There are lots of questions before we decide what to do. For example, What do you find easier? Dominating the rear of the court with your partner picking up the net, or working as a level partner? How strong are the partners at their roles? Is the level partner able to cope from the rear and with the man opposite smashing hard at her? Is the net player red hot at the net and you have total confidence in her? Would she be a hindrance stepping back?

Of course the ideal answer is you level player needs some coaching to step forward into the net in a positive way and take control of the front of the court when the chance arises. Over the years you tend to find the “older” ladies are happy to step into the net when required and stay there. They are generally good at the net, through years of practice and it's your job, not only to try and win the point, but also keep them safe; no dolly ups at the net for the opposition to smash at them!

The simple truth is, if it's not working, you need to change your tactics and this can only happen if you work as a pair and talk about it. If the level partner is getting pummelled at the back of the court and you're losing every game, it's not fun for either of you and things need to change. Ask her to “try” going into the net. If it works and you start winning points then, although it may be strange to her to be at the net, “it works!”.

Getting your net partner to take more of an active role I would imagine would be more difficult. Why would she want to come away from her “safe” net position where she's stood for years, just to get smashed at? If that's what you want her to do, then you are going to have to suggest it. However, when I was young and fit (many years ago), having a lady who was confident at the net and stayed there was the lesser of two evils and I worked around it. Any lift were really deep and were kept to a minimum. Drives, quick drops to the spaces and smashes, hard at the woman opponent were the order of the day, to make her back off the net and allow my partner to dominate and kill the shuttle.

It will never be perfect, otherwise you'd win every game, but doubles is ALL about working as a team to win the point. Use your strengths, exploit the opponents weakness. I could go on and on but without actually seeing the circumstances and the strengths and weaknesses of you and your partner I'll stop there……

Yes indeed Paul,

We now need to know how Nee is losing points. Smashes at the lady, smashes in general, out of position for drops or clears. Where are the weaknesses?

As you've touched on it, the punch clear as an attacking shot is so overlooked. If played well and at the right time, it opens up the court brilliantly!!