Doubles serve receive

Happy Holidays Alois & Jeff!

Watching high level doubles play, I wonder why the serve receive (right hander) stands so close to the table and even ready positions his bat on top of the table.  And why isn't the server serving long and fast to jam the receiver?

Thank you!

Mike

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the wishes.

At that level if they serve long it will allow the receiver to make a strong ball even if they are standing close to the table.  They only have half a table to cover at a particular angle so it is easy for them to cover.  That is why in doubles at that level, it is crucial to be able to serve short well.