Match their rhythm with yours . It is tricky knowing what your partner needs . You don ’ t want to be annoying . They probably don ’ t want to be coached , but they might want to be praised . They definitely don ’ t want to hear your problems . Nobody cares if you don ’ t like the ball , the wind , the court , your bad foot , knee , hips , shoulder , etc . What they do care about is the next point and the flow that goes into it . Don ’ t break the flow . Watch the vibes and the habits of good doubles teams . See the support , the confidence , the carriage , the demeanor and the rhythm that they exhibit .
If , Heaven forbid , the flow is in the other direction and you are losing , you have to find a way to reverse things . Take a time-out . Make it a constructive one . Slow your pace — you are probably rushing to lose . It is OK to rush when you are winning , but rushing when you are losing turns into a run in the wrong direction . Be deliberate . Walk a little taller . Put your head up . Show confidence in your stride . Give your partner the feeling that you haven ’ t given up . Back to basics . Watch the ball . Keep it in play . Don ’ t succumb to the steamroller of the opponents ’ rhythm and momentum . Then , step by step , reestablish your own rhythm .
Confidence is a habit , so practice your carriage . Practice your rhythm . Create mantras that keep an even flow to your game . “ Watch the ball , paddle back early , move forward into the ball , stay down on the volley , keep your head down ,” are all good mantras . Guide yourself into a winning rhythm .
Most of all , be dialed into your and your partner ’ s rhythm . If you are not , you can be sure that you are playing to the opponents ’. Better to stop a run at the outset than have to play catch-up . Best to start the run yourself and maintain it . Step by step , point by point , you can control the match . Smooth and deliberate , not choppy and random . Rhythm is no accident ; it is the key to winning .
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RECAP : 1 . Know your own rhythm . 2 . Adapt to your partner ’ s rhythm . Usually the more deliberate player sets the pace . 3 . Don ’ t allow yourself to be rushed . 4 . Use time-outs judiciously . 5 . Have habits that reinforce your rhythm , such as bouncing the ball several times before your serve . 6 . Practice using your rhythm when you are drilling or hitting against a wall .
7 . Collaborate with your partner if you feel you are being rushed or if you feel you are rushing , so that you can work together to change the momentum .
8 . Watch how good teams dictate the rhythm of play . • paddles balls nets sets sports apparel shoes accessories gift cards camp gift certificates more !
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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 | MAGAZINE 59