Some time ago a player asked me about doubles coverage. Without writing a book, which could be done on this topic, I will attempt to explain a few basic coverages and their strengths and weaknesses.
1. Pro coverage -my term, not official!
This is the coverage most top athletes use. In this coverage the server moves to the back-court and the partner moves over to cover any splat or pinch from the opponent on the server’s side. Strengths-takes away splats and pinches from the opposing team. Weaknesses-exposes the server’s partner to wide angle cross court passes, but it should be added that is why this is pro coverage as the athletes are good enough to chase the passes down.
2. Triangle coverage-old school 80’s open coverage
This coverage this serve can stay up and cover the base of the triangle-which is formed by drawing a diagonal line from the right front corner to the back left corner if the server is on the left. If the server is on the right serving that line for the triangle of coverage goes from the front left corner to the back right corner. The base of the triangle is covered by the server. Strengths-the server can focus on the serve. Here is a tip that won me some tournaments-in this coverage to make it simple you just say to your partner, you play singles and I will get anything you cannot get, in the back court. Our opponents would often play me because I was perceived as the weaker player, This would allow me to use the ceiling and get tons of shots for my partner in the front court. Weaknesses-smart teams played the “front court” player’s side forcing the front court player back or worse-me having to run side to side through bodies in the back court!
I-formation-
One player serves and stays up in the middle of front court and the partner moves back to the middle of the court. Strengths-any opponents who pinch and splat everything will hit the ball to the I-formation players. Weaknesses-in this formation it is very difficult to track down wide angle passes and down the line shots.
All good doubles teams usually end up playing some form of these coverages during matches . I always believed that the coverage should be such that youi take away your opponent’s top shots. Traditional singles shots often are feasted upon by good doubles players. For example: When you shoot from back court and two opponents are in the front court to cover your shot, you have to be playing out of your mind to win games. Often that happens in game one only to not work in game two or the tie breaker!
In any coverage communication is the key. “Mine” ,”Yours’, “Switch” should be terms used liberally.
Go get’em tigers!!