Advertise on podcast: Doubles Only Tennis Podcast

Mehrban Iranshad is the founder of Tennis Summit, an online tennis conference for club players who want to improve. I've presented at the conference for four years in a row and have a presentation this year on doubles formations (live now). Sign up for here to watch my presentation. You'll also get access to lessons from other coaches like Paul Annacone, the former coach of Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, 19x grand slam champion Gigi Fernandez, Jonathan Stokke, and more. In this podcast, Mehrban covers his 3 favorite lessons from Tennis Summit so far. The best volley targets from Peter Freeman.Anticipation tips from Louis Cayer.Australian formation benefits from... me 🙂I also discussed a few other doubles strategies in this one. If you're serious about improving your game, do not miss this opportunity to learn for free. Sign up for Tennis Summit here. ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

In this AMA episode, I answer questions from players I've coached recently, as well as Tennis Tribe Members. You'll learn how to respond when an opponent has a clear pattern that keeps beating you, an in-depth breakdown of I-Formation, practice ideas, and how to play with non-strategically minded partners. The first 3 are free to all, while you'll need to become a member for the last 3. How to handle someone who hits sharp angles.What to do if someone keeps lobbing the return vs the I-formation.How to play doubles with a partner who isn't interested in strategy and just "smacks the ball."Member only: The best way to attack the I-formation, and what to consider.Member only: All the different ways to cover the lob after you get a short, approach shot.Member only: 12+ themed practice ideas for a 90-minute clinic, and how I think about planning drills.If you're in the Miami area and want to sign up for my doubles camp on April 18-19, we do have a couple of spots left. Shoot me an email (will[at]thetennistribe.com) or sign up here. ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Andy Fitzell is the coach of rising US doubles stars JJ Tracy and Robert Cash. I spoke with Andy at Indian Wells to unpack how a pro team actually prepares, competes, and keeps improving when the margins are almost invisible. We dig into scouting, training plans, partner psychology, and what tennis needs to change for doubles to get the attention it deserves.  Match-day practice and routines at Indian Wells The use of film for both scouting and technical improvementLearning doubles through Vic Braden, Steve Smith, and other coaching mentorsDeveloping JJ and Robert as individuals and as a teamUsing brain typing to tailor coaching, improve communication, and reduce friction Changing serve technique and improving net play with video, rationale, and practiceWhy change feels hard, and how daily reps overwrite old habitsManaging expectations after breakout results and staying with the processLearning from losses by reviewing video and spotting repeatable patternsThe doubles scoring system and what could make doubles more popularAndy is a walking encyclopedia of tennis knowledge, so I'm sure I'll have him on again in the future. Be sure to watch JJ Tracy and Robert Cash on Tennis TV and TC Plus this year! Links: Vic Braden - watch his "Go for a Winner" videoSteve Smith from Great Base TennisLearn more about Andy & follow: GPTCA ProfileInstagram ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Jan Zielinski and Luke Johnson are both top 30 ATP doubles players who recently reached the Australian Open semifinals. I sat down with them at Indian Wells to talk about what clicked early in their new partnership, the season so far, and more. We spoke about emotional intensity, brutally close losses, mixed doubles, and why doubles still isn’t marketed like the product it can be. What “great practice” looks like and why small gains matter How the partnership forms and how offseason training actually works Early-season lessons from Australia plus grit in tight moments Building points for your partner instead of chasing hero shots Sets versus drills and how to use match data fast Where Jan's on-court emotion comes from, plus the benefits and downsides Their crazy loss in Acapulco and how they process itMixed doubles strategy with Hsieh Su-wei (they won two Grand Slams in 2024)What to change about US Open mixed doubles access Why ATP doubles marketing lags, plus simple fixes like better highlightsJan and Luke are one of the most entertaining teams to watch on the pro tour, with amazing return skills, impressive volleys, and highlight points. Watch them throughout the 2026 season on Tennis TV and Tennis Channel Plus. Learn more about Jan & follow: ATP ProfileWikipediaInstagramLearn more about Luke & follow: ATP ProfileWikipediaInstagramPrevious interviews with Luke: Luke Johnson Interview: Tiebreaker Strategy, Climbing the Rankings, & Winning the Barcelona ATP 500Preparing for the French Open Quarterfinal with Coach Calvin Betton, Sander Arends, & Luke Johnson ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

