Hi, I need advice as to how to play a doubles game with my new parter. But before that, just a little background info. My OLD partner and I have been together for 2-3years and i was always able to depend on him and play true doubles style(since i am about 6'1 and hes 6feet-ish. We are both on our high-school team) But recently he has VERY obviously hinted that he wanted to play singles; so alas i told him that he shoudl go play singles and that i'd get a new partner. Now back to the main question. My new partner is MUCH shorter, being id say at around 5'4-5'5. His shots are also very weak, rarely is he able to clear from one end to another. The upside to him is that his reflexes are good and his net play is also good/consistant. So in that sense i feel comfortable in the back and him in the front. However as we all know, the positions for doubles is always changing. Now there is one major problem that i obseve while playing with him. Its that when he is on the left (applies to right as well, though not as severe) side of the court when we are side-side; the bird will come to him and he will attack; the opponent being close to the net will then clear to him. Now when the opponent clears and my partner is near the middle of HIS side, my partner will usually jump for it. He is then 50% of the time able to just TOUCH the bird sending a high and slow drop that results in the opponents killing it; OR the bird will simply just go right over his reach. Now i barely have time to react so i use my backhand , but my backhand is weak and i cant clear that well, add on to the fact that my partner is right in front and i am scared of hitting him. SO my question is, WHAT CAN I DO? It seems that the conventional doubles play will wreak havoc on us should the opponent decide to pick on my partner. I have been trying to think of ways in which i can cover him, non of which seem any good. I am also not used to it becasue my old partner is taller and much stronger and i have rarely had to cover for him. I apologize for this post being so long or if it seems like a rant =P Thanks for any advice in advance! edit: >< sorry if this belongs in the Tech/Training section, it didn't occur to me at the time.
difficult situation, I'd say the solution is rotation. if he gets a shot ont he left side he should attack it. meaning a fast drop, a sharp drive or a smash, and walk forward to claim the net. you should, as when you see him attacking take the backcourt (stand center court, not on the baseline, but you'll probably know that) now the important thigns to solve this: -his shot should be downwards so they can't clearly attack his backhand -he should go forwards, not because he's weaker, but because his attacking shot might lead to a short return -you should be ready to get an around-the-head return to any possible lift. or be in position to hit any shot your buddy can't take. also note that teh same situation applies to you, when you're side-by-side and you can attack, follow up to the net and let him take the backcourt. ask your coach to learn the appropriate doubles rotation and practise it.
Thanks for the advice Jerby, ill take what you said into consideration. But the thing is, after he attacks, if the opponent decides to drop it to the right corner, my partner won't get there in time to receive it. Erm.. its like, after he attacks, and i start to move back/center and he moves up. If the oponent does a drop to the right corner my partner won't be there in time. (yea i kinda repeat myself) I hope you understand what im trying to say, its kind of hard to explain without a diagram xD
I think I follow you. the problem is with this sorta situations is that if he gets a bit of a lift it's sometimes better you take the front (ie: he's still moving back after he hit the attackign shot) and sometimes (on a very fast shot) it's better for him to move forward. so take some for you and your partner to adjust to each other
But the thing is, after he attacks, if the opponent decides to drop it to the right corner, my partner won't get there in time to receive it. practice makes perfect. you have to work at it. play that scenario a lot of times in practice unit you get it.
If he can't execute full-length clears under pressure, he's probably just a beginner. So if he's already good at the net that is a plus. With extra training, he'll probably be very good. If side-side and your partner gets to attack (i presume smash?) shouldn't you go straight to front back? I confess that i get caught out by attacking clears pretty often too because if you do a pretty ok smash, you usually don't expect your opponent to be able to flick it effortlessly into the rearcourt I just need better footwork...
hi,Skirmish, You need not do anything,your opponents will do the needful.:crying: However, you can make constant attacks so that your opponents will be forced to make some desired returns to you Perfect rotation may help you make up this problem to a certain extent. Boost your partner's mental power up and ask him to practice more. This will improve his performance. Single out the weaker player in your opposite team.
if his netplay is good then you will take the back and he will take the front, and maybe you can teach him a bit about how to do less weaker shots
that's pretty easy to poke threw with a solid double...if you can get the offense. because if the 'front bloke' lifts straight (to a drop) he's in sh*t (has to step back two steps to receive a smash..). if he lifts cross his partner might be, otherwise you can mix in some crosses, finsihing teh attack only gets easier when they play mix, because they have more 'rules' of rotation. they are playing mixed, with obvious disadvantages, but they don't have a man/women opponent to play the same tricks on.. so either you're both pretty court-smart and play mixed, or you two just make clear rules of rotation to ensure than 80% of the time (in attack) he's in front..
Thanks for all the reply guys. Actually i HAVE thought of playing mixed style with him, but i never mentioned it because i thought it would be kind of insulting
of coarse you could just off court work heavilly on footwork that way he will atleast be able to the shuttle just an idea
What can you do; get them to play in there strongest position and cover the over 75% of the court yourself.
I think, your situation almost like hendra setiawan n markis kido. markis is way shorter. And I also have to say rotation will do well. But, of course both of you really have to work out and attend every match together. that way, you will understand what part that you and him need to practice more.
Teach him with what you know...don't simply dump him. He might feel desperate. In return, you might have sense of achievement when he is trained by u to be a strong player.
apart from rotation, your shorter partner might find driving useful. fast drives to the back will do. since his reflexes are fast he should be good at those quick attacking rallies. in fact i have a friend who fits your partner's description, except that he's powerful with smashes and drives. his drives are fast and goes straight into my neck/chest level, making it hard for me to defend.
