened their games in NCAA competition, a luxury few European or Asian players have. That system exists because Title IX forced universities to fund women’s tennis scholarships.

  • Access to coaching and resources: Players like Anisimova and Kenin benefited from USTA programs, but their early opportunities—public courts, travel teams, scholarships—flowed from a Title IX culture where female athletic dreams were legitimate.

  • Role models and representation: Without Title IX, Serena and Venus Williams may have remained outliers. Instead, they became cultural icons in a system designed to nurture and multiply talent. Gauff and Keys are their direct heirs.

Why the US Leads the World

Many countries have talented female players, but few have the same critical mass. About 35% of US girls play sports regularly between ages 6–17. That’s unmatched globally.

The result? Depth. The US has Slam champions (Gauff, Keys, Kenin), Slam finalists (Anisimova, Pegula), rising stars (Navarro, Krueger, Stearns), and teenage prodigies (Jović). Title IX built not just one star, but a production line of champions.

The US has proven what happens when a country commits to equity in sports. Fifty years on, Title IX’s fingerprints are all over the US Open draw sheet.

Wrap

Title IX gave US girls permission to dream—and the resources to chase those dreams. The next US Slam champion won’t just be a product of talent and hard work. She’ll also be a child of Title IX.

P.S. In the spirit of full disclosure… Pam and I have six granddaughters. So yes, I may be a little biased when it comes to celebrating the future of girls’ sports

Manly 7 Valiant in Defeat in Badge Final

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Manly 7 Valiant in Defeat in Badge Final

Manly 7 fell 5–2 in their Badge Final on Saturday at Sydney Boys High, battling on an away blue hard court that felt far from their comfort zone.

Match Highlights

Barnaby & Isaac

  • Dropped their first set in a brutal tiebreaker (8–6) after serving for the set at 5–4 with three set points. Finals pressure kicked in, and playing “not to lose” into a stiff wind proved costly.

  • Down 1–6 in the breaker, they rediscovered their patterns, fought back to 6–6, but narrowly lost.

  • With their rhythm restored, they took the second set. (One Love’s top player later admitted he was intimidated by Isaac’s net presence.)

Bilal & Joel

  • Locked in two tight, deuce-heavy sets but couldn’t convert opportunities, falling in straight sets.

  • Equipment drama: Bilal broke his only racket, forcing Joel to lend him his spare.

Momentum Shift

  • Barnaby & Isaac carried their momentum into the turnaround, securing a third set win.

  • Bilal & Joel, facing the opposition’s top pair, pushed them deep. Joel earned the ultimate respect when they adjusted into tandem formation to counter his cross-court returns. Still, they lost another deuce-heavy set.

Closing Stage

  • In the final set, missed chances finally wore Barnaby & Isaac down. As Coach Tim put it: “Finals tennis is brutal — but it’s a great teacher.”

Positives to Take Away

  • Team fightback: rallied from 15 points down at the start of round two to get to the final.

  • Found their doubles identity: rediscovered magic diamond patterns travel well to any surface.

  • Serving & returning under pressure: remarkable execution in fierce wind and final-round pressure.

Areas to Build On

  • More match play for experience in pressure scenarios.

  • Strengthening regular doubles partnerships.

  • Sharpening tiebreak and pressure-play skills.

  • Across the board, volley improvement.

Wrap

While disappointment stings, this was a powerful learning experience. Manly 7 showed grit, flashes of brilliance, and plenty to build on. Finals tennis exposed the gaps but also revealed their competitive edge.

A loss on paper, but a huge step forward in development.

Ah! Doubles Really Is a Different Game

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Ah! Doubles Really Is a Different Game

At this year’s U.S. Open mixed doubles, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori reminded everyone that doubles is not just singles with four players jammed on the court—it’s an entirely different sport.

The Italian specialists—last year’s champions—are back again, dismantling some of the biggest singles names. Rybakina and Fritz? Gone. Rublev and Muchová? Outclassed. And with only a semifinal run so far, Errani and Vavassori have already pocketed more money than they earned winning the entire event last year.

The irony is sharp: the event was packaged as a showcase for singles stars, but it’s the doubles masters who are writing the story and cashing the checks.

