Have you ever considered how much communication influences your performance in match play? Many doubles players ask only basic questions like, “Do you prefer the Ad or Deuce side?” or “What’s the score?” However, effective communication goes far beyond these surface-level exchanges. To truly excel, you and your partner need a strategic game plan—a shared understanding of tactics to outmaneuver your opponents.
Start by discussing a solid game plan before stepping onto the court, ensuring both teammates are aligned with a clear vision of how to approach the match. This strategy becomes even easier when you know your opponents’ tendencies, because you’ve repeatedly played with or against them. By now, you’re likely familiar with their strengths and weaknesses. Think about critical elements such as:
• Shot placement: Are they hitting deep or producing short returns?
• Spin control: Are they heavily relying on topspin or slices?
• Positioning: Are they stronger at the net or dominant in the backcourt?
Even the strongest players have vulnerabilities, and capitalizing on these weak points can tilt the game in your favor. Success in tennis isn’t about simply out-hitting your opponents—it’s about outsmarting them. Approach the game like chess: Every shot you make sets up your next move, forcing your opponents into positions where you can seize control and, ultimately, deliver the winning blow.
However, to execute this plan effectively, you must avoid passively waiting to see how the match unfolds. Relying on hope isn’t a sound tactic. By failing to plan, you risk giving your opponents the upper hand, allowing them to dictate the game and dominate the set or match.
The good news? Communication doesn’t stop once the match starts. Use every water break or timeout to review the strategy with your partner and make necessary adjustments. Analyze what’s working, identify areas for improvement, and tweak your approach. Open dialogue ensures both players remain on the same page and adapt to changes during play.
Remember, silence isn’t golden here—it’s detrimental! Communication is the cornerstone of building chemistry with your partner and executing the perfect game plan. So, talk to your teammate, whether you’re preparing to serve or regrouping during a break. Together, you can create a formidable strategy to outmatch your opponents and leave the court victorious.
About Kwong Young, Tennis Professional
Originally from Upstate New York, Kwong Young started teaching after he arrived in Tempe, Ariz., in 1987. He played #2 for Broome Community College in Binghamton, N.Y. Kwong and his wife Marji live in Sun Lakes (Cottonwood). Playing pool, a sport he practices daily on his pool table at home, is his hobby and escape from the tennis world. You can view some of Coach Kwong’s tennis skills on YouTube. Search for “Kwong Young Tennis.”