Tip: Pole Position

It’s an axiom in tennis that good doubles begins with good service returns—they need to be more precise than in singles. If you want to improve your returns, stick a pole through the net next to the center strap so you’ll have a tall target. If you don’t have a pole handy, use a squeegee, broomstick, or anything else that will extend the center strap into the air. Then work on hitting your returns crosscourt to the opposite side of the pole. When the serve is hit down the middle, hit the ball away from the pole toward the server’s doubles alley. When the serve is hit out wide, it will be more difficult, but try to keep your shot as far from the pole as you can, so the net man can’t gobble up your return. With a pole and a little practice, you’ll be hitting great returns in no time.