Doubles strategy⏱ 2 min read
Push, Drive or Block? Winning the Flat Midcourt Battle
Fast, flat exchanges decide many doubles points. A simple way to choose the right shot.
In doubles, many rallies become a fast, flat exchange through the midcourt. The pair that lifts first usually ends up defending. The skill is choosing the right flat shot quickly.
Three options
- Drive: fast and flat to the back half. Use it when the shuttle is at chest height and in front of you.
- Push: softer, into the gap behind their front player or between the pair. Use it to change pace.
- Block: soft to the net. Use it when the shuttle is fast and low, or to draw a player forward.
Make the choice simple
If the shuttle is high and early, hit down or drive hard. If it is low or late, push or block. Never swing big: short, compact strokes with the racket kept in front win these exchanges.
Change the rhythm
Drive, drive, then push into the gap. A change of pace is often what breaks the exchange open.
Key takeaways
- High and early: drive or hit down. Low or late: push or block.
- Compact strokes, racket up, never a big swing.
- Change pace to break the rhythm.
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