When two players are on the same side of the court, it is absolutely essential that they communicate with each other before a point starts, and when it finishes. In addition there will be many times during the point as well that you will need to communicate with your partner.
One way to communicate with your partner is with hand signals. For instance, if you want to poach on a return of serve, you can give your partner the signal behind your back. The signal universally is a closed fist that you are faking and not going anywhere, or you give a flat hand signal to let your partner know that you are poaching and that your partner should cover the line in case the opponent had seen you leave early and decided to hit down the line.
You can also give your partner a signal that you are going to fake a poach and not poach on the first serve. By giving your partner a two-finger signal, you indicate that you are going to poach on the second serve, hopefully having fooled your opponent in thinking that you would never poach on a return off your partner's weaker serve.
As the net player, you can also influence where you want your partner to serve. If you hold three fingers extended, then make a fist with only your index finger extended, you can tell your partner that you want the serve to go down the center service line. If you hold up only your middle finger, it means that you want your partner to serve down the middle and jam the opponent. If you close your hand and extend your ring finger, it means that you are asking your partner to serve a wide slice to the forehand side of the receiver.
If your opponent lobs the ball over your head, you must immediately let your partner know that you are going to smash the lob or that the ball is out of you reach. Once you shout "mine", it is your job to take the overhead.
If you see the lob too late, immediately shout "yours" to your partner so that there still is a chance that your partner can cross over and cover the lob.
Now your job is not over. As your partner is running backwards for the lob, you should watch very keenly what the opponents' positions are. If the serve receiver comes in, you can alert your partner with a "Deuce Up" audible which means don't lob short to that side. Or, by being alert, you can let your partner know when both players are coming up or staying back.
But don't put all the onus on your partner. If both opposing players are coming in, you should vacate your net position and scurry backwards to get in a position to try to return your opponent's aggressive shot.
After each point has been played, make a habit of a verbal encouragement or a quick touch of your partner's hand. In particular, when your partner has muffed a shot, you must be most supportive. This is a moment where a discouraged partner will either give up or lose confidence and play worse.
If you and your partner have a good on court relationship with good communication, you will win your share of matches, and when you lose there is always next time.
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| This article provided by Dennis Van Der Meer. Dennis is President of Van der Meer TennisUniversity and President and Founder of the Professional Tennis Registry. You can learn more about Dennis by visiting www.vandermeertennis.com. |
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