Why Doubles Specialists Dominate

  • The Magic Diamond – Picture a diamond laid over the court, linking the four players. That diamond marks out the key sections where nearly 80% of balls are played at every level. Great doubles teams shift the diamond with each shot, always covering the hot zones, closing seams, and shrinking angles. Singles players often miss it—and leave space that doubles experts devour.

  • Craft Over Power – Singles stars try to blast their way through. Doubles specialists rely on placement, anticipation, and sharp angles.

  • Net Control – In doubles, the net is everything. Vavassori’s wingspan and Errani’s timing turn floating balls into easy winners.

  • Partnership as Choreography – Doubles isn’t improvisation. It’s synchronized movement—like Torvill and Dean on ice, only with rackets.

Badge Lessons

The same story unfolded last Saturday with two Manly teams in the Sydney Badge semifinals.

  • In Division 1, two young singles guns came out banging from the baseline. Nick and Rimmo stayed calm, worked the diamond, and took charge at the net. Result: four sets won, match sealed.

  • In Division 10, Issac and Barnaby committed fully to the diamond, keeping themselves anchored in the right zones every point. The payoff: three sets, including the clutch decider that delivered the tie.

Different divisions, same truth: doubles is a different game.

A Crowd’s Education

At the U.S. Open, fans came for the franchise names. Ticket prices were trimmed to fill the stands.

What the crowd got instead was a masterclass in doubles.

It wasn’t just tennis—it was Torvill and Dean on a court: precision, timing, and coordinated movement. The fans expected fireworks. They walked away talking about geometry, poaching, and anticipation.

How to Play Winning Doubles

To win in doubles, stop playing singles with a partner. Start playing doubles:

  • Play the Diamond – Shift with your partner on every shot. Protect the middle, close the angles, and make opponents hit the low-percentage ball.

  • Serve & Return With Purpose – Serves should feed your partner. Returns should be crosscourt, low, or lobbed to disrupt formations and keep the net player honest.

  • Stay Mentally Sharp – Keep your eyes outward on cues and patterns. Use quick rituals—like a simple ball squeeze—to reset and stay calm under pressure.

  • ABC: Always Be Closing – Move forward behind deep shots, poach the floaters, and keep opponents under constant net pressure.

Whisperer Wrap

This year’s U.S. Open mixed doubles was designed as a showcase for singles stars. Instead, it has become a clinic on the geometry and psychology of doubles. Errani and Vavassori—last year’s champions and already richer semifinalists this year—are proving the point.

From Flushing Meadows to Sydney Badge, the lesson is the same:

Doubles really is a different game. And those who master the diamond, the net, and the partnership—always win.  

And of course, it helps if you have a consistent volley!

Source: Getty Images

PS: Errani and Vavassori didn’t just make the semis — they won it in classic doubles fashion: 6/3, 5/7, 10/6 in the match tiebreaker. Another reminder that when the pressure’s highest, the doubles specialists know exactly how to finish the job.

Serve or Receive? Strategic Considerations

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Serve or Receive? Strategic Considerations

Isaac asked:

“Win the toss – do you like to serve first or receive? I chose to serve but my partner overruled me and said we are receiving, then threw the balls to the opposition.”

Your Options When You Win the Toss

When you win the toss, you have four choices:

  1. Serve – Sets the tone, builds rhythm, and applies immediate scoreboard pressure if you’re confident in your serve.

  2. Receive – Ideal if your opponents start slow or your team is strong on returns, giving you an early break opportunity.

  3. Choose Ends – Useful for managing sun, wind, or court conditions right from the start.

  4. Defer to Your Opponent – Allows you to react tactically to their choice while managing environmental factors to your advantage.

Factors to Consider

When deciding whether to serve or receive, consider these key factors to ensure your choice supports your strategy and confidence from the outset:

  • Your strengths and confidence levels
    Serving first builds proactive momentum.

  • Opponent tendencies
    Receiving can exploit early match nerves.

  • Weather, sun, and wind
    Choosing ends or deferring can optimise playing conditions.

In Badge Matches – Second Rounds

In second rounds of Badge, you often have a clearer understanding of your opponents’ strengths and weaknesses based on previous encounters. This makes your toss decision more informed and strategic:

  • You know who has a weaker serve under pressure.

