The Art of Doubles Online Course

Welcome to The MTI Method Online Coach Education Courses

Hello and welcome to Modern Tennis International (MTI).

My name is Andy Magrath. I am the Head Tutor of MTI and on behalf of the company, may I offer you thanks for choosing our online CPD courses.

This course encompasses a total of ? hour ? minutes video content to watch followed by ?? accompanying questions. Therefore please allow at least ? hours minimum to complete this course.

Download the answer sheet here if required. Or you can create your own answer document.

Course Introduction

Welcome to "The Art of Doubles Coaching Course" by Modern Tennis International (MTI). This progressive step-by-step guide will help you master doubles strategy, positioning, and teamwork. Learn where to be, what to do, and how to work effectively with your partner. Doubles is best played when both players are aware of their roles and operate tactically in sync.

Credit: This video was created by Jorge Capistany of Tennis Drills TV.
Check out his amazing work here: https://www.youtube.com/@TENNISDRILLSTV

Part One: The Warm-Up - Checking Drill

Objective:

Understand synchronised checking and movement as a team.
Learn how to move up, down, and across the court in harmony with your partner.
Maintain equidistance between players when moving.

Drill Instructions:

Start in the Service Boxes:

Four players stand in the service boxes and rally while exaggerating their checking.
Both players should check just before the opponent hits the ball.
The coach observes if players check in sync.

Expand to Full Court:

Players now rally from the back of the court, focusing on synchronised checking.
Movement should be slow at first, gradually increasing speed.

Video Demonstration:

Doubles Tennis Drills: Synchronized Movement and Checking

Please Answer the following:

What happens if you check too early or too late?
How does synchronised checking improve teamwork?

Quiz:

3. When should you check in doubles?

A) After hitting the ball
B) Just before your opponent hits the ball
C) While your partner is serving
D) Only when at the net

Part Two: Cross Court Angles

Objective:

Learn the correct court positioning and angles in doubles.
Understand which areas of the court each player must cover.
Improve decision-making on shot selection.

Drill Instructions:

Half Court Cross-Court Rally:

Players rally cross-court within designated areas.
Focus on keeping the ball deep and angled.

Move Forward & Check:

Players progress towards the net while maintaining proper checking.
Start at a walking pace before increasing speed.

Add Serve & Return:

Begin points with a serve and return.
Players move up the court when the ball is short, using the checking technique.

Introduce Serve and Volley & Return and Volley:

Start slow, then increase speed as checking becomes automatic.

Key Takeaways:

Avoid hitting towards the opposing net player.
Cover your assigned zones effectively.
Use cross-court shots for high-percentage play.

Video Demonstration:
Mastering Cross-Court Angles in Doubles Tennis

Quiz:

Why is aiming cross-court important in doubles?

A) It allows you to hit the ball harder
B) It provides a larger margin for error
C) It confuses your partner
D) It forces your opponent to hit winners

Credit: This video was created by Feature Tennis
Check out their amazing work here: https://www.youtube.com/@FeatureTennis

Part Three: The Hunter and Hot Seat Positions

Objective:

Understand the roles of the Hunter and Hot Seat player.
Learn how to attack and defend at the net effectively.

Drill Instructions:

Hunter & Hot Seat Positioning Drill:

Rally cross-court with two players at the net.
Net players adjust based on who is hitting the ball.
Use coloured cones to define attack and defence positions.

Serve & Return Addition:

The Hunter starts 1m behind the centre of the service box.
Focus on predicting the return type (cross-court, down the line, body, lob).

Hunter Interception Drill:

Intercept and volley effectively based on return direction.
Develop reaction speed and target selection.

Key Takeaways:

The Hunter must always be ready to intercept.
Positioning depends on who is hitting the ball.
React to different return types effectively.

Video Demonstration:
Doubles Tennis Strategy: Hunter and Hot Seat Positions Explained

Quiz:

What is the primary goal of the Hunter at the net?

A) Stay in one spot
B) Intercept as many shots as possible
C) Hit only defensive shots
D) Avoid poaching

Credit: This video was created by Active Away the Tennis Holiday Specialists
Check out their amazing work here: https://www.youtube.com/@Activeaway

Part Four: The Key to Good Doubles - Serve & Return

Objective:

Develop a strategic serve and return plan.
Improve serve placement and return consistency.

Drill Instructions:

Serve Placement Drill:

Serve with accuracy over power.
Focus on targeting the backhand.

Two-Shot Rule Drill:

Hit the first two shots to the same location to gain control of the rally.

