Tennis Returns: Low and Slow is Better Than High and Hard
In doubles, players often want to hammer the ball back over the net, but if that hard return flies high, then harder isn't always better. Here's why.
High and Hard Can Be Volleyed
Balls that are returned hard but high are fairly easy to volley, and in doubles, there is usually a player at the net waiting to do just that.
So instead of hitting the ball hard and high, players should focus on hitting a low return, keeping the ball as close to the net as possible. This makes the net-not you and your partner-your _opponents' primary obstacle and their initial focus.
And these low shots need not be hard. In fact, low, soft shots, minimize your opponents' offensive options, forcing them to simply get the ball back over the net rather than going for a winner.
References:
1. Pete Collins. "Master Class: Tips from the Nation's Top Pros: Keep it low in doubles." Tennis, April 2007.
2. Bill Patton, The Art of Coaching High School Tennis: Planning for Success, Jetlaunch, 2014
To download the pdf version of this article, click here: Download Now
