Doubles
To get the best from your doubles, you have to follow some basic rules:
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Forming a good pair. The first step
is to form the best compination of players. There are a lot of compinations
but few of them will give the best result. It is not as simple as making
a pair with #1 and #2 players. There are players who are both in playing
style and in personality suited more for doubles than singles. It is believed
that one left-handed and one right-handed player can compose a good pair.
The reason is that they can cover most of the table with their forehand.
Two defensive players are also a tricky pair which can have good results.
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Know each other well. Every player
has his own style of play. He has something special in his own play, and
the player must know his partner's play thoroughly. The first point to
be worked out as a pair is footwork and get acquainted to shots of the
partner. Since they must hit alternatively, players must move so that the
partners can make next easy shots. Footwork is more important in doubles
than in singles. The correct positions are the key to produce sucessful
shots.
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Two-to-One concept. The players must
practice together so that they can think and play like one player. It needs
a lot of hard practice to get this. Teach them to make organized, consorted
play as if they were one player. Teach them to take easy the partner's
errors. This is one of the most important factors which will bring out
the best from the partner. When "Two-to-One concept" is attained, this
will become as normal as in singles.
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Choose a leader. Every pair needs the
player who makes the judgement and takes the game on his shoulders at the
crucial moment. Expept this, his role is to lead the pair, makes a plan
and gives advices during the match.
Chance maker, point getter. The
different role of each player of a pair is necessary element in getting
the points. One has to play the role of "chance maker" returning difficult
shots back on the table, and setting up a shot for the partner. The other
should be a "point getter" who terminates the rally with a hard shot.