  • You know who struggles to return heavy serves.

  • You’ve experienced how weather or court conditions affect play.

Use this knowledge to make a calm and confident decision that aligns with your team strategy.

Doubles Team Communication

In your situation, you chose to serve, but your partner switched to receive without discussion.

The secret to good doubles is, you guessed it: a strong partnership on court. Doubles is won by two players moving, thinking, and deciding as one.

It’s even better when both players have a rudimentary understanding of where to stand before each point begins. Doubles offers a huge advantage in that one player gets to start in a winning position before the point even starts – whether that’s at the net pressuring the returner or setting up for an intercept.

Importantly, putting doubles teams together based solely on UTR scores is not a good strategy. Doubles is always, first and foremost, about chemistry and building experienced teams. Two players with strong individual ratings but no tactical cohesion will rarely outperform an experienced, communicative pair who trust each other’s positioning, movement, and decision-making.

To avoid confusion and maintain unity, take 30 seconds before the toss to align with your partner. This builds trust, reinforces your tactical plan, and sets the tone for a focused match.

Discuss:

  • Preferred serving order – Who feels ready to serve first.

  • Match conditions – Sun, wind, court speed, and shadows.

  • Opponent tendencies – Who is vulnerable on serve or return.

  • Team mindset – How you want to start tactically and psychologically.

Wrap

Starting united ensures confidence, clarity, and optimal strategy from the very first point.

The Art of Poaching

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The Art of Poaching

In a recent column, Coach Tim posed a key question: “Are you playing Badge Smart—or just playing Badge?”  One standout tactic from his advice: poach more at the net.  If your partner hasn’t been crossing, ask them to. Give your opponents a new problem to solve.

This post is a follow-up:  Here’s how to make that strategy work.

Watching Your Opponent’s Racket Head to Time Poaches

In competitive doubles, net play is where matches are won or lost. One of the most subtle yet impactful skills you can develop is learning to read the opposing baseline player’s racket head—and time your poach with surgical precision.

Rather than reacting after the ball is struck, this technique helps you anticipate the shot before it happens.

What It Means

This tactic centers on watching the racket head—not the ball.

Most players lock onto the ball and move too late. But if you’re tuned into the racket’s motion, you’ll pick up crucial cues that reveal:

  • What type of shot is coming

  • When to move

  • Where to intercept

You’re not guessing. You’re decoding intent hidden in swing mechanics.

Why It Works

The racket head tells a story. Learn to read it:

  • Long, fast backswing with high drop? Topspin drive incoming.

  • Short, choppy motion? Expect a slice.

  • Open face, minimal prep? Disguised lob or drop shot.

These cues give you a split-second edge—and at the net, that edge is everything.

How to Train and Execute

Step 1: Set Your Ready Position

  • Stay balanced, low, and still

  • Eyes level and forward

Step 2: Train Visual Awareness

  • Watch the hitter’s racket head, not the ball

  • Track:

    • Backswing length

    • Swing speed

    • Shoulder and hip rotation

Step 3: Time Your Poach

  • As soon as you sense a crosscourt drive or loopy ball, go

  • Cut across with conviction and volley into the Doubles Diamond

This is more than a physical skill—it’s a mental habit built on focus and confidence.

Wrap: Don’t Chase the Ball—Read the Swing

  • Watch the racket head

  • Poach on cues, not hope

  • Own the net with anticipation, not hesitation

Train your eyes to see intention, and you’ll start poaching with purpose—and winning more points with ease.

Dress Code for Badge Royal Sydney

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Dress Code for Visiting Players Competing at Royal Sydney

Heading to Royal Sydney for a Sydney Badge match? Make sure your outfit is as match-ready as your game. Royal Sydney upholds strict standards on court attire, and visiting players are expected to comply fully.

