Original source: The Tennis Mentor
This video from The Tennis Mentor covered a lot of ground. Streamed.News selected 4 key moments and summarises them here. Everything below links directly to the timestamp in the original video.
Are you winning the battle at the net in doubles? A small adjustment in where you aim your volleys can dramatically shift the odds in your favour by simplifying your shot and improving your court coverage.
A Simple Rule to Win More Doubles Volleys: Hit in the Direction You Are Moving
A decisive tactical advantage can be gained at the net by following a simple rule: volley the ball in the same direction as your body's movement. When poaching across the court, for instance, directing the volley towards the opposing net player leverages your momentum for a simpler, more controlled shot. This simultaneously gives the opponent minimal time to react, turning a standard exchange into a high-pressure offensive play.
The main reason this strategy is so effective lies in court positioning for the subsequent shot. By moving and hitting in the same direction, you naturally cover the most likely return, setting up an easy second volley. In contrast, hitting against your momentum toward the baseliner leaves you vulnerable to a simple passing shot down the line or through the middle.
"The tip is so simple... volley in the direction you're moving towards. If you aim your volley to the net player at the other end, they're going to have very little time to attack, because you're quite close to them."
Dynamic Lateral Movement is Key to Effective Net Play in Doubles
To dominate at the net in doubles, a player must abandon a static position in favour of constant lateral movement. The principle is to follow the direction of the ball, shifting both sideways and forwards. For example, if your partner hits a wide shot, you should move forward and toward that same side, preparing to intercept a potential return down the line or through the middle.
What's unique about this method is its emphasis on not overcommitting to the alley, a common amateur mistake. By staying slightly inside the singles line, a player can cover the alley with a single step without getting jammed or leaving the centre of the court exposed. This proactive positioning creates uncertainty for opponents and transforms the net player into a constant offensive threat.
"As soon as you overcommit and get yourself near to the singles line, you're actually making life more difficult for yourself, because if your opponent does try to pass you down the line, you're going to be jammed up."
Adjusting Depth at the Net Is Critical for Doubles Attack and Defense
A net player's position relative to the net should not be static, but must dynamically adjust based on whether their team is in an offensive or defensive phase. When in attack—for example, after a strong serve or when an opponent is off balance—the player should move closer to the net to intercept and put away weak returns. Conversely, when defending, they should move back to create more time and space to handle a powerful shot.
This principle extends to situations where both partners are at the net, as they should maintain a staggered formation rather than standing side-by-side. To be clear, if a partner is hitting a defensive shot like a low volley, you should hold a deeper position to cover a potential lob or fast-paced return, ensuring the team is never caught flat-footed.
"If your team's in attack, you need to be closer to the net, ready to pounce and put the ball away. And if your team's in defense, you want to sit back a little bit deeper, allowing yourself time and space."
The Correct Starting Position at the Net Changes for Serving and Receiving
A fundamental aspect of doubles strategy is understanding that the net player's starting position must change depending on whether their team is serving or returning. When a partner is serving, the ideal starting point is in the middle of the service box, both width-wise and depth-wise. This stance prioritises control of the centre of the court over protecting the alley, a common recreational player's mistake.
When the team is receiving serve, however, the net player should shift much closer to the centre 'T' and slightly further back. The main reason for this adjustment is to cover the most dangerous shot from the opposing net player: an easy interception volley through the middle. This defensive posture effectively plugs the highest-percentage target and prepares for a neutral rally.
"When your opponent is serving to your partner, instead of standing in the middle of the service box... you're actually going to stand much closer to the T. The reason... is my first danger is the player opposite me at the net."
Also mentioned in this video
- The main topic of improving doubles play by being more active as the net… (0:00)
- The two main roles of a net player in doubles (0:41)
Summarised from The Tennis Mentor · 13:26. All credit belongs to the original creators. Streamed.News summarises publicly available video content.
