7 Tennis Doubles Drills to Dominate the Court

Are you ready to take your tennis doubles game to the next level? You’re in luck! We’ve got a lineup of tennis doubles drills that’ll have you and your partner moving like a well-oiled machine in no time.

The camaraderie and strategy make doubles in tennis incredibly fun and rewarding. But here’s the kicker: without the right practice, you might be leaving wins on the table. Let’s change that, shall we? Grab your racquet, find your partner, and let’s dive into these game-changing doubles drills!

Drill 1: Tennis Volleys

Tennis volleys can really up your doubles game. They’re like a secret weapon that keeps your opponents guessing. Let’s break down how to master quick-fire volley exchanges at the net.

When volleying, focus on short, controlled hits rather than power shots. Try to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible. It’s trickier than you might think!

Many players tense up during these exchanges, but that’s a mistake. Keep your grip relaxed. Imagine holding a baby bird – firm enough to keep it secure, but gentle enough not to harm it. This is what tennis players call “soft hands.”

To improve your technique, focus on absorbing the ball’s impact with your racquet instead of hitting it back hard. Let the racquet do the work. It’s all about finesse, not force.

As you get more comfortable, try to speed up your exchanges. Challenge yourself and your partner to see how many volleys you can hit in 30 seconds. This drill will help improve your reflexes.

Consistency is key to improvement. Try to practice these volley drills at least twice a week. You might not see immediate results, but stick with it. Over time, you’ll notice significant improvement in your volley game.

Remember, volleys are just one part of tennis. They’re a valuable skill, but don’t forget to work on other aspects of your game too. With practice and patience, you’ll soon be volleying with confidence and skill.

Drill 2: Serve Placement

Serve placement is crucial in doubles. It’s not just about getting the ball in play, but setting up your partner for success. Try serving wide to the deuce court or down the T in the ad court. This pulls your opponent off the court, creating openings for your partner.

Here’s a useful drill: set up targets (like water bottles or cones) at the corners of the service box. Aim to hit these targets 7 out of 10 times. It’s challenging, but it pays off in matches.

Communication with your partner is essential. Before each point, quickly discuss your plans. Are you serving wide or down the middle? Is your partner poaching or staying put? You can even use hand signals behind your backs – a closed fist for “staying” and an open hand for “poaching.”

Drill 3: The Cross Court Challenge

Let’s talk about the crosscourt challenge in doubles tennis. This skill can really change your game for the better. When I started, my crosscourt shots were all over the place. But with practice, I found my rhythm.

To improve, start by rallying with your partner. Focus on keeping the ball crosscourt. Don’t worry about power at first – just aim for consistency. Imagine there’s a diagonal channel on the court that you need to keep the ball in. This mental image can help you visualize the shot better.

Angled shots are another key part of the crosscourt game. These shots can open up the court and make your opponents scramble. The trick is to use the court’s width to your advantage. Try taking the ball early and cutting across it to create a sharp angle.

To practice angle shots, set up targets in the corners of the service boxes. Start close to the net and gradually move back as you get more comfortable. Focus on brushing up the side of the ball instead of hitting through it. This can help you drop those angled shots in just right.

Remember, improving your crosscourt game takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. Keep at it, and soon you’ll be controlling the court like a pro.

When playing crosscourt, watch your opponents’ positions. If one of them moves towards the middle, that’s your chance to go for a sharp angle shot. It’s all about keeping them guessing.

Drill 4: Poaching Practice

Let’s talk about poaching in tennis doubles. It’s a tactic where you snatch points from right under your opponents’ noses. At first, it might feel awkward, but with practice, it can become a powerful weapon in your game.

Timing is crucial for successful poaching. You can’t just rush the net randomly – that’s asking for trouble. The key is to watch your opponent’s return and move at just the right moment.

A helpful drill to improve your timing is the “traffic light” drill. Your partner hits returns from the baseline while you’re at the net. They call out colors: “green” means poach, “red” means stay put, and “yellow” means fake a poach. It’s a fast-paced exercise that sharpens your reflexes.

Another useful drill is the “shadow poach.” Stand ready at the net while your partner hits returns. Instead of hitting the ball, just practice your poaching movement. This helps you get a feel for the right timing without the pressure of making contact.

Remember, poaching is as much mental as it is physical. You need confidence in your abilities. Don’t be afraid to miss a poach or two – it’s part of the learning process. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.

Poaching can be a game-changer in doubles. It’s a high-risk, high-reward play that can energize you and your partner. With practice and persistence, you’ll be intercepting shots like a pro, leaving your opponents wondering what hit them.

