Forehand vs backhand in doubles

Strategy

Roman Sukhanov
Roman Sukhanov Asked 12 years ago

Hi coaches :)

I can put more speed and spin on the ball with forehand than with backhand topspins.  In singles I use 50-50 forehand to backhand, but in doubles this goes to 20-80 (with no loss of accuracy). Should I try to hit more forehands or better keep improving backhands?

Alois Rosario
Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Roman,

If it is working for you in doubles then stay with it.  If your forehand is clearly better though, then I would try to get around and hit more forehands.  It is more difficult because of having to move around your partner, but it may be worth it.

It can be good to have backhand dominant player in doubles that can stay predominantly on the right side of the table in the rally and allow their partner to play more forehands but your backhand must be effective in the game.

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Thoughts on this question

Roman Sukhanov

Roman Sukhanov Posted 12 years ago

Thanks for your answer

The reason why I use more backhand shots in doubles is that I'm a righthander and I fear my speed after serving or returning the service can be not good enough so that my partner can get few time to cover all the table. And the opponents more rarely expect tricks like changing direction of the shot or different spin from backhand

Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

Ok, sounds like that works for you Roman.  What about when you are on the left hand side of the table when not receiving or serving, so you use more forehand then?
Roman Sukhanov

Roman Sukhanov Posted 12 years ago

I didn't think about that. Perhaps you're right because I sometimes try to hit cross-topspins from the left corner of the table with forehand
Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

I think this is a good idea when you are on the left.

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