Unless you’ve got an absolutely monstrous first serve, whether you win your service games or not in doubles may depend on how much help you get from your partner at net. In fact, a mediocre serve can still be an easy one to hold if the player at net is active and aggressive. Sometimes, though, getting him involved takes some prodding. If you don’t get him moving and intercepting balls in the first couple of games, his feet may fall asleep, and that makes for a long and difficult match. Here are a couple of ways to make your partner a presence at net and a handful for your opponents:
Set up designed poaches: If you rely on your partner’s discretion about when to move, it may never happen, particularly if he’s not a naturally offensive player. So right from your first service game, make sure you get together before points and plan a few set poaches. That way when your partner has to cut across, you know to cover his side. Keep in mind that it’s OK if you’re not always successful. Getting your partner involved and pressuring your opponents early will pay dividends as the match goes on.
Serve toward the middle of the court: You always have to mix up your serves to be effective, but in doubles you can be a little more predictable. The wider you serve, the more angles you give the receiver, and this also forces your partner at net to hug the doubles alley. If you’re going to serve out wide, never do it on a planned poach, and use it more as a change of pace. Instead, favor serves into the body or down the T. Your opponent returning serve will have difficulty creating angles or pulling the ball back down the line. This will keep the returns toward the center of the court and give your partner opportunities to pick off volleys.