The twins are the best doubles team in the world. Here are three things you can learn from them.
1. Find the right partner.
The best doubles teams consist of players whose skills balance each other and who know their role in the duo. Bob (the lefty) and Mike (the righty) Bryan are good examples of this. Though at ?rst glance their games might seem much the same—they both have good strokes—Mike is a little more steady and solid, while Bob, who has a big lefty serve and a stronger forehand, is the more explosive of the two. These differences aren’t huge, but they allow the brothers to help each other out during points. You can create a balanced doubles pairing from the outset by selecting a partner whose game complements yours. For example, I have a good serve and strong net game but I don’t always return well, and the backcourt game is not my forte. When I play doubles, I want a partner who returns well and hits the ball soundly from the baseline to help me take advantage of my volleys. In general, a baseliner wants a partner who’s good at the net, and vice versa. Another thing to consider in pairing up is personality—?ery players often work well with calmer types. And, of course, lefty-righty combos like the Bryan brothers can be very effective.
2. Work together.
If you already have a doubles partner, you can improve your chances of winning by having the right mindset. Good doubles players understand that a big part of success in the two-on-two game is a willingness to select shots that will play to their partners’ strengths. For those accustomed to singles, that can be a challenge.You should also look at the sides of the court from which you and your partner return serve. Because six of the eight game-winning points—40-0, 0-40, 40-30, 30-40, ad-in, and ad-out—are served to the ad side, the steadier player, and not necessarily the player with the best backhand, should return from that position. You’ll put more returns back into play in the long run, which should translate to more breaks of serve.
3. Talk it over.
Even if your games don’t match up perfectly, you can still be a solid team if you communicate well and keep positive attitudes. The Bryans are especially good at this. They talk before and after every point to set up plays. It makes it a lot easier to perform well as a team when you know what the other person intends to do. Sure, it may not come off as you plan it each time, but you improve your chances of success as a team if you talk things over. The basic information you should communicate to your partner is where you plan to put your serve or your return and what you want your partner to do after that. You might say, “I’m going to serve up the middle, and you cross,” or, “Hit the return at the net person and I’ll lean toward the middle.” The Bryans also communicate enthusiasm well. They bring great energy to the court and always help each other stay positive. You’ll rarely see one of them grimace when the other makes a mistake. Nor will you see either of them express displeasure with the way the other is playing.