Stop Standing HERE in Tennis Doubles - This is WHY you can't hold Serve

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

If you want to fix 9 MORE common mistakes in Tennis Doubles, watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmeZd2SPmrF9eNE

[@williamclarke2652]

It’s probably the best instructional video I’ve seen for club players ever!! it’s amazing how many people try to play like professionals and wonder why they’re getting their ass kicked!!

[@mikestockdale808]

This advice is gold. This worked exactly as described. I was able to poach a few right away and it takes away the lob shot over the net player. From now on I will always start in this position when my partner is serving.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

That is so great to hear

[@jacquelynhoff6167]

Meike, I only wish I had found you 50 years ago! I know, you're not that old, but I am 76 this month and still trying to improve my game. I would have been a much better player had I known you earlier in my life. I've used so many of your tips and instructions, and like the others, this one is so straightforward, easy to understand and implement. You are an absolute GENIUS AT INSTRUCTIONS! I love you lady! Now really, come to Scottsdale and I'll set up lessons for you.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thank you so much for your kind words! It's never too late to learn and improve!

[@aca99da]

I wish I could show many people at my tennis club this video! One of the most annoying things is when your partner is stood on the tramline at the net while you are serving leaving you to cover 90% of the court while they stand there doing nothing and putting no pressure on the returner. 😂

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

You can always pull up the video on your phone :-) But that's exactly what I see A LOT. Many players are afraid to be hit in the back of the head by the server.

[@chubun6631]

I used to show people instructional videos but have since given up. The ones willing to learn, usually already learned. Others just prefer what they have been doing and don't really care much about improving their game .

[@GeraldVeeneman]

@@chubun6631 I experience the same. Too bad that so few people are prepared to learn and improve their game.

[@haroldho19]

@@chubun6631 So true.

[@walterhayley7252]

@@MeikeBabelTennis , when my round-robin partners stand near the alley is usually when I hit 'em in the back of the head... ok, not really, but sometimes I want to...

[@prasadvarier5855]

That's a good tip. I always had this problem of deciding where to position near the net during my partner's serve.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Glad I could help!

[@marcelopuyol249]

Basic but very important advice. Positioning when playing doubles is key.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

I agree.

[@Shaunsweeney-Kubach71]

I totally agree with you, I have seen club players almost get their heads taken off at the net because they are too close to the net. Great video my friend.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Yes, and that's when the fighting start!

[@coachhannah2403]

And I've seen net players eat those easy fast balls and spit out winners. 🤷‍♂️

[@ttayloratlanta]

Great explanation We have coaches at our club that teach 2.5-3.5 players to stand right against the net when their partner serves. I also routinely hear “cover your alley!” despite the fact that they’ve only scored one point in the alley, made two errors trying to hit down the alley, and given me one or two easy put away chances in exchange for that single point.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

It's the same with so many things. It's been taught once about 40 years ago and people just keep repeating it. Or they say "well, world class players do it"...

[@jonizefox]

All of this makes sense. The main lack at low level is the split step + moving motion, that's why we stay too close to the net, and at a one arm+raquet distance from the latéral line of the court (as teached). Staying back then going forward in the right zone is far more effective.

[@vladimirgetselevich4704]

I agree with majority of what you told in this video. Only small difference for me my preferred position depth wise is in the middle of the service box (actually middle both wide and depth wise). Because if you are too far from the net, I think as I returner (on 4.0 level) I can often hit a return with a lot of top spin into your legs and you will have to hit the volley under the net.

[@lindasoderquist4452]

Wow.. that makes sense. I stand in the middle but I have been standing a little too close. Since I thought I was “supposed” to be there, I never once considered moving back after missing a lobe.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

If someone can consistently dip the ball to your feet you can still move back up later. But initially you want to taunt them to hit that much tougher shot. A lob is much easier for most people.

[@unclestoney1]

Meike, yours is by far one of the best tennis instruction channels on KZbin. You deserve way more subs!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thank you so much! I agree :-) On a serious note, my channel is relatively new so I'll get there hopefully.

[@jeffm8420]

This is the single best video I have seen on doubles in a while.

[@glennover6046]

Great description of where to stand and where NOT to stand! I really appreciate your videos; very helpful.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

You are so welcome!

[@VeganBeerMonster]

You definitely want to be all the way up after you have split stepped and moved forward. Otherwise, it defeats the whole point of even taking the net position. Don't worry too much about the lob. If the server moves reasonably well, s/he can often hit an overhead in case the net player is unable to reach the lob.

