How to Use USTA Combo League Matches To Improve Your Game

USTA Combo doubles league is now upon us.  This is the league where (generally) you play with either a player one level below you or with a player one level above you.  If you are fortunate enough to play in both scenarios, chances are you will see the greatest overall improvement, provided you follow a few simple suggestions.

If you are the lower-rated player

In this scenario, what is most important is to be consistent, especially when you are engaged in baseline rallies with the higher rated player on the other team.  Your opportunities to outright win a  point will be few and far between, so don't play outside of your limitations.  Use the match as an opportunity to work on your consistency at a higher level.

Returning the serve of the higher rated player will also be challenging.  Again, don't try to win the point with the return.  Follow the sage advice - "make them play" - just put it in play somewhere.  Cross-court is always best, but it's ok if you accidentally make the net player hit volleys.  Just don't try to crush the returns out of a need to match pace and prove you belong.  You are rated lower for a reason. 

Your goal is to set up the higher rated player on your team so THEY can hit winners and try to outright win the point.  As the lower rated player, this is your opportunity to "play up" and challenge yourself.  Make the most of it by simply trying to be a complimentary player to your higher rated partner.

In addition, write down every part of your game that broke down when playing against the higher rated player.  These are the parts of your game that need the most work if you want to get to the next level.

If you are the higher rated player

In this scenario, you must play slightly outside your comfort level if you really want to improve.  What this means is when you are at the net, poach and cross more often, damn the consequences - especially against the lower rated player's groundstrokes.  This is the best way to gain confidence and become more confident as a poacher.

You must work on "taking over the court" and work at being the best player on the court.  Any "50/50" ball is yours.  Don't let your weaker partner hit a groundstroke if you even have an inkling you can get to the volley.   

Learn the word "Mine" and the words "I got it" and use them frequently and without hesitation.  You should take more balls - you're the better player. 

Attack the weaker player - strategy 102.  Especially if you have a volley above the net and the weaker player is at the net.  This applies to overheads as well.

Go for bigger serves against the weaker player, in order to improve your first serve pace.  You'll be less nervous serving to the weaker player, so there is less pressure. 

Focusing your game on being more aggressive will help you improve, and you will see the results once regular adult league rolls around and you see yourself moving slightly more, taking more poaches, and putting away more balls,

Write down every part of your game that broke down when you increased your aggressiveness.  These are the parts of your game that need to improve if you want to get to the next level.

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At the end of the day, combo league, if used properly, can vastly improve your game if you choose to look at the game in the above manner.  Remember, between now and next USTA Adult league season is the time to be making necessary changes to your game in order to improve upon your individual success in Adult League play.  Talk to your pro about your game, and work on the areas you and he/she feel are necessary to get to the next level.