Are you on a tennis team or in a league and have noticed that your doubles partner may have some weaknesses?
To tell you the truth…we all have weaknesses.
Sometimes though it is easier to focus on others’ weaknesses than our own.
Now I’m not saying that your partner may have some areas to work on…but I am saying BE PATIENT.
In this post, we will discuss how to win doubles tennis with a weak partner by playing to their strengths and using strategies.
How to Win Doubles Tennis With a Weak Partner
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One of the best things You can do as a doubles players is recognize your partner’s strengths and find ways to support them.
Also being an open communicator with your partner will help you become unstoppable!
By getting lots of practice with your partner.
The more matches you play together the more you will learn how to play up each other’s strengths and support each other’s weaknesses.
Focus on Your Partner’s Strengths
Like I said earlier it can be easy to focus on someone’s weaknesses…but really…what good does that do?
If you focus on their strengths you can find out what they are good at and how they can do that skill in more matches.
For example, If they have quick feet and respond fast then do everything you can to get them to the net.
If they have a killer backhand, then make sure they are on the side of the court where that will be utilized the most.
Create an Open Line of Communication
Hands down the most important thing that will either make or break a doubles pairing is communication.
If you can’t talk to each other both on and off the court then you will have problems.
If your doubles partner isn’t great at communicating then give them some guidance as far as what you need them to communicate.
For example, if they are lousy at calling out balls let them know how helpful it is to call shots because then you can think about your own placement on the court.
The other thing you can do is positively reinforce when they do a good job of communicating by letting them know just how helpful it was…especially if you won a point because of it.
Ask Them For Help
Chances are you are biting at the bit to give them a little help on their serve, backhand or whatever else it is you would like to see them improve on.
A gentle way of doing this is by asking them for some feedback on your play as well.
Let them give you some advice and then when they are done helping you, chances are they will ask for some feedback as well.
Always remember to give constructive criticism and not meaningless comments.
Take a Lesson Together
If you are on a tennis team together see if your coach will do a little extra help session to help make your team stronger.
Chances are your coach will point out what your partner can improve on which takes the pressure off of you.
As a partner you want to be supportive, it is not your job to coach.
Workout With Your Doubles Partner
Working out together can be a great way to bond and get stronger.
You will be able to chat about upcoming matches or how your previous match went and what you both can improve on.
You can try one of these tennis workouts that will help you both be agile and strong on the court.
Plan Tennis Drills Appropriately
If you get the opportunity to plan drills at tennis practice try to pick ones that will benefit what your partner needs to improve.
If you want their serve to be stronger then offer up some serving drills.
You will be surprised at how far a little tennis drill practice can go.
Have Fun With Your Partner
One of the best parts of playing doubles is it is FUN.
Try to joke, laugh, and have fun getting to know your partner.
This will help both of you loosen up on the court which will lead to confidence and success.
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