[@pauljohnston]

I was a bit sceptical about standing so far back, but I think it is because I don't split step and move forward when I am at the net. Way too stationary! Will give your advice a go on Saturday. Many thanks!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Let me know how it goes!

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

I use drills that require moving forward to develop this instinct in my high school players. Have your doubles partner feed you 3 balls. Start from behind the service box and split step just before each ball is hit to you. Move forward towards the next ball. Your partner should throw in a few easy lobs one in a while to make you adjust. Our slogan is do the drills to build the skills and practice the way you want to play.

[@brettfield6842]

thank you. been playing wrong for 50 years

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Never too late to adjust some things

[@tennnis498]

This is a really good video. I’ve played lots of doubles, but I’ll make some little changes based on the advice here.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Let me know what the changes do for your game.

[@tombailey4458]

Oh Awesome! Atlanta is great for tennis as you know. I am not a Jedi like yourself, but play Alta A3 men's and mixed, so good enough to know that I am not that good. LOL Have a blessed day!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thanks! Will do!

[@tennisisforlife]

I shared this with my team! Thanks for the clear explanations. Great content. 👏🏽

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@stephenkeye2678]

Show more love to club players! Commentators need to learn this. Give me several coaches and hours per day to practice, and I could compete w anyone as well

[@SucculentFame]

My partner who is a Male 4.0 would make me stand really close to the net in mixed doubles. I keep telling him that I’m not comfortable being that close to the net. So I always end up obeying him within the first few points and then I would start insisting that I back out once he realizes that our opponent is leading because of that poor strategy. I just wish he would stop doing this. We always win, but that’s after catching up to our opponent after I have backed out. I don’t know how to tell him to stop telling me to stay up close to the net at the start of the game. I think he may have already realized it, but I’m still keeping my fingers crossed. I really want to share this video to him, but he might get offended. 😅

[@rsmith02]

Tell him you want to try out new tactics and what does he think of this? Do it in a non threatening way and it's easier to accept. Next experiment with formations ; )

[@SucculentFame]

@@rsmith02 Thank you so much for the tip! 😊👍👍👍

[@chewkenghong]

One of the main reasons why partner stand so close and to the outer side at club level is the weakness in service for most club players. Most can't control the precision and to avoid getting hit behind...sometimes it better to crouch (Even crouching can get hit) or best to step aside.

[@robertthong1926]

At the club I play, there are these same weak servers who demand their partners stand right up to the net in the hope that this would compensate for their weak serves

[@royfranklin3697]

Thanks for this video. I play on a 3.0 mixed team and have never played mixed competitively before. The position you suggest makes a lot of sense for strategy and to help take her out of the line of fire. It made me take a hard look at where my positioning at the net is as well. I typically stand close and find myself being jammed sometimes.

[@beryl8285]

I changed my position after watching your 10 common mistakes in doubles. The ladies think I've improved when all I did was change my position >:-)

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

That is such great feedback!

[@yasim9435]

Good point, but aside the initial position and split step, there as an algorithm for serving partner movement high sometime realized as triangle movement high is affected by the quality of serve and return and point of ball landing

[@jackmissoorten7946]

Real great and clear video ! I will be watching more video's of you. Thanks !

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@MarthaBHamilton]

Thankyou!! all great advice and I appreciate the thorough explanations.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

You are so welcome!

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

As an old high school tennis coach I spent more time teaching skills so my doubles players could actually implement proper doubles tactics. Doubles requires more skills like the volley and overhead. The return of serve has to be more accurate to avoid the second opponent that is not there in singles. I coach doubles as a zone strategy game. My players who play other sports that use zones and teamwork excel in doubles. Work as a team to isolate one of your doubles opponents then move them around so your partner can cut off their return. Make them aware that the two of you are there to close in and close off their possible options.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Great strategic mind at work!

[@tombailey4458]

What a great video! Been watching for a long time now, tennis IQ is just awesome. Would be such fun to play doubles with you sometime here in Atlanta. Cheers

[@KrisSchindler]

Tom, grab your racquets and visit Denver! Meike’s drills are challenging, educational, and fun!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

I used to coach at Piedmont Park actually!

[@zhichengzhao5907]

Very inspiring instruction for double game position, thanks!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@haroldho19]

I play 3.5 men's senior doubles. I don't much idea how to move to cover my partner serve. After watching this video now I Do. Thanks :):)

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Awesome. Let me know how it felt after you played with the new position a little while.

