Recently we in Los Gigantes have been working on specific drills to improve the so important tactic regarding where to move - what to do if you are the non hitter - and where to hit.

The big problem with tennis doubles here in Los Gigantes is the "forever" pattern of one up and one back and the "fear" of moving forward because of the greater "fear" of being lobbed.Players then come in but usually on the wrong shot and then wonder why the lob beats them.

Watching your opponents body/feet/racket will give you clues as to what they are going to do.Also most players have set responses and these responses can be read a mile away.

But here I now give you some basis doubles rules:

The Split Step

Are you having a hard time getting to the ball or hitting a lot of difficult shots?
These problems are usually due to too much movement, not too little. Doubles tennis players have been told to get to the net. This is good advice, but often they tend to be moving when the ball is hit. Get into a balanced position (split) before the ball is hit and then spring into action to attack the ball or court position as soon as you see the shot. Correct movement gets you to the ball with an easier shot, or it gets you in position to attack or defend your opponents shot.

The Non Hitters Rule

Did you know that what you do while your tennis partner is hitting the ball determines which team is going to win in doubles? If you are standing and watching your tennis partner hit the shot, you are not influencing the game. On the other hand if, while the ball is traveling to your tennis partner, you are correctly moving to attack or defend your tennis partner's weakest shot then your understanding and movement will greatly improve your team's chances to win the match.

Returners Partner - Who Do You Watch?

Your tennis partner is ready to return serve. You are correctly in the hot seat (on the service line next to the T).
Are your hips facing the server or are they facing the net man? If they are facing the net man, you understand a very important element in doubles-- control of time. Hips and eyes directed at the net man prepare you for the worst return from your tennis partner (at the net man). If that shot occurs, you will have time to defend that return. If he hits a good return (crosscourt or lob), you will have time to attack. Time is short on the doubles court, and the person who understands it best has a huge advantage over others.

Now get out there and try this.