Dress Expectations at Royal Sydney

Royal Sydney adheres to both the Sydney Badge rules and its own traditional standards of dress. All visiting players must wear:

  • Recognized tennis-specific clothing—no t-shirts, running shorts, or gym gear

  • Predominantly white attire is preferred, in line with Royal Sydney traditions. Colored trim is acceptable, but outfits should be primarily white

  • Proper tennis footwear—flat-soled, non-marking shoes suited to the surface played on

Not Allowed

  • T-shirts, casual shorts, or leggings not designed for tennis

  • Logos, graphics, or writing that are excessive or inappropriate

  • Any attire not matching Tennis Australia’s Dress & Equipment Regulations

Consequences of Non-Compliance

  • Players may be asked to change before being allowed to play

  • Forfeiture of matches if appropriate attire is not worn

  • Potential for official reporting under Badge league enforcement rules

Royal Sydney Dress Code

Why Doubles Isn’t Optional for Developing Tennis Players

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The Power of Doubles in Player Development: A Case Study with Mirra Andreeva

In an era where rising young pross often sideline doubles to chase individual rankings, 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva offers a compelling counterpoint. Her recent performances on tour showcase not just a growing singles game, but a commitment to doubles as a tool for growth—both on and off the court.
Following her singles title at Indian Wells, Andreeva partnered with close friend and compatriot Diana Shnaider to claim the Miami Open doubles crown. In the final, they defeated Spain’s Cristina Bucsa and Japan’s Miyu Kato with a score of 6–3, 6–7(5), [10–2]. A long rain delay couldn’t dampen their spirits—if anything, it brought out their humor and chemistry.
Rather than retreating after early singles exits in Miami (Andreeva in the third round, Shnaider in the second), they played doubles—and found something even more valuable.
“We always make fun of ourselves,” Andreeva said. “If she hits an amazing shot, I’m like, ‘Are you Roger Federer?’ That joke fires her up, and then she plays even better.”
This kind of levity is rare in the intense one-on-one combat of singles. For young players navigating the emotional grind of the tour, doubles offers a critical release valve—a space where joy and connection coexist with competition.
Shnaider, who’s had a more turbulent singles season, echoed that sentiment:
“I need some jokes on court. I need smiles. I need to have some talks with a partner. It helps release the stress and tightness.”
Andreeva’s approach reflects key principles in performance psychology. Emotional regulation, connection, and humor aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they directly impact resilience, confidence, and long-term motivation.
Their Miami title marks their second together as a team, following their run to Olympic silver last August. Each time, the message is the same: doubles isn’t just about tactics—it’s about staying grounded.
“When we play doubles, we both don’t like when it’s very tense,” Andreeva noted. “So we try to chill a bit, make jokes, and just enjoy the match together.”

Why Doubles Matters—Even at the Club Level

The benefits of doubles aren’t limited to rising pros. For average club players, doubles offers a lower-impact yet highly strategic alternative to singles that can extend competitive longevity. It sharpens volleying, positioning, teamwork, and communication—skills often overlooked in baseline-heavy singles play.
More importantly, it fosters camaraderie and community, reducing the pressure of solo performance while keeping the competitive edge sharp. Players often discover that their singles game improves simply by enhancing their awareness, shot variety, and net instincts—all honed in doubles.
On a personal note, my earliest competitive successes came in doubles—long before I truly understood how to play singles. It gave me the confidence, match toughness, and tactical awareness that eventually translated into my singles game.

A Development Path Worth Backing

Coaches and parents should take note. Encouraging elite juniors to start playing doubles isn’t a distraction—it’s a development strategy. Doubles sharpens instincts, builds tactical awareness, and most importantly, teaches young athletes how to navigate stress with perspective and support.
Andreeva may be on a fast track in singles, but her investment in doubles is what’s keeping her centered. And in the long run, that might be the edge that truly sets her apart.

Game, Set, Assist – The Unsung Side of Doubles

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Game, Set, Assist: The Hidden Art of Great Doubles Partners

In basketball, the assist is celebrated as a cornerstone of teamwork. It’s tracked, analyzed, and replayed.

Yet in doubles tennis, where collaboration is just as vital, the assist often goes unnoticed—the clever setup, the timely shift, the coverage of a partner’s blind side.

A perfect example of true partnership comes from an unexpected arena. Years ago, 13-year-old Natalie Zito was chosen to sing the national anthem before an NBA playoff game between Portland and Dallas.

Midway through the song, overcome by nerves, she froze. The crowd fell silent. Cameras rolled.

