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Facing the service is quite different in doubles game from doing it in a singles match.

Do you think consistency in service is relevant in singles? I am sure you do. And what about service consistency in doubles? It’s not relevant… it’s CRUCIAL to the result of the game.

Most club or inexperienced doubles players concentrate in hitting massive and fast serves, as they do in singles.

That’s the mistake.

Analyzing successful tennis players you realize several common key points:

1. They hit ¾ speed 1st serves most of the time.

2. They do not look for aces all the time.

3. They hit 1st serves with spin or slice more often than singles players do.

4. The 1st Serve percentage goes up to around 70-80%, compared to 50-60% of singles games.

5. They use a higher variety of effects and directions for 2nd serve than singles players.

So, the learning from the top successful doubles players at serve is the order of priorities:

1. Consistency

2. Precision

3. Intention (variety of effects and direction)

4. Power

Go step by step, improve step 1 after facing step 2, 3, 4; and you will gain much more confidence in your doubles games and will have your service broken much less frequently.

Thanks very much.

Sergio García Codina

Qualified Tennis Coach

Skype: sergio.garciacodina