When you’re playing the v, it’s very important that you don’t show that you’re about to poach, else they will hit down the alley. You want to play the V and only poach when you set them up for it or when they keep hitting the same crosscourt shot.
@@frezby7642 Agree but there's a strong argument for "baiting". Partner has a good serve and you see a weak stroke (short hitting zone) the down the line shot is extremely difficult. I'll like to give it to them sometimes.
I have a bit of a blind spot when it comes to net position in doubles. It isn't my forte! ...One thing, he says when the other side is hitting from the back, you want to be nearer the middle of the net cutting down their target space but isn't down the line the most important space to protect, as your partner at the back won't get to a good shot down the line. .. ? I always feel like I can't stray too far from down the line so that I can protect that area without moving... ??
It's a great point and question. Also relates to ability levels. All things being equal...changing the direction of the ball to go down the line or even a lob over your head should be the much more difficult shot. Thus you wouldnt prioritize it. In fact many players will even "bait" an opponent to go for it by playing too far over, knowing there's a good chance that they'll miss or you'll get the ball. The whole premise is that you are dangerous up there and they need to try and keep it away from you. That being said if it's a stronger player on the other side and they have a weak ball coming at them then yes, they can pretty much have their way with you. In which case these tactics wouldn't apply and you'd have to implement "strategy". Maybe even just offsetting with both back. Hope that makes sense.
Why is the down the line shot the most important area to cover? It is the lowest percentage shot to hit. Redirecting the angle of a ball coming cross court to down the line is very difficult. The net player’s job is to force errors from the opponent on the baseline. Not to cover the 12.5% of the entire doubles court that the doubles alley represents.
The down the line shot is a much more difficult shot to execute due to the net being 6 inches higher at the net post than at the center strap and the length of the court down the line is actually over 10% shorter than the diagonal length of a cross court shot in doubles. But yes, the wider your baseline partner sends the ball back, the more you cover the alley. Too many players “over cover” their alley. Give up the alley until your opponents burn you there 3/5 times or better. One doubles alley is only 12.5% of the width of the entire doubles court. Most recreational players cover it like it is 40-50% of the court!
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Great overhead photography. I never saw tennis strategy depicted this way. Great!
Thanks! yeah I it's a cool perspective. Thanks for commenting!
Playing tomorrow!! Tysm, its my first time.
@@amandamiller2930 Go get em!
Nice Video Jeff and great to bring attention to the movement of the net player, and your absolutely correct they should be getting a workout 🎾
Agreed! Thanks for the comment and glad you enjoyed it!
the dog is learning too!!! Lovely
Nice video! Thank you very much!
You're welcome very much!
When you’re playing the v, it’s very important that you don’t show that you’re about to poach, else they will hit down the alley. You want to play the V and only poach when you set them up for it or when they keep hitting the same crosscourt shot.
You can always fake poach and put the ball away immediately.
@@frezby7642 Agree but there's a strong argument for "baiting". Partner has a good serve and you see a weak stroke (short hitting zone) the down the line shot is extremely difficult. I'll like to give it to them sometimes.
I have a bit of a blind spot when it comes to net position in doubles. It isn't my forte! ...One thing, he says when the other side is hitting from the back, you want to be nearer the middle of the net cutting down their target space but isn't down the line the most important space to protect, as your partner at the back won't get to a good shot down the line. .. ? I always feel like I can't stray too far from down the line so that I can protect that area without moving... ??
It's a great point and question. Also relates to ability levels. All things being equal...changing the direction of the ball to go down the line or even a lob over your head should be the much more difficult shot. Thus you wouldnt prioritize it. In fact many players will even "bait" an opponent to go for it by playing too far over, knowing there's a good chance that they'll miss or you'll get the ball. The whole premise is that you are dangerous up there and they need to try and keep it away from you. That being said if it's a stronger player on the other side and they have a weak ball coming at them then yes, they can pretty much have their way with you. In which case these tactics wouldn't apply and you'd have to implement "strategy". Maybe even just offsetting with both back. Hope that makes sense.
Why is the down the line shot the most important area to cover? It is the lowest percentage shot to hit. Redirecting the angle of a ball coming cross court to down the line is very difficult.
The net player’s job is to force errors from the opponent on the baseline. Not to cover the 12.5% of the entire doubles court that the doubles alley represents.
Nice dog❤
Why would you want to move that far toward the middle of the net? Most opponents would just send it down the line
The down the line shot is a much more difficult shot to execute due to the net being 6 inches higher at the net post than at the center strap and the length of the court down the line is actually over 10% shorter than the diagonal length of a cross court shot in doubles.
But yes, the wider your baseline partner sends the ball back, the more you cover the alley. Too many players “over cover” their alley. Give up the alley until your opponents burn you there 3/5 times or better. One doubles alley is only 12.5% of the width of the entire doubles court. Most recreational players cover it like it is 40-50% of the court!