PREPARING FOR LEAGUE SEASON—A SMART START FOR EVERY DOUBLES PLAYER
As we welcome the start of the 2026 tennis season, I want to take a moment to speak directly to those of you returning to league play. Whether you compete at the 2.5 level or the 4.0 level, one thing is universal: the transition from time off to competitive doubles deserves intention, patience, and a plan.
Most of you are stepping back onto the court after a stretch away—busy schedules, holidays, travel, or simply fewer opportunities to play with your regular partner. That gap matters. League matches begin quickly, and doubles tennis, more than singles, rewards preparation that goes beyond just hitting balls.
Below is a clear roadmap for how to prepare, with specific guidance by level, so you can start the season confident, healthy, and competitive:
FIRST: WHAT EVERY LEAGUE PLAYER SHOULD DO (ALL LEVELS)
Before we break things down by rating, there are three fundamentals every doubles player should address before their first match:
1. Get Your Body Match-Ready
Tennis fitness is specific. Even if you’ve stayed active, the stop-and-go movements, split steps, and quick reactions take time to re-awaken. Begin with short hitting sessions, add movement drills, and resist the urge to play full matches too soon.
2. Rebuild Your Timing
Timing disappears faster than conditioning. Expect the first few sessions to feel awkward. This is normal. Focus on rhythm rather than results. Cooperative doubles drills are far more valuable early than competitive sets.
3. Reconnect with Doubles Habits
Doubles is positioning, communication, and decision-making. Many errors early in the season come not from strokes, but from confusion about who covers what and when:
2.5–3.0 LEAGUE PLAYERS: BUILD STRUCTURE AND CONFIDENCE
At this level, preparation should emphasize clarity and simplicity.
What to Focus On
• Reliable serves and returns (in play beats pace)
• Basic net positioning and movement together
• Clear communication on lobs, poaches, and middle balls
How to Prepare
• Group clinics or team practices are extremely effective here. You benefit from repetition and shared learning.
• Short doubles drills: cross-court rallying, serve-return-volley patterns, and point construction with restrictions.
• Play with your partner early—even if it’s informal. Familiarity reduces match stress.
Lessons?
Yes, this is one of the best levels to take lessons. A few sessions early can prevent months of frustration and help you avoid common doubles mistakes.
3.5 LEAGUE PLAYERS: SHARPEN DECISIONS AND TEAM PLAY
At 3.5, most players can rally and serve consistently, but matches are often decided by decision-making under pressure.
What to Focus On
• Serve + first ball patterns
• Understanding when to attack vs. stay neutral
• Net player responsibilities and movement
How to Prepare
• Doubles-specific clinics are ideal, especially those emphasizing point patterns.
• Situational drills: deuce/ad points, return games, defending against aggressive net teams.
• Practice sets with intention—not just keeping score, but working on a theme.
Lessons?
A small number of targeted lessons—especially with your partner—can be extremely valuable. This is where strategic clarity separates teams.
4.0 LEAGUE PLAYERS: REFINE EXECUTION AND CHEMISTRY
At the 4.0 level, everyone can hit shots. Matches are decided by execution, anticipation, and trust between partners.
What to Focus On
• Serve placement and return depth
• Anticipation at net and coordinated movement
• Adjustments based on opponents’ tendencies
How to Prepare
• High-quality practice, not volume. Short, focused sessions are better than long, unfocused ones.
• Partner-specific work: signals, patterns, and preferred formations.
• Match simulations under pressure—tiebreaks, short sets, and momentum swings.
Lessons?
Private or semi-private lessons focused on doubles tactics and partner chemistry can pay immediate dividends. This is refinement, not rebuilding.
ONE FINAL THOUGHT: START SMART, NOT FAST
Early-season injuries and confidence dips often come from trying to play “like last season” before your body and timing are ready. Give yourself a short runway. The teams that improve steadily over the first month are often the ones playing their best tennis when it matters most.
Our tennis staff is here to help—through clinics, lessons, and structured practice opportunities designed specifically for league doubles players at every level. Take advantage of them early, and you’ll feel the difference all season long.
I look forward to seeing all of you back on the courts and wish you a strong, healthy, and enjoyable start to the 2026 league season.
