Don't Look Back in Doubles
by: Dave Winship @ On The Line

Looking back at your partner can cost you a lot of points.

There's an Aesop fable about a fox and a wild boar. The fox asked the wild boar why he was sharpening his tusks against a tree trunk when there was no need. The wild boar replied that if he only sharpened his weapons when the need arose, it would be too late.

Like the wild boar in the fable, you've got to be ready for both danger and opportunity. Your partner's shot is his concern. You should be concerned with whether or not the opposing net player will intercept it. If you're watching this player, you'll spot the first signs of danger or opportunity.

It takes time to turn your head from watching your partner to watching what your opponent is going to do and you'll miss the early signals. You could even get hit!

So watch the closest opponent. What he does or doesn't do will tell you who is going to hit the next shot and whether you should back off or get aggressive. Be prepared like the wild boar and your tennis could become the stuff of fable!

Regards.

Dave Winship