SCOTTSCOOP KEYS TO COMPETITIVE DOUBLES: 

• Forge a temporary alliance with your partner- teamwork must be the guiding light.  Swallow your egos for the sake of the team. 

• There are many critical decisions to be made early.  Make them as a team.  These include side of court, who serves first, main strategy of play for the day, etc. 

• Scout your opponents.  If not before you play, than at least during the warm-up.  Who is stronger/weaker?  Do they have fast reflexes?  Do they have a forceful net game?  Can we break their bond of teamwork? 

• Become a master at the art of concentration- clear your mind before you do battle. 

• Good communication is the key before, during and after the point as well as the match.  Things to discuss:   

Strategy for the match, and each point 

Help each other on line calls 

Call for balls down the middle 

Call each other off on out balls 

Move in unison as a team.  Cover for each other. 

Never assume anything! 

“The point is not over until it is over!” 

• Hit as many first serves in as possible, but don’t compromise your serve.  Go for it! 

• Learn the 4 positions, and which side you and your partner are better at.  Don’t be afraid to adjust your positions based on how the match is going.  Learn some different plays and formations that you can utilize in a match, such as “I” or Australian formations. 

• The double net is the best position in doubles, and your attempt to get there is your goal for every doubles point.  Double back is next best.  One up, one back is the least favorable. 

• As in singles, the main objective is to control the center of the court.  This is done by guarding your center, and attacking your opponents’ center relentlessly. 

• Get the net player involved. He is the key to holding serve.   This causes your opponent to watch you and not the ball.  Serve down the “T” to make the net player more dangerous. 

• Don’t watch your partner hit, focus in on your opposing net player for clues. 

• Become a doubles specialist!  Improve your doubles shots: angle shots, volleys, overheads, poach move, spin serve, Return of serve, chip and charge, etc. 

• Cut down on your back swings, the ball gets there much faster in doubles. 

• Support your partner through the good times and the bad.  This includes during the match and at the post game news conference.  Accept wins and losses as a team. 

• There’s no shame in winning the match- play to win!  This feeling must be there as you step on to the court!