[tennisbiz] Re: Thinking in singles and doubles

I agree that doubles is shorter and faster paced requiring players to make
reflex decisions. But that only means that you must decide what you plan to
do well before you even step onto the court. The best doubles players don't
think as individuals, but more as a team. That is why you see net players
signaling to the server where to place the ball when starting the point.
Where the ball is served helps determine the angle of the net partners
poach. This is one example of the kind of pre-planning that goes on in
successful doubles. In singles , a great mind can think in the moment. But,
when it comes to doubles, great minds don't always think alike. I teach all
of my doubles players to do their homework before it's time for the test so
they don't have to think on the fly.
In short, thinking is involved for both singles and doubles. Just because
it might be easier to think in the moment while playing singles, doesn't
discount the fact that alot of thinking is required for successful doubles
as well, regardless of whether it is during or before the match.

Lincoln Ward
Junior's Director-Pharr Tennis Center
Austin, TX
 
Received on Thu Aug 15 2002 - 21:49:58 CDT