Drill 5: Alley Rally Drill

Tennis doubles can be tricky, but the Alley Rally drill can help you and your partner become a formidable team. This drill focuses on targeting the doubles alley, which is a narrow section of the court. While it might seem simple, mastering this shot can give you a big advantage in matches.

When practicing alley shots, it’s important to focus on technique rather than power. Try brushing up the side of the ball to create the right angle. This approach takes some getting used to, but it’s key to improving your accuracy.

A fun way to practice is the “alley gauntlet” drill. Set up targets along the alley at different distances and try to knock them down. Start close to the net and work your way back. It’s a great way to improve your aim while having some fun.

The Alley Rally also involves alternating groundstrokes and volleys. This helps you work on your transition game – moving between the baseline and the net. One player starts at the net, the other at the baseline. The baseline player hits a groundstroke down the alley, then moves forward. The net player volleys it back and moves back. Keep this pattern going, staying in the alley the whole time.

Trust and coordination are crucial in doubles. Clear communication with your partner is key. Develop a shorthand for quick decisions, like saying “yours” or “mine” for those in-between shots. Pay attention to each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your play accordingly.

Consistency is crucial when mastering the Alley Rally. Try to include it in your warm-up routine every time you practice. Even just a few minutes can make a big difference over time.

Remember to enjoy the process. Doubles tennis is about teamwork, so laugh at your mistakes and celebrate your successes together. With practice, you’ll soon be working together smoothly and using precise shots to outmaneuver your opponents.

Drill 6: I-Formation Drills

Tennis doubles can be thrilling, especially when you master the I-Formation strategy. This unique approach changes the game by creating confusion and opening up the court.

In the I-Formation, the server stands in the middle, while their partner crouches low right in front of them. This forms an ‘I’ shape on the court, giving the strategy its name.

After serving, both players need to move fast. The “serve and sprint” drill can help with this. The server hits the ball, then immediately runs to their chosen side. Meanwhile, the net player must quickly decide which way to move.

Deception is a key part of the I-Formation. You want to make your opponents think you’re going one way, then surprise them by going the other. One trick is to have the net player lean slightly in one direction before the serve. Often, the returner will hit towards the opposite side without realizing it.

Mixing in fake switches can also throw off your opponents. The net player can start moving one way, then quickly change direction. Just be careful not to trip over your own feet!

Using subtle hand signals behind your back to communicate with your partner can add another layer of mystery for your opponents. You could develop your own secret code to keep them guessing.

The key to success with the I-Formation is unpredictability. Don’t fall into patterns. Keep changing your tactics to keep your opponents on their toes.

Don’t worry if it takes some time to get comfortable with this strategy. It’s normal to need lots of practice before using it in actual matches. But once you’ve got it down, it can feel like you’ve unlocked a new level in your tennis game.

To practice all aspects of the I-Formation, try the “I-Formation relay” drill. Set up two teams, each practicing the formation. After each point, rotate positions. This fast-paced exercise helps you get comfortable with all parts of the strategy.

Drill 7: Doubles Duel: Mini-Matches

Let’s talk about the Doubles Duel: Mini-Match Scenarios. This is where we turn practice into real game situations. It’s like a fun tennis boot camp!

We start by playing out specific double-point scenarios. At first, it might feel confusing, but it really helps improve your game.

One great drill is the “Sudden Death Showdown.” You set up a specific situation – like you’re serving at 30-40, and your opponents are ready for an aggressive return. Then you play it out. It’s challenging, but that’s how you get better.

Practicing different score situations is crucial. A point at 0-0 feels very different from a point at 5-5, 30-all. The pressure is not the same at all!

The “Score Scramble” is a helpful exercise. You start a mini-match at a random score. This teaches you to adapt quickly and play each point with the right approach.

Now, let’s talk about mental toughness in pressure moments. This is what separates good players from great ones. It’s not just about how you hit the ball – it’s about what’s going on in your head.

Try the “Pressure Cooker” drill. Play a tiebreaker where every point counts double. Miss an easy shot? Lose two points. It’s tough, but it teaches you to stay focused when it really matters.

Here’s a tip: practice your between-point routines. This could be taking a deep breath, fixing your strings, or doing a little hop. Having a consistent routine helps you stay centered.

Remember, being mentally tough doesn’t mean you never feel pressure. It means you can play well even when you’re nervous.

After these mini-matches, always talk with your partner about what happened. Discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d do differently next time. It’s like reviewing a real match, but without the stress of an actual result.

Keep practicing these scenarios. Soon, you’ll be handling pressure points easily, making great comebacks, and leaving your opponents wondering how you stay so cool under pressure.