Then, a hand on her shoulder.

It was Portland coach Maurice Cheeks, a man with 7,392 assists in his playing career.

What followed may have been his 7,393rd—and most meaningful. He gently encouraged her, began singing along, and brought the crowd with him. Natalie finished the anthem. That moment changed her life.

Doubles tennis needs more of this spirit.

While stats often highlight aces, poaches, and winners, real doubles success is built on the invisible plays. It’s the partner who widens the hitting lane, shadows the net player, or takes a tough shot to let their teammate shine.

What Does an Assist Look Like in Doubles Tennis?

  • A serve placed to set up a poach

  • Subtle footwork movement at net to pressure the opponent

  • A quick “switch” call before your partner sees the lob coming

These moments don’t appear on the scoreboard, but they change the outcome of matches.

Assists in doubles are more strategic than statistical. They rely on timing, positioning, vision, and a deep sense of partnership.

Much like the systems James Clear outlines in Atomic Habits, these small, consistent actions have a compound effect.

  • They create momentum.
  • They build confidence.
  • And they help partners succeed together.

Let’s give credit where it’s due. Let’s back the player who creates space, speaks up early, and has their mate’s back—even when they don’t hit the ball.

These are the assists of tennis.

And maybe, just maybe, they’re what make a good partner unforgettable.

Just like Maurice Cheeks’ 7,393rd.

Lessons from Seniors Match Play in Adelaide

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Senior tennis offers distinct opportunities and challenges, particularly on grass courts.
 After a week of observing match play across several centers, here are key insights designed to help players enhance their performance:
Key Observations
  1. Mobility and Agility Challenges
    • Grass courts demand quick adjustments due to low ball bounces. With mobility naturally declining with age, efficient footwork and positioning become essential.
    • Small, controlled steps help maintain balance and ensure you’re consistently in position without overextending.
  2. Drop Shots and Lobs as Effective Weapons
    • Drop shots and lobs capitalize on opponents’ slower reaction times and mobility issues. Grass courts amplify their effectiveness, as the surface favors low-bouncing slices and deceptive placements.
    • Accurate execution of these shots keeps opponents off-balance, forcing errors and extending rallies to your advantage.
  3. Serve and Return Tactics
    • A well-placed first serve, ideally deep and precise, prevents opponents from attacking early in the point. Avoid short second serves, which can invite aggressive lobs.
    • When returning, aim deep and wide to challenge your opponent’s lateral movement and force weaker responses.
  4. Positioning: The “Magic Diamond” in Doubles
    • Consistently positioning yourself within the doubles “magic diamond” increases court coverage and shot anticipation. This strategic area, covering the center of the court, accounts for 80% of shots.
    • After serving or returning, move forward into the diamond to assert an aggressive net position. Grass courts particularly reward players who dominate with confident volleys and proactive positioning.
By incorporating these strategies, senior players can leverage their experience and adjust effectively to the nuances of grass court play, ensuring a competitive edge in Seniors event.

Elevating Your Doubles Game

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In tennis, doubles is the game for most players—it’s fast-paced, strategic, and requires teamwork in a way singles never will. Mastering doubles means understanding how to control the court, support your partner, and capitalize on each shot. Here’s a quick guide to some essential doubles strategies to help you dominate the court, improve synergy with your partner, and play smarter. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned player, these tips will sharpen your doubles play and set you up for success!

1. Manage Your Court Real Estate:

Apply the 80% Rule: around 80% of shots land in the “Magic Diamond” near the center of the service box. Prioritize defending this area, particularly when moving to protect the middle. Even if you can’t reach every shot, positioning yourself toward the center increases your chances to make effective plays.

2. Embrace the Team Element:

Doubles is all about collaboration. Often, one player can position themselves for the winning shot without touching the ball! The server and receiver should focus on setting up their partner at the net, where winning points becomes easier. The net is where the magic happens! And the Saint Andrews Cross position is a great way to add some spice to your doubles play and really keep your opponents on their toes. Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun!

3. Be a Threat at the Net:

Assert yourself as a force at the net to pressure your opponents. Whether you’re a “blitzkrieg” type like our German friend Thomas, dominating with a powerful presence, or a quick mover like Tim, always aim to disrupt and provoke errors from the opposition with your positioning and movement.

