Serve in doubles

Roman Sukhanov Asked 13 years ago

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?

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

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.