David Collins is the coach of Grand Slam-winning ATP doubles players John Peers and Michael Venus. I spoke with him at Indian Wells to get practical advice about doubles training, from tour-level first-volley reps to simple technique fixes that instantly change your net game. We also dig into why club players fear the net, how to build a better doubles player over a year, and what pro doubles needs to grow.  How John Peers preps the day before a match with scouting, serve-plus-one priorities, and specific volley patternsMichael Venus’s injury update, return plan, and what a long rehab block demandsThe catch-to-volley drill that keeps the hand in front and stops the shoulder turn that causes late contactA high-speed server's partner drill that trains angle volleys, poaches, split-step timing, and lob awarenessA simple development plan for club doubles players that sharpens strengths while raising weak areasThe three net fears and concrete fixes for passing lanes, lobs, overheads, and getting jammedWhy pro doubles struggles for visibility, and what better streaming and promotion could changeHow to pair partners at the club level by matching comfort zones and contrasting skillsUpcoming Doubles Camps: Dallas-Fort Worth: https://thetennistribe.com/camps/fort-worth/Miami: https://racksandraquets.com/pages/miami-doubles-strategy-weekend-with-will-boucekLearn more about David & follow: ATP ProfileInstagram ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Coach Jeff Coetzee is one of the top doubles minds in our sport. He reached a career high of #12 in the world during his playing career, and has since coached some of the best doubles teams on tour, including Robert Farah and Juan Sebastian Cabal. Today, he coaches the top WTA doubles team in 2026, Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic. I spoke with Jeff at Indian Wells to unpack their season so far and how he's helped develop Danilina into the player she is today. One of the topics we focus heavily on is belief. Early-season surge built on defined roles and aggressionTraining the net player to disrupt and own first volleysBelief built through daily target serving and measured winsTiming poaches and varying return patterns against singles hittersPracticing volleys from behind the service line for real pointsPost‑match debriefs tailored to player personalitiesSeven-in-a-row serve drills to simulate pressurePlaying to win with a lead, not protecting itLearning from finals losses to break through in DohaIdeas to promote and grow doublesJeff's team is still in the tournament at Indian Wells, so be sure to watch them on Tennis Channel Plus throughout the weekend and the 2026 season. Learn more about Jeff & follow: ATP ProfileWikipediaInstagram ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Neal Skupski is currently ranked #1 in the world in doubles. He won the Australian Open earlier this year, and has made three of the past four major finals. His brother, Ken Skupski, is a former top 50 doubles player who now coaches Neal and his new partner, Christian Harrison. Neal & Ken joined me at the Dallas Open to unpack the Australian Open Title, the new partnership with Christian Harrison, and the British system that has elevated five British players inside the top ten. We dig into drills, pressure management, and their relationship. Neal's takeaways from reaching 3/4 slam finals and returning to world #1How they've adjusted to the new partnership with Chrstian HarrisonOff‑season habits and routines that travel into week oneThe serve‑plus‑one volley drill: Footwork and techniqueHow Ken develops himself as a coachKen's method for breaking up majors into two tournamentsThe brothers’ coach‑player dynamic, conflict avoidance, and trustThoughts on the Sam Querrey top‑40 doubles claim and respect for the craftLearn more about Neal & follow: ATP ProfileWikipediaInstagramLearn more about Ken & follow: ATP ProfileWikipediaInstagram ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Former world No. 5 and ATX Open tournament director, Christo van Rensburg, joins the show again to preview a star-packed field for his upcoming tournament, led by Venus Williams. Christo shares how he recruits players, changes coming in 2026, including a huge announcement for 2027, and the player field this year. We also dig into practical doubles strategies you can use. How Venus Williams’ wildcard came together and what it means for fansBehind-the-scenes recruiting with agents and player relationshipsHeadliners returning and rising names to watch across singles and doublesTaylor Townsend's relationship with a fan from AustinFan experience upgrades, including suites, activations, and the players’ party (which fans can buy tickets to)Modern doubles vs Christo's eraWhy you need to make your weaknesses "presentable"The new Austin 125 event details and timing during Indian WellsWhere to get tickets and when Venus is most likely to playLinks: ATX Open tickets (February 21 - March 1, 2026)Austin 125 (March 9 - 14, 2026)Dropshot LLC ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