[@haroldho19]

@@MeikeBabelTennis I will. I am out with my rotator cuff tear surgery from fall ( not tennis related ). As soon as I can play, will let you know. Thanks again.

[@shevernrubiano9657]

Just started playing doubles and after seeing this video, I feel more confident playing my next match.

[@10SMaxx-e5j]

This is 100% applicable to the 3.5/4.0 players at my club. Sometimes it’s lob city, but everyone still stands in the same place.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

So true

[@ricksalling6198]

Awesome video. Great advice. Wish someone had told me that a long time ago.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Glad it was helpful! Feel free to share with your tennis friends!

[@ayoitstony]

This is a really really good video and I watch a lot of tennis videos.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Thank you, I appreciate it

[@Chris-yv4xg]

Schön mal etwas über das Doppel im Breitensport zu lernen. Werde es versuchen in meinem Team zu implementieren :)

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Ja, da muss ich mehr machen. Komme mir halt immer so komisch vor, wenn ich alleine auf dem Platz rumhuepfe, um Doppel zu zeigen.

[@garethonthetube]

I don't play at a particularly high level but I do have a relatively strong serve. I often find that many of my partners stand back as you suggest, but wait for the ball to bounce rather than volley! It's quite frustrating to see these chances wasted.

[@debbiemullen2574]

This was excellent. Thank-You!

[@googlereviewer1944]

I stand in the tramlines as my serving partner is normally useless as serving. If they're not putting in a powder puff dolly serve, they're smacking the ball into the back of my head or the returners smacks a return into my face! All the best tactics and positioning fail when you're with people who can't play!!

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Yes, that opens a whole set of problems

[@crsantin]

I think most players are just trying to stay out of the server’s way. Most rec players have poor serves with little control. A partner standing in the box in front of them throws them off even more. But this is correct advice.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Yes, I know what you're saying.

[@robertthong1926]

For this reason, I have started doing ground-hugging crouches when partner serves :))

[@manuelmoraespinola5311]

Good explanation, madame! ❤

[@keatingaaron]

Thanks for this helpful advice! Gonna give it a go tonight at my social...

[@EthanMatthes]

Very helpful instruction. I need to work on this! If you’re open to a suggestion for a future doubles topic, I’d request hand signals at club or USTA 3-4 level. I think it’s absurd for a club level net player to hand signal as if their partner can hit the target reliably. I think discreetly/quickly talking between points is a more realistic method to signal targets pre-point. Am I overlooking something?

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

I think you're absolutely right. I think a quick check-in before the point is much better and reliable for club players. And that's a good suggestion for a video.

[@gregbert4974]

This is really good! I coach high school girls- 3.0''s, 3.5's- this seems great for my players? what is your opinion for high school kids?

[@coachhannah2403]

What's wrong with getting lobbed? The returner has surrendered the offense. A really good lob is no easy thing.

[@jacekfz99]

Great info, I see my doubles game was awful in terms of placement!

[@brianjensen7985]

Thanks much for this.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

My pleasure!

[@NickNeras]

Good stuff Thank you

[@DanTennis]

Thanks for the tip!!! This is gonna save me.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Glad to help

[@rucas10]

As always excellent tips Meike ! If I didn't live in Portugal I would like you to be my Coach.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

I don't speak Portuguese , unfortunately. Otherwise, I would consider moving there. It's such a beautiful country! Where are you located?

[@fosterromano6674]

Another informative video.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@muttu34]

Thank you so much!

[@johnp1]

Good tips!

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

GOOD advice for upper medium or better players, but all our upper level players (4.0+) have departed our club to go into pickleball!! so we have 3.0/3.5 level players now. If my partner stands ANY closer than slightly behind the centre of the lateral service line (when Im serving or receiving serve) then they have NO/very little time to react to a shot hit right at them. When they stand slightly behind (within 1 ft) of the service line then they can easily run FORWARD to return a shot, FAR faster/easier than if theyre closer and have to back UP to hit anything. Bolting forward is 3x faster/easier than having to back UP to return anything. My tennis 30 yrs/ club level 20 yrs. Im over 70 and run 2 teams, can hit plenty of 4.0 serves/ forehands/backhands, but most shots 3.5 level.