Return Strategy Drill:

Aim returns cross-court to keep the ball away from the net player.
Use the Golden Triangle return tactic for optimal placement.

Video Demonstration:

Effective Serve and Return Strategies in Doubles Tennis

Quiz:

What is the "2-shot rule" in doubles?

A) Hit two serves before starting a rally
B) Hit your first two shots after the serve to the same place
C) Take two steps forward before hitting a volley
D) Always hit two lobs in a row

Credit: This video was created by Active Away the Tennis Holiday Specialists
Check out their amazing work here: https://www.youtube.com/@Activeaway

Credit: This video was created by Active Away the Tennis Holiday Specialists
Check out their amazing work here: https://www.youtube.com/@Activeaway

Part Five: Refined Tactics - Switching & Lob Returns

Ghost Switch Drill

Learn how to pre-plan and execute net switches.
Focus on timing and commitment to switching.
Move across as the returner starts their forward swing.

Ghost Switch Drill Video Demonstration: Refined Doubles Tactics: The Ghost Switch

Quiz:

When should the net player move across in a ghost switch?

A) Before the returner hits the ball
B) When the returner starts their forward swing
C) After the opponent has hit a volley
D) Only when the coach says so

Lob Return Drill

Learn how to counterattack using lob returns.
Move into an attacking position when executing a lob.
Develop strategies to counter a strong net player.

Lob Return Drill Video Demonstration:

Counter-Attacking with Lob Returns in Doubles Tennis

Quiz:

What is a good strategy after successfully lobbing the net player?

A) Stay at the baseline
B) Move forward into an attacking position
C) Immediately hit a drop shot
D) Stand still and wait for the opponent's response

Credit: This video was created by Active Away the Tennis Holiday Specialists
Check out their amazing work here: https://www.youtube.com/@Activeaway

Part Six: Poaching & Intercepting at the Net

Objective:

Improve poaching skills to cut off cross-court shots.
Learn when and how to intercept effectively.

Drill Instructions:

Poaching Timing Drill:

The net player starts in a neutral position.
As soon as the opponent begins their forward swing, move diagonally to intercept.
Begin with controlled feeds before progressing to live rally situations.

Fake Poach & Reset Drill:

Occasionally fake a poach to force the opponent into errors.
Return to position quickly if not committing to the poach.

Poach & Volley Drill:

Once comfortable intercepting, practice-controlled volleys targeting open space.

Key Takeaways:

Poaching keeps opponents guessing and disrupts their rhythm.
Timing is crucial—move during the opponent's forward swing.
A well-placed poach should force a weak reply or an error.

Video Demonstration:
Poaching Drills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DQyncmjOZU

Intercepting Drills: https://youtu.be/aLoDF0-rB_0

Quiz:

When is the best time to poach in doubles?

A) After the opponent makes contact with the ball
B) As the opponent starts their forward swing
C) Before the serve is hit
D) Anytime during a rally

Part Seven: Defensive & Counterattack Strategies

Objective:

Develop defensive positioning and shot selection under pressure.
Learn how to turn defence into offense.

Drill Instructions:

Defensive Reflex Drill:

Players at the baseline return deep shots while maintaining a defensive stance.

Emphasis on height and depth over power.

Counterattack from Defence Drill:

Players practice turning a defensive lob or deep slice into an attacking shot.

Targeting an opponent’s weaker wing is encouraged.

Defensive Reset & Recovery Drill:

After retrieving a tough shot, quickly recover to an optimal position.
Focus on footwork and court awareness.

Key Takeaways:

Defensive play should prioritize depth and control.
Smart counterattacks force opponents into uncomfortable positions.
Recovery positioning is just as important as the initial defensive shot.

Video Demonstration: Counterattack Strategies https://youtu.be/ERyiPADb0NY

Quiz:

What is the best way to reset a point when under pressure?

A) Hit the ball as hard as possible
B) Use a deep lob or slice to regain control
C) Rush the net immediately
D) Stand still and wait for the next shot

Credit: This video was created by Active Away the Tennis Holiday Specialists
Check out their amazing work here: https://www.youtube.com/@Activeaway

Credit: This video was created by Active Away the Tennis Holiday Specialists
Check out their amazing work here: https://www.youtube.com/@Activeaway

Part Eight: Communication & Partner Chemistry

Objective:

Improve communication between partners during play.
Develop non-verbal cues to indicate strategy changes.

Drill Instructions:

Signal Practice Drill:

Players use hand signals to indicate serve and return strategies.

Call & Cover Drill:

One player calls shots while the other adjusts positioning accordingly.

