Starting grip for doubles partner

Discussion in 'Techniques / Training' started by cn1766, Apr 17, 2015.

  1. cn1766

    cn1766 Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2011
    Messages:
    33
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Minneaplois, MN, USA
    I have got advice that when my partner is serving, it is better to hold the racket in a backhand grip especially if the serve is from the right hand side of the court, assuming the players are right handed. Is this true?

    Thanks,
    CN
     
  2. mikescully

    mikescully Regular Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2014
    Messages:
    522
    Likes Received:
    21
    Location:
    Japan
    maybe neutral? as you can also hit backhand side shots with overhead and anticipate forehand side shots
     
  3. MSeeley

    MSeeley Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2009
    Messages:
    2,049
    Likes Received:
    735
    Occupation:
    Professional
    Location:
    England
    Yes. The reason:
    When your partner serves, you must be ready to defend against the opponents return of serve. You should adopt a defensive stance, and be ready for driven returns at the body. When waiting in defence, you should wait with a backhand grip.

    The backhand grip is the best "waiting" grip, as it allows you to defend against whatever comes next. If the shuttle comes high, or to the forehand side, there is plenty of time to change grips. If the shuttle comes AT you, you do not have much time, and must hit with the correct grip - the backhand grip is probably best.

    Good luck!

    edit: I would not choose backhand based on where he is serving from or to. Just wait with the backhand grip and be ready!
     
  4. cn1766

    cn1766 Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2011
    Messages:
    33
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Minneaplois, MN, USA
    Thank you Mike Scully and MSeeley your advice is much appreciated.
     
  5. vinod81

    vinod81 Regular Member

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2011
    Messages:
    55
    Likes Received:
    0
    Occupation:
    Software Engineer
    Location:
    Chicago
    Do you have to stand biased to return drives to the backhand corner?
     
  6. MSeeley

    MSeeley Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2009
    Messages:
    2,049
    Likes Received:
    735
    Occupation:
    Professional
    Location:
    England
    No. Just stand around the middle line and be ready for everything. Do not bias your position - it just opens you up to other problems. Cover the whole court.

    Remember all, that as the servers partner, your goal is to pounce on any kind of loose flat shot the returner hits. Be ready!
     
  7. Gollum

    Gollum Regular Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2003
    Messages:
    4,642
    Likes Received:
    298
    Location:
    Surrey, UK
    You may wish to bias slightly, especially if you need to see past a tall / large server.

    But only slightly. If you are standing completely in one half of the court or the other, then I think you've biased too much.
     

Share This Page