[@kartkan]

Not sure what level rec doubles (male or female) you are referring to here.. but at 4s 30/40/early 50 yr old men.. it may not be possible to stand in the center of the box (even though I try to do it) as I have got hit at the back of my head multiple times. Your partner does not serve from the wide service position and hence that angle that you see on the serve in this video does not present itself to the server. Maybe you should have mentioned that on the video as something that the net person should watch out for :).

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

I would definitely tell the serve to stand further out

[@jjgalletta66]

Good stuff!

[@K4R3N]

When my net partner stands too close to the alley I know I'm in for a long day. Not gonna get any help on my service games

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Maybe show them this video ;-)

[@K4R3N]

@@MeikeBabelTennis sharing widely!

[@Chinguenguenza]

I stand a bit on the side because I’m afraid my partner will hit me while serving. Any thoughts there? Should the net players adjust position depending on where their partners are serving from?

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Ask your partner to slide out more. Ideally, unless you're playing a formation, they don't serve from a position closer to the middle.

[@GeraldVeeneman]

I told this to some of my team mates many times but they are just too stubborn to apply these doubles tactics. I have to accept they just aren't prepared to improve their game. However I think it's very frustating as I sometimes need to play doubles with them during our competition. What can I do more?

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

I think in that case the only way is for you to adjust to a better position and then let the results speak for themselves. You're not getting lobbed as much, have more reaction time etc. The other thing is maybe phrase it more like "hey, I'm giving this a shot", frame it like an experiment. That way people can "save face" better.

[@GeraldVeeneman]

@@MeikeBabelTennis Thanks for your reply, Meike. I already tried to explain these double position strategies and they understand the advantages but unfortunately they don't apply them. Some of my team mates also tend to stay playing from the baseline and don't like come to the net while they actually should. Then I try to be as agressive as possible at the net myself by shadow moving and poaching during rallies. Nothing more I can do.

[@rsmith02]

Find a partner who cares and you two will clean up

[@tennisbum7527]

I can add another twist to possibly wrong positioning by their partner. Server intends to serve and volley and hits a first volley around the service line (well placed but not a winner) and closes further to take away any angles from their opponents next shot on as much court as they can cover. Partner started at the ideal position and immediately decides that if the server is going forward to the net, then they are going to move forward and put their nose over it. The opposing team on their second shot has half the court to easily lob into, John Isner wouldn't be able to get his racquet on it. Suggestions (might need multiple)?

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Stay in a staggered position. Whoever plays a volley can close in but the other player either stays or even takes a slight step back so that they can turn and get the lob over the person who closes

[@mwang7034]

The real reason I stand there (the wrong position) is that I don't want to get hit by my lousy partner (server).

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

yes, I hear that a lot

[@jillwaters9641]

I try to vary my position to keep the returner guessing

[@arianlopez3152]

good idea

[@mileshurst7359]

nice job. thx

[@vanlendl1]

In club tennis, body shots are often forbidden. I know players, which even complain about close shots their body. Sometimes, they step aside and make room.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

I know many people hesitate to go right at someone but it's a legitimate play.

[@vanlendl1]

@@MeikeBabelTennis Personally, I only try body shots from the baseline, because many club players are not used to get a ball from a short distance at their body. Once, I played a double against unexperienced players and had to run for a short ball and played a topspsin forehand very close over the net. That unexperienced player wanted to hide below the net and dived in that ball and got the ball in his eye. He knew immediately, that it was his fault, but his eye could have been injured. Merry christmas

[@paulhowsurridge2391]

For someone who hugs the net when partner is serving this makes a lot of sense

[@hafadaze9046]

I see too many 3 to 4.0 stand so close to the net even though their partner serves like at 50mph. Even the second the serve which is way slower then they wonder why their getting passed or lobbed over easily

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Please show them this video :-)

[@weyman4317]

All good advice- but amazes me why so many club players never do it!- but some people like to moan rather than learn

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Yup, agree!

[@spooky1304]

Hi Meike can I ask your opinion on this: l've invented a drill where I drop the ball onto the T and let it bounce - when its below net height I hit it as hard as I can with as much topspin on it as I can and if I really catch it right it goes up over the net and comes down inside the service box on the other side - it seems to suck down onto the court the other side of the net. When l really get it right the ball whips away from the racket like a bullet and from a basket of say 50 quite a few will lodge in the fence at the back of the other side of court - so its definitely got both pace and spin. Would you say this is an advanced shot - or should any competent player be able to do it..? One of our top players says this is a waste of time drill as you'd never do it in a match but I disagree I think its a good exercise for contact. (PS when I'm warming this up balls fly everywhere - its only once I've got my eye in l can do it). thank you

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

It sounds like it's a good drill for racket head speed. If I understand it correctly what youre describing you want to really focus more on creating topspin to clear the net and then keep the ball in. Don't go for power as much but brush up steeper.

