The Proper Mental Set in Playing Singles and Doubles Match Articles | Tennis

By: Darren Williger

Tennis is played in either singles or doubles matches.

A singles tennis match is more often than not a grueling and physically tiring to play, more so if it becomes a best of 5 match series. The game puts considerable strain on a player’s resources both physically and mentally. However, it is during a protracted singles game that the physical equation becomes neutralized and it is the mental set of the player that becomes an important factor in winning.

Since you are playing by yourself against an opponent with possibly equal physical condition, it is the attitude of play, focus, control, and attention that becomes the deciding factors in the match. In this case, tennis becomes a contest not only of fitness but also of psychological readiness and ability.

In any singles tennis match, both players are microscopically scrutinized by the gallery of people watching the game and the spectators can become finicky in their choice of which player to root for or applaud every point that is made or lost. The participation of the gallery in a singles match can either be advantageous or disadvantageous, depending on how the player conducts himself during play.

Singles is more of an individual showcasing his talent of the game and acquired playing depth as each player can take their own calculated risks in order to score a point. Each player tries his best to break the other player’s rhythm and shatter the comfort zone but in such as manner as not to alienate the crowd for doing so can spell a disastrous ending.

Doubles on the other hand is an exact science of proper court position, coordination and hitting angles.

Playing doubles is almost similar to playing bridge because you have to read, interpret and anticipate your partner’s movements, strokes and court position in order to get the upper hand from the opposing team. No matter how good a singles tennis player you may be, if you are lousy in the team work department your doubles team will lose against a mediocre opponent who play with coordination and team work.

Although a lot depends on each individual’s intensity of playing the game, it rests on both team members being able to carry each other on teamwork and protect one another’s weak points as they attack with their own individual flairs.

Winning in a doubles match requires that both members of a team be able to keep the ball in play for as long as possible until they get the opportunity to set up for a kill shot. Passing shots, cross court and down the line drives which are very effective in a singles match become neutralized in doubles since there are two people guarding the opposite court. The game then becomes a battle of wits and shot placements, disrupting the rhythm of one or possibly both the opposing players to get the clean shot for a winner.

The rule of a doubles match is to always go all out to attack the net, poach a host only when you have a clear winner, coordination of court positions and movements, protect each other’s weak spots and always hit a volley or a smash for a winner. Whenever possible, hit the ball between your opponents so that they lose the concentration of who among them should make the return.

In defending your court, use the lob sparingly and only if you are caught flat-footed and out of position. The lob gives you and your partner enough time to get back in position for the incoming smash or volley your opponents would surely do when they get a lobbed ball.

If one of your opponents appear to be the weaker player among the two, always drive the ball to him – his forehand, backhand and even straight at him to tire him out and force him to commit an error.

When it is your team that comes under attack never show disgust or anger towards your partner as it defeats the purpose of a doubles game. When you find a partner, stick with him and practice together as often as possible in order to get a feel for one another’s rhythm of play for better team work.