Coming to the net is crucial to winning in doubles tennis, but when I watch league matches at the lower levels, I see so many players who are intimidated by it. For the most part, they stay in the one-up, one-back position throughout the entire match. Even if an opponent’s shot pulls them in, it’s only temporary, as they move right back to the baseline as soon as possible.
The intersting thing is that most doubles tennis points actually do end up at the net! And if you can train yourself to get there at the right time, you’ll lose that fear of the net and become a better doubles tennis player with a clear advantage over your opponents.
It Shortens the Opponent’s Reaction Time
Here’s a typical scenario for the sake of making my point…
You’re in your comfort zone behind the baseline, waiting for your opponent’s shot to drop into your wheelhouse so you can attempt a passing shot. What you don’t realize is that you are actually gifting your opponent with tons of spare time to prepare for your return:
- more time for the ball to travel the furthest distance from them – where you are waiting behind the baseline
- more time for the ball to travel back to them from that same distance
Those precious seconds add up, giving your opponents more reaction time.
On the other hand, if you are up at the net to receive that ball, you will take away reaction time from your opponents:
- less time for the ball to travel the shortest distance from them – where you are up at net
- less time for the ball to travel back to them from the net
Not only that, but if you are hitting up at net, you’ve got all sorts of angles to play for winners!
It Puts Pressure On Your Opponent
Let me put this into perspective with two scenarios:
- Your opponent is behind the baseline.
- Your opponent is at the net.
Which position would you rather your opponent be in? If you said #1, you’re right – so beat them to the net!
Coming into the net not only intimidates your opponent, but it puts pressure on them to come up with an awesome passing shot. Most of the time, they’ll panic and put up a short lob you can put away. Sometimes they’ll try to pass you with a groundie, but you’re there and ready to use your angled volley for the put-away!
You Have Easier Shots At Net
As you move forward for a volley, you are creating better angles for yourself and lowering your chance of hitting into the net (especially if you take the ball high).
Hitting a good volley is generally a higher percentage shot than hitting a groundstroke. Even if you’re more comfortable at the baseline, you’ll have a lesser margin for error at net. Hitting from the baseline, you have to hit with more pace, more depth, and even better direction. But up at net, all you really need to do is aim the ball at your opponent’s feet or to their backhand (hitting from high to low), and you will more than likely win the point. And should they manage to get the ball back, it will be a popup floater for you to put away!
Obviously, if you are playing against consistent offensive lobbers, both of you up at net may not be the best option. Against others, however, it’s the best way to shorten points and win more matches!