[@spooky1304]

@@MeikeBabelTennis thanks for the reply:) Its both - I'm going for max possible speed + max possible topspin together. I can hit with much less pace but loads of topspin and the ball will still probably land in the service box the other side of the net but thats using gravity much more.. However with this drill the idea is to see how hard you can hit it and get it inside the service box other side - the pace I'm hitting would send the ball over the back fence if hit flat - so the ball has to 'suck' down to hit the target. The error bar is tiny - slightly out and its in the net or long. But when you catch it right it feels amazing - the ball seems turbocharged in a way I can't get on any other shot - thats just me though I'm sure higher level players can get the same effect on serves etc.

[@LubaLuba1]

3/4 away from the net when your partner is serving or when returning a serve??

[@Tonyliuqun]

the problem is the receiver is not a pro either, so they do not return as as good as a pro Standing in front still big advantage. When standing in the middle, for a club player, it is hard to get to the net and hart to get back. It is really not good position.

[@DAKESIS17]

not convinced, sorry... If I would stay that far away from the net, I know I would have to hit low volleys from under the net, and I am not good at that at all. And why should I move forward and waste reaction time, when I could just be there already, granted not moving forward, but still - keeping the racket head up and ready to poach. Im gonna try to stay a bit further back net time I play, see how that goes...

[@kobybonta8949]

Kind of disagree with this train of thought. I think being on top gives club level players a better chance of not missing up at the net and an easier time poaching. And there’s no disadvantage until they start lobbing successfully. Which then all you have to do is move back a little bit. Once they move away from the lob move back in.

[@gettinhungrig8806]

What you don't address is that at social tennis level, the more you stand towards the middle of the court, the more likely you are to be hit a nasty blow in the head or neck by the ball, especially on the ad court side. Social tennis players simply don't have the accuracy with their serve to prevent this happening.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

I've seen that happen but only when the server stands way too close to the hashmark.

[@vijaynarsapur147]

Very good video. Except that our players will not listen to good advice. They'd rather lose than be coached...

[@stephenkeye2678]

Club players don't play 5 hrs per day, and no coaches, dear! I see college and pros making these same dumb errors.

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

#1 go ahead and be more patronizing with the " dear". #2 that's why i'm making those videos: for people don't have coaching at all. #3 I'd be pointing these mistakes out to anyone regardless of level but trust me this particular error I've never seen in the pros

[@stephenkeye2678]

@MeikeBabelTennis My use of dear is because I am older than many. Not patronizing. I am a student of the game. I take notes when I'm watching pro tennis. They may win Wimbledon. However, they often make those same errors. I just watched Giron approach hitting cross court and get passed? I appreciate your efforts and love listening to you and many others. I play 4 hours per week and defeat club pros and college players. I'm 67 and move better than 18 years old folks. Keep up the good ideas! Thanks!

[@bmanbusee3812]

@@stephenkeye2678😂

[@stephenkeye2678]

@bmanbusee3812 Yes, I'm watching the Laver Cup. Rublev made the same dumb errors that I see at any club I play at.

[@teddy5380]

Not true

[@stephenkeye2678]

Club players always stand there. When I complain the coaches get mad at me. This is why we don’t have good American doubles teams here. Unless its a short lived big banger like Sock. Eho is now a mediocre pickleballer.

[@Luther777Williams]

Great tips! Just what I need to know and work on. Thank you! : )

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bandohabandoha2482]

I stand on the side because I don’t want to get hit by my partners serve again

[@ktandgt]

Any thoughts on Gigi Fernandez’s advice at the rec level when she says as a servers partner, when your partner serves at the T you don’t move that way when your at the net because she says it’s easier for the red player to go down the line as they swing across their body? I was always taught how you described it. But then I heard her nod was curious your thoughts?

[@MeikeBabelTennis]

I know what she means. If you're getting burned that way then you stay of course as Gigi says. I favor that I want them to pass me once or twice and show me that they have that shot.

[@ktandgt]

Ok perfect thank you!!