Coming up with a break of servein doubles can be a tough thing to do, especially against a hard-serving team. When the set is tight, say 5-5, and you’re facing a serve you haven’t had much success returning, maybe it’s time to change your tactics. One way to mix things up is to keep both players on the baseline when receiving. It’s effective for a host of reasons.
OPPONENTS HAVE NO TARGET
With one of you at the net, your opponents always have someone to aim at when they have a high volley. It also gives them a predictable opening between you at the baseline and your partner at net. This new look can throw that strategy off and affect their volleys.
YOU’LL USUALLY SEE SLOWER SERVES
With both of you back on the baseline, your opponents may not feel it’s necessary to go after their first serves. Since they want to get on top of the net quickly and don’t have an opposing player who’s vulnerable after a weak return, you may see them take something off the serve to get it in.
YOU’LL HAVE MORE CHANCES TO KEEP THE BALL IN PLAY
When you and your partner aren’t pressured to hit low returns, you may actually start to hit better shots. Plus, if you do hit a bad return, your partner isn’t in any trouble at the net. This forces your opponents to play as many balls as possible, which is exactly what you want to do when the score is close.
YOU’LL CAUSE CONFUSION
Your opponents had no problem holding serve and now you’ve thrown in this wrinkle. This gets them to start questioning their strategy. That’s why I recommend using the tactic only some of the time so they never get used to it. Perhaps do it on a first serve and then move up on the second. Mixup your positioning and you’ll get inside your opponents’ heads.