TENNIS DOUBLES.

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 192, 3 November 1927, Page 8

TENNIS DOUBLES.

PROFESSIONAL’S HINTS. SOME “ DO’S ” AND “ DON’TS.” I am surprised to find that many a pair individually famous as singles payers so often lose doubles matches against players of average ability. This is usually due to lack of understanding between the partners, writes Charles Head, the well-known English professional, in an English p.,per. It is vitally important that combination in doubles partnership should be thoroughly thought out and a plan of campaign decided upon before going on to the court.

Positional play in doubles is simple. I advocate that the server’s partner should always be as close to the net as possible, on the alert to defend both his forehand and ’backhand “tramlines”—and also to intercept any ball which comes within his reach down the centre of the court. This position is valuable, since more power is imparted to a “kill” by the player at the net. Ending the Rally.

It is essential, too, that the server should follow up his service to partner his colleague at the net. He should make it a point to get up to the net as quickly as possible, and both should, whenever possible, take the ball on the volley, thus ensuring a dominance over the game. Every nerve should be strained to finish off the rally quickly, either with an angled volley or a smash to their opponents*. feet. This latter shot is one of the most difficult from which to make a return. It may happen that opponents will try to circumvent this forcing net play by lobs. If balls are lobbed during a rally the partners should both run hack. It is important that the combination of the pair should be retained by the retention of a level position on the court. To Receivers. Many couples play with one partner at the net and the other stalking the baseline. This is mistaken tactical plaj% because it leaves so many open spaces for a smart opposition to seize upon. Receivers of the service should also take up a level position. I know there is a divergence of opinion on this point, but I am putting forward my own theory. The chief object of the defending pair, when dealing with vigilant opponents at the net, should be to lob deeply, always providing, of course, the server has advanced far enough for the lob to be put up safely. It can also be carried out once the server has commenced his run forward and when he thus cannot possibly recover his balance in time to make a backward dash in order to reach the ball. Centre Drive. The drive down the centre of the court following the service shot is very effective also, since it generally catches the opposition napping. For one thing they are defending their “tramlines,” and also such a placed drive frequently leads to confusion between the receivers, each thinking the other will plaj T it, witfh disastrous results. There are times when all four players get within volleying distance, and it is then that a battle-royal is won by the clever smashing or hard placing of the best player. But this state of affairs should never crop up if the players who first attain the volleying position make the correct and winning stroke at the start. The most level-headed player scores in a battle-royal. Some “Don’ts.” Temperament counts largely in lawn tennis. The man who does not get flurried has the best chance of winning in the long run, other things being equal, although he will probably lose games to the brilliant but moody player who scintillates and wanes by turn. Now for a few final don’ts:— Don’t get flustered on the court. Don’t follow a terrific first service which is faulty with a second soft one. Don’t take your eye off the ball when making a stroke. Don’t rail at your partner if he or she misses an easy one; you may do the same tiling yourself the next moment. Don’t hope to improve your game unless you practise assiduously at each of the strokes I have outlined in my articles. Master one stroke thoroughly at a time and you will progress.

MANGERE CLUB’S PROGRESS The Mangere Central Club, with five chip courts, which must be among the best round Auckland, has attracted several members from the city this season, and it would doubtless attract more if Sunday play were permitted. Of its men, C. Ellett, who holds the singles championship, is the most promising. J. Kissling, another of the younger men, has capital ground shots, but his volleying lacks punch. Mr. and Mrs. E. Dart, newcomers to the district, are an acquisition for the club. Mrs. Dart at one time was a part-holder of the Canadian ladies’ doubles championship.