Just in time for opening day, here are some doubles tips from Mike Gillespie, PTR Level 1 teaching pro and holder of numerous doubles (and singles) titles:

There are many things that contribute to doubles success, but the key to success is understanding the importance of the first three hits: Serve, return of serve and first volley. If your game breaks in these first three hits, it's difficult to win.

The serve

The most important thing is to get your first serve in. There's a strong temptation to go for a big first serve, but this will backfire since it's difficult to be consistent. The result can be low percentages (getting 25-30% in) and hitting weaker second serves. You're also in a better position to follow your serve to the net if you get your first serve in. It's a better plan to focus on getting 75% of your first serves in and going for depth and placement rather than speed. A faster serve will come back faster and not allow you time to get to the net in an offensive position.

First volley

Following your serve to the net is an aggressive play. The key to a good first volley is depth. Depth will make the receiver move backwards and open up an angle for your volley. Be patient. Avoid trying to put the first volley away, unless it is a high floater and you are well inside the service line. Build the point by hitting deep and give your team the upper hand.

Return of serve

The key to a good return is to keep the ball low. A low return cross court will make the server volley up and allow your partner to close in and potentially poach. There is a tendency to try to hit a winner on the return. This usually leads to too many errors. Don't be a hero. Make sure you put the return in play and get your team into the point. Make your opponents work for their points!

Click here for a schedule of Mike's upcoming PRTC clinics. To arrange for private, semi-private or group lessons — days, nights or weekends — call Mike on his cellphone at (203) 273-0717 or at his shop at (203) 966 2543, or e-mail him at michaelegillespie@yahoo.com