If you’ve ever watched great doubles players like the Bryan brothers, you’ve probably been impressed by their ability to anticipate their opponents’ moves and react to them. It’s almost as if they have a sixth sense about where to go and what to do. Although much of their skill comes from years of experience, you can add one of their tricks to your game the next time your team is receiving serve.
When your partner is returning serve and you’re in position near the service line, make sure you stand so that you’re angled to face the server’s partner and not the server. Why? The server’s partner, not the server, is the most immediate threat to take control of the point as the return crosses the net. And by standing at an angle to the net, you can more easily watch his or her movements and react as quickly as possible.