Doubles Tip

When you play doubles your favorite flavor should be vanilla. What the hell does that mean, Kev?

IT means when you hit a passing shot go down the middle and rip it with topspin. That is not the time to get creative with low percentage angles and down the line shots.

But hey, those are my best shots.

If they go in then do it; if they miss, go with vanilla.
Same with the first volley and most second volleys; hit through the cross court middle; forget about the sick drop volley angle.

But hey, I love that shot.

Then do it when your up by two or more points. Don't risk losing the point with a low percentage shot against a skilled opponent.

Doubles Positioning

How close am I supposed to get to the net? I feel like I'm out of position. I'm not sure where to go. My partner says get to the net yet we get lobbed like crazy so we can't get in; plus when we go to the service line I feel like I'm out of position. Get used to the service line. Read that line three more times. Practice half volleys, low volleys, mid-volleys, high volleys, and overheads right there. There are no members of the club that have the speed to cover a good lob when positioned six feet from the net. That is a tour play! Let the game come to you; hold that service line and you control the center of the court. Close the net and finish when the ball is up. Hold the line when challenged. Practice your mid court transition game. I then get other questions like: What do I do when my partner closes but doesn't put the ball away? I answer, "That is really aggravating. Get a better partner!" Seriously though, be ready to cover their back by holding the service line. That way you have covered their failed put-away. What if the other team closes the net and puts away our shots. I would then say, "Try to get in closer to the net to beat them to the punch." The team that controls the net usually wins the match. Hey, my partner only comes to the net to shake hands at the end of the match. You will need to work on your poaching and have your partner hit great low passing shots and incredible lobs when forced.

Good luck!,

Kevin Pease

The Volley

This tip involves the shot that usually makes or breaks a doubles team or the net rushing singles player. The position of your feet are the key. Try this little test I just invented! Push your right palm against a wall. If you are right handed step forward with your left foot. For a backhand volley step with your right foot. Lean towards the wall with your hand positioned in front of you. You can feel the leverage. Its that simple! Lean forward on your volley. When you move your weight forward well (using your legs), there is no need to use your wrist or elbow. Just push forward and keep your racquet path straight through the ball. Punch through the window (above the net.)

Kevin Pease

High Forehand Volley

Hey folks, lets get one thing straight, change your grip to the continental for the volley. This means for anything high or low fast or slow. Take the racquet back high above the strike zone with the racquet tilted back a little bit. You should then reach forward with a declining motion -- just like the lifesaving dive (the one where you don't go under water with your head) as you step into the ball with your left foot (for right handers). Keep your wrist firm without slapping the ball. This will produce a solid backspin which will stay low and it will be tough for your opponent to dig out. "Fed" does this shot perhaps as good as Edberg and Sampras. It's a real point ender, one way or another. Live long and prosper! Sign up for a lesson if you don't know what I'm talking about.

Your pro in the trenches,

Kevin Pease