The Hunter and the Helper

[tennis_chiro]

I like the basic conceptual approach of thinking in terms of a hunter and a helper and using the net cord as a positioning device depending on the placement of your shot. However, I am a little concerned about the stroke capabilities of 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 players. The positioning concept is great; even the decision making process on where to hit your volleys... when the ball is above the net. But the idea that a 3.5 player is going to be able to rush in and take a volley below the net and hit it short and crosscourt when he/she was really looking for a short high one that they could hit down the opposing net player's throat. I'm also having a little trouble getting my mind around deciding whether to lob crosscourt or down the line when the opponents line up closer or farther from the net (especially if the players are 3.5, 3.0 or 2.5). I'm really questioning whether the proficiency is there for such a nuanced strategy. (please understand that my image of a 3.0 player is Sally Suburban with a 120 sq. in. Weed that she loves to use at the net with her pancake grip forehand volley on floaters about shoulder height, but almost no backhand volley whatsoever.)

Perhaps you could elaborate on that just a little more.

don

[bowt]

I honestly didn't like the article

probably only applies to gumbys who find it difficult to hit the ball

The distance the Helper gets from the net is determined by the distance from the baseline of the opposite side opponent. The closer the opponent gets, the closer the Helper gets but he is always in proximity to the service line.

dont think a single good player would be thinking about positioning like this

[don_budge]

Doubles in the Modern Era...

Let's discuss Bill Previdi's article "The Hunter and the Helper"

Doubles use to be an integral part of the game…way back when. Watching the doubles was highly entertaining when the best names in the game were participating. Of course…you were learning by watching.

The game today has minimized the doubles game and the top players are only marginally interested. Interesting that somehow Indian Wells gets the big names to play sometimes. But in most cases they are not what you call serious doubles players.

The top players used to be serious though…they needed the paycheck to eat.

[klacr]

This idea of one player always being behind the service line is very interesting.

Vast majority of club players play doubles. The two up/staggered position is effective in covering the lob, the #1 shot in club doubles. The Helper position is ideal because at the club level most players aren't capable of covering the net and then leaping back to cover the lob with a great overhead. As the opponents lob it's the deeper player who has the time and appropriate angle to take the shot.

Defend the lob is what much of club doubles comes down to.


Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[ClassicStrokes]

This idea of one player always being behind the service line is very interesting.

[klacr]

Nice article for any club teaching pro to read. In South Florida, ladies doubles teams can make or break a career. Important to have a system or strategy. This gives a great outline to some basic doubles situations that those of us in the trenches can use. Great job Bill and Matt. Keep it up.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[johnyandell]

Let's discuss Bill Previdi's article "The Hunter and the Helper"