This week’s question comes from another mid level club member.  “I play doubles at the club a couple of times a week. What can I do to improve my tennis without making major changes in  my game?“

As an avid tennis player, you know that the key to success on the court is constant improvement. While you enjoy playing doubles at the club a couple of times a week, you also recognize that there are areas in your game that could use some work. 

However, you don’t want to make any major changes that could throw off your entire game. So what can you do to improve your tennis without making any major changes?  

First, start by assessing your strengths and weaknesses. Consider which parts of your game are already strong and which could use some improvement. For example:

• Are you struggling with your footwork? This is typically a problem of your balance and inertia accelerated with age.
• Is your serve not as consistent as you’d like it to be?  Typically a poor ball toss due to lack of rhythm and balance.
• Are you having trouble with your backhand?  Typically a dominant eye issue.
• Could your volleys need some help?  Typically a ball watching issue causing you to be slow to react to the ball.

Note these suggestions are simple and DO NOT require you to make major changes in your game!

In 1933, Mercer Beasley wrote a book titled “How to Play Tennis.” Beasley was the coach of the tennis legends of his time, including Vines, Austin, and Parker. In his book, Beasley outlined the three greatest tennis tips of all time: 1) Keep your eye on the ball, 2) Get your racket back as quickly as possible, and 3) Move your feet

Although there have been advancements in racket technology, court surfaces, and shot selection, the fundamentals of the game have remained unchanged. Our Whisperer Notes provide a timeless reference to elaborate these tennis tips.  They may help you identify your area(s) of weakness, and the simple steps you can start to focus on improving them.

Finally, if you are willing to make an investment in $$$, and the time/frustration to change, you might consider taking a couple of private coaching lessons to get some expert advice on specific shot(s). A professional coach may help you identify areas for improvement and address them.

Remember, improving your tennis game is a continuous process that requires patience and dedication. By making small adjustments, at any age, you can improve your tennis without making any major changes to your overall game.

Good luck,
Rob  Tennis Whisperer

This week’s question comes from a mid level club member.  “With Badge about to start, what are some simple strategies I can use to improve my doubles play?”

Overall, the key to successful doubles play is to communicate with your partner, play to your strengths, and be aggressive when the opportunity arises.

Drilling down, here are a few strategies to consider to help you improve your tennis doubles play:

1. Communicate with your partner: Good communication is essential in doubles. Make sure to talk to your partner before, during, and after the match. Discuss tactics, shots, and weaknesses that you can exploit.

2. Play to your strengths: In doubles, it is essential to play to your strengths. If you are good at the net, try to play aggressively and move up to the net as much as possible. If you have a strong backhand, use it to keep the ball deep, and either setup your partner and force errors.

3. Use the lob: The lob is a great shot in doubles, especially if your opponents are playing close to the net. It can be used to push them back and create space for you to hit a winner.

4. Stay in position: Make sure you and your partner are covering the court properly: particularly the middle of the court which covers 80% of doubles play. Stay in your assigned positions and be ready to move quickly to cover any open spaces. It’s a trap to try to “guard your side line” — which takes you out of the main game!

5. Watch your opponent’s body language: Pay attention to your opponent’s body language. If they are shifting their weight or preparing to hit a certain shot, you may be able to anticipate their next move and adjust your position accordingly.

6. Serve and volley: Serving and volleying can be an effective strategy in doubles. It puts pressure on your opponents and can help you win points quickly. And it’s a good surprize tactic if you normally stay on the base line when serving.

7. Take risks: Don’t be afraid to take risks and go for winners when appropriate. In doubles, the court is smaller, and there is less time to react, so aggressive play can be rewarded.  Even so, your primary objective must always be to get into the point!

Good luck in Badge,
Rob  Tennis Whisperer