Key Takeaways:

Effective communication reduces errors and improves coordination.
Hand signals are crucial for advanced doubles play.

Video Demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge3wXBig3Dg

Quiz:

What is the benefit of using hand signals in doubles?

A) To distract the opponent
B) To secretly plan strategy with your partner
C) To confuse the referee
D) To practice finger exercises

Credit: This video was created by Active Away the Tennis Holiday Specialists
Check out their amazing work here: https://www.youtube.com/@Activeaway

Part Nine: Poaching Mastery

Poaching Reaction Drill

Objective: Improve net player's reaction speed and ability to intercept shots effectively.

Drill Instructions:

Coach Feeds Random Shots: The coach feeds balls randomly to both the cross-court opponent and down-the-line opponent.
Net Player Must React: The net player must anticipate and poach whenever a cross-court shot is weak or floaty.
Progression: Add live points where the baseline player can decide whether to hit cross-court or down the line.

Video Demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGAp0Zz5kE8

Quiz:

What is the best time to poach in doubles?

A) When the opponent is off balance

B) When the ball is deep in the opponent’s court

C) When your partner is at the baseline

D) When the ball is low and fast

Credit: This video was created by Active Away the Tennis Holiday Specialists
Check out their amazing work here: https://www.youtube.com/@Activeaway

Part Ten: The Middle Domination Drill

Objective: Train players to control the middle of the court, preventing easy put-away shots for opponents.

Drill Instructions:

Mark the Middle Zone: Use cones or tape to define the middle area.
Play Points with a Focus on Middle Shots: Encourage players to hit more through the middle rather than going for angles.
Add Competitive Element: The first team to hit 10 successful middle shots wins the round.

Video Demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwXPRQKaUss

Quiz:

Why is hitting to the middle effective in doubles?

A) It creates confusion between opponents
B) It forces the opponent to hit angles
C) It allows your team to rest more
D) It is easier to hit harder shots

Credit: This video was created by Active Away the Tennis Holiday Specialists
Check out their amazing work here: https://www.youtube.com/@Activeaway

Part Eleven: Net Pressure Drill

Objective: Develop confidence in closing the net and putting pressure on opponents.

Drill Instructions:

Start from No-Man’s Land: Players begin just behind the service line and gradually move forward.
Coach Feeds Volleys: Players practice stepping in and hitting aggressive volleys.
Live Points: Players must try to finish points at the net within three shots.

Video Demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vujrLA10CtY

Quiz:

What is a key benefit of stepping inside the service line to volley?

A) It makes angles easier to hit
B) It allows players to hit with more power
C) It increases reaction time and puts pressure on opponents
D) It forces the opponent to hit lobs

Credit: This video was created by Active Away the Tennis Holiday Specialists
Check out their amazing work here: https://www.youtube.com/@Activeaway

Part Twelve: Defensive Reflex Drill

Objective: Enhance the ability to react quickly to fast volleys and defensive situations at the net.

Drill Instructions:

Fast-Paced Volley Exchange: Players stand close to the net and exchange quick volleys.
Coach Adds Random Feeds: Coach mixes in fast and slow feeds to simulate unpredictable match situations.
Lob Recovery: Players must practice moving back to handle lobs effectively.

Video Demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHLSMiA5Zsw

Quiz:

What is a crucial skill in defensive volley situations?

A) Staying still and waiting for the ball
B) Holding the racket loosely to absorb pace
C) Swinging fully on every volley
D) Avoiding volleys altogether

Credit: This video was created by Active Away the Tennis Holiday Specialists
Check out their amazing work here: https://www.youtube.com/@Activeaway

Part Thirteen: Transition Game Drill

Objective: Improve movement from baseline to net and master transitional shots.

Drill Instructions:

Start at the Baseline: Players rally from the back of the court.
Move Forward on Short Balls: Players must transition forward on any short ball.
Controlled Approach Shot: Focus on hitting a deep approach shot before closing the net.

Video Demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMCMatoQssY

Quiz:

What is the main goal of a transition shot in doubles?

A) Hit a winner from the baseline
B) Set up an easy volley by moving forward
C) Return the ball as fast as possible
D) Keep the ball in play without moving forward

Final Assessment & Certification

Complete a final quiz covering all sections to test your understanding.
Earn a certificate upon successful completion!
If a UK Coach you can apply for () coach license points

This course ensures players gain a strong foundation in doubles strategy through interactive learning and video demonstrations.

The Art of Doubles Online Course - LTA Tennis Coach Accreditation Courses | MTI

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The Art of Doubles Online Course