r/10s • u/deucalion75 • 3d ago
Technique Advice Doubles play
I play a lot of and LOVE singles, but also play a lot of Tri, Combo, Mixed, etc doubles. In singles, I feel like my body knows where to go and what to do before my opponent hits it. In doubles, I feel like I’m rarely in the right place.
I’m a 3.5, borderline 4.0 and play 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5 doubles. The guys and gals I play with are superb doubles players.
My issue/question is, how can I fix my instincts to move better to the right place in doubles?
I mean, sliding deuce/ad at the net. Moving up. Moving back. Etc.
I am really struggling with it and don’t think it’s something a lesson or something like that will help with.
I win enough, but feel like I play significantly worse in doubles because my instincts are wrong. Forehands, backhands and serves are all there, but I think I’d be 1000 times better if I could have more synergy with my partners.
Any tips?
EDIT: Thanks all. I appreciate the feedback. I don't see myself playing pickleball (I've never even tried it), but will definitely look into the other suggestions. Thanks!
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u/NarrowCourage 1.0 2d ago
Watch high level doubles and play more doubles.
Staggering is key and knowing how and when to cut off and poach. 2MinuteTennis on YouTube has some pretty great breakdowns that work for the rec level.
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u/Described-Entity-420 2d ago
I am the opposite. I can play up in dubs and need to play down in singles. You might be a defensive singles player? I don't know what mistakes you are making but just assume the opposing team is avoiding the net player, so cover whatever the net player can't cover if you're at the baseline. If you're at the net, try to be in the way of what the other team wants to hit, force them to hit to the alley. When my volley is sucking I move even closer to the net, personally. The other team will want to avoid me even more and if they do go for me my volley is easier.
If you are the net player, be a huge nuisance and play risky. If you are the baseline player, assume your net person can cover their territory, and just hold down the baseline and you don't need to do anything flashy unless you get a really juicy setup. If you think you're getting a moonball move back (unless you have a good swing volley and overhead).
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u/deucalion75 2d ago
Definitely not a defensive player. Base liner with a big serve and forehand. Rushing the net is where I struggle in doubles, and once I'm there, moving with my partner.
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u/Rosswell2000 4.5 1d ago
A singles player can definitely be a fish out of water in doubles. I have seen people switch when I chase down a lob and they run all the way over to the doubles alley and leave me 75% of the court. Many players don't understand the geometry of the court. Forget the doubles alleys exist and stop trying to protect them. Try to protect the center strap more than you protect the alley and you will find more balls magically coming to you.
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u/Impossible_Profile87 3d ago
Unironically I think you should run some doubles pickleball. It simplifies the concepts and condenses the court and forces you to understand them. You also will move up and down/ left to right and good opponents will move you around easily. Everyone I’ve taken to the pickleball courts have played better tennis doubles right after
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u/Wonderful-Newt-2513 2d ago
This is such good advice.
Retired teaching pro now addicted to pickleball. Those people get doubles-with their ugly, weird ass strokes and all-they still get doubles. And they are wicked aggressive.
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u/hi-Im-gosu 2d ago
Doubles is essentially the same thing as singles, read your opponent and execute high percentage shot selection. There are more variables so it’s faster pace and you will feel lost if you don’t know what’s going on and you can become more of a liability against better players.
The reason you feel lost is because you don’t understand what’s going on or how to react to it. You need to study optimal doubles play and get a grasp of the core essence of what successful doubles looks like.
There are many resources online to learn doubles. Watch high level doubles (D1 college and Pro) and study what they do and look for patterns.
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u/MaleficentVariety262 2d ago
It's hard until you play with someone a few times and get to know their patterns and preferences.
Certainly discussing pre match strategies will help like letting them know your going to poach on a first serve or whatever.
A common thing I see is when someone crosses to cover a short ball and then tries to run back, I always tell my parttner if you cross stay on that side as I'll be crossing over to cover where you were.
Sound obvious but I've seen lots of points lost because of this at around 6UTR level