Always attack in doubles.The net is the only place in the court to play the doubles game, and you should always strive to attain the net position.There are two formations for the receiving team: one is the Australian formation with the receiver's partner standing in to volley the server's return volley; the other is the English and American style with both menback, thus giving the net attack to the server.This is safer, but less likely to produce a winning result unless the team is a wonderful lobbing combination.Lobbing is a sound defence in doubles, and is used to open the court.
I believe in always trying for the kill when you see a real opening."Poach" (go for a shot which is not really on your side of the court) whenever you see a chance to score.Never poach unless you go for the kill.It is a win or nothing shot since it opens your whole court.If you are missing badly do not poach, as it is very disconcerting to your partner.
The question of covering a doubles court should not be a serious one.With all men striving to attain the net all the time every shot should be built up with that idea.Volley and smash whenever possible, and only retreat when absolutely necessary.
When the ball goes toward the side-line the net player on that side goes in close and toward the line.His partner falls slightly back and to the centre of the court, thus covering the shot between the men.If the next return goes to the other side, the two men reverse positions.The theory of court covering is two sides of a triangle, with the angle in the centre and the two sides running to the side-lines and in the direction of the net.
Each man should cover overhead balls over his own head, and hit them in the air whenever possible, since to allow them to drop gives the net to the other team.The only time for the partner to protect the overhead is when the net man "poaches," is outguessed, and the ball tossed over his head.Then the server covers and strives for a kill at once.
Always be ready to protect your partner, but do not take shots over his head unless he calls for you to, or you see a certain kill.Then say "Mine," step in and hit decisively.The matter of overhead balls, crossing under them, and such incidentals of team work are matters of personal opinion, and should be arranged by each team according to their joint views.I only offer general rules that can be modified to meet the wishes of the individuals.
Use the lob as a defence, and to give time to extricate yourself and your partner from a bad position.The value of service in doubles cannot be too strongly emphasized since it gives the net to the server.Serviceshould always be held.To lose service is an unpardonable sin in first-class doubles.All shots in doubles should be low or very high.Do not hit shoulder-high as it is too easy to kill.Volley down and hard if possible.Every shot you make should be made with a definite idea of opening the court.
Hit down the centre to disrupt the team work of the opposing team; but hit to the side-lines for your aces.
Pick one man, preferably the weaker of your opponents, and centre your attack on him and keep it there.Pound him unmercifully, and in time he should crack under the attack.It is very foolish to alternate attack, since it simply puts both men on their game and tires neither.
If your partner starts badly play safely and surely until he rounds to form.Never show annoyance with your partner.Do not scold him.He is doing the best he can, and fighting with him does no good.Encourage him at all times and don't worry.A team that is fighting among themselves has little time left to play tennis, and after all tennis is the main object of doubles.
Offer suggestions to your partner at any time during a match; but do not insist on his following them, and do not get peevish if he doesn't.He simply does not agree with you, and he may be right.Who knows?
Every doubles team should have a leader to direct its play; but that leader must always be willing to drop leadership for any given point when his partner has the superior position.It is policy of attack not type of stroke that the leader should determine.
Pick a partner and stick to him.He should be a man you like and want to play with, and he should want to play with you.This will do away with much friction.His style should not be too nearly your own, since you double the faults without greatly increasing the virtues.
I am a great believer in a brilliant man teaming up with a steady player.Let your steady man keep the ball in play, and allow your brilliant man all the room he wants to "poach" and kill.Thus you get the best of both men.
Doubles is a game of finesse more than speed.The great doubles players, the Dohertys, Norman E.Brookes, the greatest in the world to-day, Roper Barrett, Beals Wright, and F.B.Alexander, are all men of subtlefinesse rather than terrific speed.
It requires more than speed of shot to beat two men over a barrier 3 to 3 1/2 feet high with a distance of some 32 feet.It is angles, pace, and accuracy that should be the aim in a great doubles game.Resource, versatility, and subtlety, not speed, win doubles matches.