4. Prioritize Your First Serve:

Aim for an 80% first-serve success rate by dialing back on power if needed. This approach gives you more control over the point, increases your chances to position for volleys, and helps your partner to be in an optimal spot for a winning play—a win-win-win! A solid first serve also keeps opponents on edge, giving you the upper hand.

Elevate Your Doubles Strategy: Play Smarter, Not Harder

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In doubles, success centers on controlling the Magic Diamond—the critical area where most of the play unfolds. Understanding this space adds new meaning to your positioning at the start of each point.
Doubles strategy is all about awareness of key patterns, with four players moving in harmony—like a well-choreographed dance. To elevate your doubles game, it’s essential to understand the primary patterns for each role: the server, returner, server’s partner, and returner’s partner.

Key Doubles Patterns

–  J Path: For the returner’s partner, this path involves starting laterally and curving forward toward the net in a “J” shape. This movement allows them to intercept cross-court shots and poach aggressively, putting pressure on the server’s team.
– V Path: The server’s partner follows a “V” path, moving diagonally to adjust to the return. By shifting back to cover deep shots or moving forward to intercept, they effectively cover key angles and support the server.
– Volley Targets: Mastering four key volley targets—center window, deep cross-court, down the line, and short angled volleys—improves your effectiveness at the net and maximizes pressure on opponents. (Read more –>)
– The Volleyball Approach: In this setup, one player acts as the “setter” to prepare the play, while the other is the “spiker” who finishes it, similar to volleyball.

Play Smarter, Not Harder

Certain court zones are high-traffic areas, while others—like the sidelines—are low-percentage spaces that don’t require constant coverage.
Typically, the serving team benefits from keeping the ball in the middle to support the server’s partner, while the returning team gains an edge by using wider angles to create opportunities.
By mastering these patterns, doubles becomes more intuitive. You’ll find yourself positioning strategically, maximizing efficiency, and truly unlocking the full potential of your doubles game.

Best Volley Targets in Doubles for Winning Points

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Using High-Percentage Spots to Win More Points.

In doubles, where you place your volleys can make all the difference in controlling the point and ultimately winning it.
Here are the four primary targets for volleys, each with its own high-percentage play to maximize your effectiveness at the net:

1. The Center Window (or “T” Area)

 – Why it Works: Aiming for the center window—the space between the two opposing players near the service line—is one of the highest-percentage targets in doubles. Hitting to the center reduces the angles opponents have to work with, forcing them to hit up rather than out wide.
   – When to Use: This is ideal when you’re in a stable volleying position and looking to keep the opponents on the defensive, particularly when they’re out of position.

2. Deep Cross-Court to the Baseline

   – Why it Works: A deep volley cross-court, aiming toward the baseline, forces the opponent farthest away from the net to retrieve the ball, making it harder for them to counterattack. This target also gives you and your partner more time to adjust your position and reset at the net.
   – When to Use: Use this volley target when you need to reset the rally or push the baseline player backward, taking away their time and reducing their ability to hit an aggressive shot.

3. Down the Line Near the Sideline

   – Why it Works: Going down the line can catch the net player by surprise, especially if they’re leaning towards the center to poach or cover a cross-court return. This target opens up space, as it forces one opponent to shift wide, often leaving gaps in their team’s coverage.
   – When to Use: This is effective if you notice the net player poaching or when you want to create movement and disrupt your opponents’ positioning.

4. Short, Angled Volley in the Service Box

   – Why it Works: A sharp-angled volley into the service box can exploit open spaces and make it difficult for opponents to retrieve the ball, especially if they’re positioned deep in the court. This shot takes time away from the opponent and requires them to cover a lot of ground quickly.
   – When to Use: This is best used when you’re close to the net and can control the angle effectively, or when you notice your opponents standing deep. It’s also effective as a finishing shot when you want to end the point outright.

How to Choose Your Target

Choosing the right volley target depends on several factors: your positioning, your opponent’s positioning, and the pace of the ball. By being aware of these four primary targets and selecting the right one based on the situation, you increase the likelihood of winning the point. Practicing these placements on the court will help you develop the precision and control needed to apply them in a match.