Learning to hit those difficult transition volleys will improve your doubles game.
Most players stand well inside the service box to practice their volleys and overheads. This is fine if you’re working on finishing points at the net, but it neglects the tough transition shots from the service line that come before such ideal positioning. In fact, players rarely work on hitting from the service line. At the “Art of Doubles” camps we hold at the Whistler Club, there’s a segment we call “Mastering the Mid-Court” that we take all the participants through. Here’s how it works:
SETUP:
Two players, one standing just behind the baseline and the other on the opposite side approaching the net. You play only in the crosscourt half of the court, starting with the deuce side. There are three cones or markers placed outside the doubles alley on the net player’s side: (1) halfway between the service line and baseline, (2) a few feet behind the service line, (3) a few feet in front of the service line. These cones mark the transition area.
WARM-UP:
For five minutes the baseliner sends a variety of shots to the incoming net player. Spend a minute each on high volleys and lobs, drives between knee and chest height, and low, dipping balls and half-volleys. For the final two minutes mix up combinations of all three. The net player should practice hitting volleys from the three spots in the transition area and aim for a target area that’s deep in the crosscourt corner.
GAME:
The baseliner feeds a drive, floater, or low ball to the net player, who starts even with the middle cone. Once the ball leaves the baseliner’s hand, the net player steps forward while reading the shot. He hits the volley deep into the corner, continues to close in behind the shot, and finishes the point out in the crosscourt. Play up to 11 and switch positions. After you each get a turn at net, try it in the ad court. You can also throw in variations— when the baseliner lobs, the net player can hit down the line; or both players can attack the net.