Finishing Points in Doubles
January 18, 2010 by: Ian WestermannSo many times I watch doubles points that last much longer than they should. Often the net player has an opportunity to put the ball away but just doesn’t do their job. Watch this video to see a good example of how to avoid a common mistake!
I completely agree with that, John, great observation.
An additional factor in deciding where to hit the ball is the height of the incoming ball. The return in the video was hit high above the net, and most of the time high balls should be directed at the opposing net player.
I completely disagree, John. Like I said in the video, I’m not expecting you to win this point the vast majority of the time, but you should have been able to be in better position based on two things:
1. Your partners return was just about as weak as possible. There’s a good full second between when the return was hit and when the net player smashed it at you, plus the net player started moving BEFORE the return was hit. You should be eying that net player very closely so that you can defend as quickly as possible if he makes a good move. Did you have lots of time? Of course not. Did you have enough to do something? Yes.
2. As I pointed out in the video, you duck away from the overhead at the same depth as where you started the point out. I’m not asking you to retreat back 12 feet, that wasn’t possible, but you could have gotten in two strides before that overhead was hit. Had you moved back 3-4 feet I wouldn’t point this out at all since you at least had the right idea, but you didn’t move at all
Lastly, I agree, you should be ready in case it ends up being a shank drop shot etc. Whenever he makes contact you should be in a ready position. What I would have done in this situation is taken two quick strides back when I saw the cross coming and then split step in a wide stance to be ready for anything. It wouldn’t result in a win very often, but at least I’d have a shot.
Cheers
Sure, Ian, if that point were moving at the speed of your slow-motion video, I’d have had plenty of time to back up. But it was played at actual speed. And by the time I see mister red shirt there moving in for the kill, it’s a little too late to be moving. I have to be set and ready in the event he doesn’t hit a clean spike. I maybe could have gotten one step back. Maybe. How’s that for some analysis?