I recently asked Tennis Tribe Members what they want to improve in 2026. In this episode, I respond to six of their answers with challenges to help them improve different strategic and mental aspects of their doubles games. Topics include playing against players who don't follow patterns and mishit the ball, building patience on slow balls, and taking away the middle against pace and spin. I also share drills, mindset resets, and simple challenges to improve your on-court thinking. The first 3 are free to all, while you'll need to become a member for the last 3. How to deal with unconventional 3.0 players who defy patterns and mishit/shank the ball a lot.Changing your mindset to minimize errors, especially against players who hit with slower pace.How to still control the middle against players who hit with tons of spin and power.Members only: Quickly recognizing and exposing opponents' weaknesses early in the match.Members only: How to not let nerves or distractions make you play tentative or down to your opponent's level.Members only: How to play more strategically with a long-time partner and use more formations.Links: Become a member to get the last 3 lessons.Already a member? Download the member podcast feed.Go to thetennistribe.com/camps to register for upcoming camps.Sign up for the Indian Wells Rally Trip, March 3–6. Tickets and details here. (deadline February 9) ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

This episode is a little different. I'm diving into tennis gear, everything except the racquet and shoes, with the founder of one of my favorite brands, ADV. I use their bags, dampeners, and even sweat bands. Lavie Sak has a tech background, plays tennis, and used to coach as well. We explore how his company lets players lead the design of its products. From dampeners to grips to their popular bags, ADV innovates as well as any company in tennis. Lavie shares the messy first prototype, the tough cuts, and why ADV chose quality over mass pricing while partnering with pros who give real feedback. How ADV got startedDampener testing across 27 racquets and sound profilesTennis grips - how to choose between dry and tackyDesigning the ADV Pro bag and prioritizing featuresHow they develop an idea into a finished productFeedback loops that shaped V2 and V3 of the bagWhy ADV makes two backpacksCurated training kit components and use casesPricing tradeoffs, materials, and longevityDoubles tips on serve variety and aiming middlePartnerships with Sem Verbeek, JP Smith, and Zus TennisI use the ADV Pro for travel and the Flex bag locally around Fort Worth. Links: Shop ADV TennisLearn more about ADV & follow: ADV Tennis - InstagramADV Tennis - YouTubeADV Tennis - Facebook ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

