Serve in doubles

Hi Alois/Jeff,

I have seen most serves done in doubles is the backspin serve. Is my observation correct ? If yes why is that ? While people do serve sidespin (on the forehand) without backspin in singles, why do players serve a defensive backspin serve in doubles almost every time ?

Thanks

Hi Anoop,

In doubles the receiver only has a small area to cover.  Therefore it is important to be able to serve the ball short and tight to stop them from attacking.  If you serve with topspin it is a lot easier for them to play an attacking return.  That is why you will see most doubles serves are short backspin serves.

For our Premium members we have a lesson in our Match Strategy section on Doubles Strategy that will help in this area.