Serving strategy in doubles
Strategy
joshhua espiritu Asked 12 years ago
Hi coach,
I will have my first tournament.I join in doubles and i don't know what are the good and bad area that your ball can go for serving in doubles THANKS!
Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago
Hi Joshhua,
It is best to serve short. Also try to get the ball closer to the middle line because then there is less chance the second bounce will go off the side of the table. It is important not to serve long because the receiver only has half the area to cover and will be able to attack your serve.
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joshhua espiritu Posted 12 years ago
THANKS!
Michael McKendry Posted 12 years ago
Hi pingskillers,
I was wondering what is the most effective serve in doubles? a backhand serve or forehand serve?
Also, after you have played your shot, should you move backwards, or to the side? or another one, to duck down under the table? I have tried all of these, and I have actually found the last one very effect, though this is not an option for people with bad backs!
Michael
Ji-Soo Woo Posted 12 years ago
I find there is no "best" serve in doubles. A lot of it depends not only on the receiver but on your doubles partner. For example, if you partner is not very mobile, I find short serves not effective because many receivers just block/push the ball wide towards my FH side and my partner is out of position and cannot reach the ball. BH serves can be good in doubles because it's easier to get out of the way after you serve.
Hi Michael,
Ji-Soo is right, there is no best serve, just one that is effective. Serving very short can open up the angles for the receiver, but if you serve the ball so the second bounce is close to their end line this will force them away from the net and also not allow them to attack.
Which way to move? If it is left and right hander then definitely sideways but if it is 2 right handers then you can do either. It depends a bit on where the ball is and which direction your momentum is as well. Ducking down can work but it is quite tough on the legs to do this constantly and you are also not able to watch the ball throughout the rally.