Serve in doubles

Roman Sukhanov

Last updated on 05-Feb-2012 12:55:43 PM

Playing in doubles I usually try to serve either short serves with some backspin and/or sidespin, or serves down the middle line. Most of the opponents return a ball with a push and the game continues. But there is one guy who almost always uses a flick and thus wins the point.

Could you give me a clue what to serve when he is returning: long backspin serve, fast flat serve, or maybe something else?

and Alois Rosario said...

Hi Roman,

Try using variation on the short serve. Even try some short topspin serves. It may sound odd but some players actually flick backspin serves better than topspin. If he is in a rhythm of being able to flick your serves well, a variation in spin may help.

You can also try longer serves and see what his topspin is like. Generally it is dangerous to serve long in doubles because your opponent doesn't have as much area to cover and can attack more easily.

← Better Rubber Changing hands during play →

Comments on this question

Roman Sukhanov commented...

on the 05-Feb-2012 02:41:31 AM

I followed your advice and tried to vary short backspin serves with half-long backspin or no spin serves - and the return was a push or the flick not so fast. I even tried sometimes fast long serves with the same starting position of my hands - really helpful when they expect serves that would bounce twice. Thanks!