Be a Closer at the net

A sure way to win more doubles matches is by closing in to the net so that you can finish(win) points by hitting un-returnable angles. By moving forward, racket up and ready, you can volley the ball from a higher point, producing better angles. When done correctly, your volleys will be off the court before your opponents can make a move for them. The best news is, that the closer you are to the net the less you have to swing.

I had the pleasure of watching Dennis Van Der Meer demonstrate this principle in a most unique way at one of his tennis facilities in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It was an amazing site, especially since he was winning points at the net against a high level junior player…WITHOUT A RACKET. Van Der Meer grabbed the lid from a water cooler, held it in front of him and had the junior player blast ground strokes at him from the baseline. He stepped diagonally forward, pointed the lid in the direction he wanted the ball to go and proceeded to put away volley after volley! By meeting the ball at a high point, in front of his body, close to the net, he was able to hit the ball at an angle that was off the court, into the fence in many cases, before the other player could move.

   Of course even with perfect technique, success also depends on your opponents trying to hit passing shots, not lobs. If your opponents have good lobs, or exceptionally good passing shots(low and/or away from you), you may have to adjust your court position/strategy.

 Generally speaking, the doubles team that can close in on the net and create winning volley angles, wins the match. Practice this strategy with your partner and watch your winning percentage grow