We preview the Nexo Dallas Open’s second year as an ATP 500 with tournament director Peter Lebedevs. Peter and I discuss court speed and ball consistency on tour. We also dive into what he learned in year one at the new Dallas Open facility and what changes fans can expect in 2026. Peter is an excellent coach as well, so I asked him how he would help a club player improve their game this year. How court speed is measured and targeted for fairnessWhy balls feel different despite standardizationVenue upgrades that fans and players asked forHow to predict the Dallas Open doubles champs 😉Peter is implementing a new, never-before-done, college doubles wildcard at this year's tournamentEarly singles and doubles field highlightsFormat experiments like US Open mixed and one-point slamActionable advice for club players on consistency and shot selectionGo to DallasOpen.com to get your tickets. Learn more about Peter & follow: Peter on X/TwitterDallas Open on X/TwitterDallas Open on InstagramBuy tickets, volunteer, or find more information about the tournament at DallasOpen.com ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Jonathan Stokke is a former D1 player at Duke who played doubles in the US Open in 2001 & 2002. He has over 100k Instagram followers, a growing YouTube channel, and a podcast. My episode with him from 2024 is still one of the most downloaded episodes of all time. In this conversation, we share six lessons we learned in 2025 that will help you win more in 2026. We focus on poaching, timing, balance, smarter formations, technique, and more. Timing for an effective poachNet play as the highest ROI for club playersPoaching technique - balance and centered head positionWhen to poach based on score and patternsReps, discomfort, and burning through bad attemptsAustralian and I-formation to force favorable matchupsTennis coaching as a restaurant menuThe one thing Jonathan wants you to NOT do in 2026I highly recommend checking out Jonathan's content as well as his doubles camps below. Links: Previous Episode: Jonathan on the Stokke 6 ErrorsVideo Lesson: The Two Doubles Habits That Are KILLING Your Net GameStokke Tennis Coaching & CampsLearn more about Jonathan & follow: WikipediaInstagramYouTube ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Sem Verbeek is the #36 doubles player on the ATP Tour. He made the Australian Open semifinals and won the Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Title in 2025. As a result, Sem has been nominated for Amsterdam athlete of the year. Vote for Sem here. I love watching Sem for his positive energy on the court, and that's where we began this conversation. We trace Sem's path from Amsterdam to Grand Slam runs, focusing on the mindset, structure, and choices that turned steady progress into breakthroughs. The conversation blends practical tactics with mental principles that you can use for yourself Where Sem's infectious positive energy comes fromCollege at Pacific and his four-year growth planThe importance of urgency, scheduling choices, and his Miami runHis "hunting" mindset during the 2025 Australian Open semifinal runWimbledon mixed title with Siniakova and team chemistryOff-season redesign with functional training and neurologySimple routines, mantras, and visualizationsVision for doubles: longer partnerships, better fan storiesMy favorite podcast interviews are when the guest makes me think more deeply about different topics, and Sem did not fall short. Be sure to watch him on the ATP Tour in 2026! Links: VOTE for Sem before January 5! Amsterdam Athlete of the YearCheck out ADV Tennis BagsHighlights: 2025 Wimbledon Mixed Doubles FinalLearn more about Sem & follow: ATP ProfileWikipediaInstagram ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

2026 is nearly here, so it's time to reflect on the past 12 months and set goals for next year. To help you, I wanted to share five ways to hit your 2026 doubles goals. It's not easy to improve. You must be intentional with how you spend your time on and off the court. Playing against better playersFix your techniqueGet in better shapeImprove your strategyPlay more tennisI share the most efficient and effective ways to approach each way to improve, including in matches, clinics, and lessons. You'll also learn ways to track your progress. There are spots still available for the rally trip at Indian Wells, March 3–6, 2026. Email [email protected] or click here to learn more and sign up. Mentioned in this episode: Book: Inner Game of TennisBook: Golf is Not a Game of PerfectJonathan Stokke - Stokke TennisIan Westermann - Essential TennisPeter Freeman - CrunchTime CoachingDoubles Strategy Ebooks ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Christian Harrison is the top-ranked American player on the ATP doubles tour.  He began 2025 outside the top 80 before climbing to No. 15 in the world. We discuss his year with fellow American Evan King and his new partnership for 2026 with Neal Skupski. You'll learn about his off-season planning, drills, and smarter training. This brief talk blends stories from Christian's season with lessons on chemistry and insights into the ATP doubles tour. Key wins, narrow losses, and confidence swings across the seasonWhy margins in doubles are thinner than everStructured off-season planningExactly how Christian's day went, training with his new partner, Neal SkupskiSwitching return sidesThe formation of his new partnership with SkupskiLearning from the British systemWhat he's learned from injuries and how his training has changedThe case for better marketing and storytelling in pro doublesCheck out Christian on Control the Controllables with Dan Kiernan. Learn more about Christian & follow: ATP ProfileWikipediaInstagram ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course