A Summary of the Getting to the Net by the Serving Side

 The post about approaching the net was a bit long, but I think the idea of a reasonable strategy for the serving side to get to the net can be simplified and useful.  I'll take a crack at that in moment.  I think there is some useful background in the prior post, so it may be worth reading in any case if you started with this one.  OK, let me strive for simplicity.  

 

This is all about the serving side, as the receivers should be at the net when the third shot is hit.  And I'm only discussing how to move efficiently, not shot selection, though there is a brief note about that down below.

The depth of the second, fourth, sixth shots are going to control what the servers can do, note that those shots are coming from the receivers.

The servers control the first, third, fifth - hmm, we might just call those the odd numbered shots?  Might save some typing.  Though on a rainy day, typing is as good as anything else, I guess.  

Second shot: if it's really deep, both servers stay back, look to defend from the baseline.

If the third shot is good, then that should result in a shorter fourth shot, and the servers can start moving into the court, again based on how short the fourth shot was.  Basically move into the court the to the same depth as the shot your side is returning.  That keeps you together, hopefully with middle coverage.

It may take a number of back and forth exchanges to fully get to the net.  There is no time limit, no need to panic or try to win the point from the baseline.

What the servers are really looking for, and should act on immediately is a short ball by the receivers.  And also recognize a really good shot by their side.  If either happens, then dash to the KL!  Both of the servers should do that immediately and without hesitation.  Get up the KL, get ready to dink or volley.

Shot selection by servers: I've not suggested that the serving side shots be drives or drops, that's not the concept here.  Whatever you use, have, can do, still starts the process.

It may be that the servers never get to the KL during a point.  I've found myself in that position many a time.  The opponents kept us back and the point ended there.  Very sad, of course, but the nature of the game.  

I am watching multiple PB tournaments now and I thought I would look to see how the pros move forward. Well, low and behold, they are doing what is described above.  There are pairs that do the "shake and bake," for example the Waters, but the men's double teams were basically moving up together based on from where the even numbered ball was returned.

PB can be called "king of the hill" and I think that is a reasonable way to think of the game.  And the joy of playing doubles is that team work and efficiency are sought after and lots of fun.  

I hope this helps.  I'm no authority, and if there are better ways to think about this, please drop a comment or if you have a lot to say, you are more than welcome to do a guest post, anonymously or otherwise!