How To

How to Position Yourself After a Lob in Doubles Tennis

Contributor

By Dana Severson
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(2 Ratings)

If you’re just getting involved with tennis, or even if you’re a seasoned enthusiast, positioning yourself at the net in doubles tennis can sometimes leave you with a bit of a question mark. Always remember that you need to make sure both sides of the court are covered so that neither you nor your partner gets out of position or leaves an easy and solid opening for your opponents to achieve a winning hit. One of the more difficult returns when covering the net is the lob. If you leave too much room behind you, you’re setting yourself up for a lob that only your partner can return, and potentially sending them too far out of position to recover.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tennis racquet
Tennis balls

Step 1

If your opponents have a tendency to lob the tennis ball over your head when you’re at the net, reposition yourself closer to the back end of the forecourt, just in front of the service line.
Step 2

When your opponents make a lob shot, you now only have to take a few steps back to get into position for the return.
Step 3

Keep your eyes on the ball as it leaves his racquet, paying attention to arc so you can set yourself just behind the ball for a forehand return.
Step 4

As the tennis ball falls, rotate your body just slightly so the opposite shoulder to your forehand points across the net.
Step 5

If possible, return the ball with an overhead smash, aiming at an open corner, either cross court or down the line, for the win. Lobs can work to your advantage. By positioning yourself properly, you can return this sort of shot offensively, rather than defensively.

Tips & Warnings

If you’re unable to return a lob and your server must move across court, counter her movement by heading to the service side.
If you’ve positioned yourself properly at the net in doubles, you’re allowing your server to rush the net. This can be beneficial if your partner prefers playing the net.

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