In this video we’re going to look at using the alley in doubles.  As you all know, the common direction of play in doubles is cross court. Returns are hit cross court keeping the ball away from the net man, the net is lower in the middle, and you have more court to work with when you hit diagonally. So when should you hit to the alley? It appears to me that most players don’t feel as comfortable hitting the ball... 

Here is another tip that we created for the 3.5 level.  We combined some of the tactics and strategies from two of our doubles clips, “ Moving Forward Through The Service Return” and “Lob The Server”, with the purpose of taking a deeper look into the viewpoint of the receiver.  So how do you return under pressure?  What’s in your service return??  Do you go for it?  Do you just get it... 

(Video shot in Sun Valley, Idaho)… Many times at the 3.5 level I’ve noticed a common error that happens in doubles when a player is returning a second serve in a pressure situation.  The tighter the match, the more chances of it happening. The score is 4-5, 30-40, and you are the receiver.  The server misses her first serve and you and your partner have a set point with a second serve coming! And your thinking...