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Doubles is a partnership. But that doesn't mean the partnership is made up of equally skilled players.
Most partners are comprised with players of varying experience and skill. That's a strength that some teams fail to use. Acknowledge that you're not the best player in the team and turn to your experienced partner for guidance.
If you're the experienced one, make sure to speak up and share what you know with your teammate.
Change the Pace
During the warmup you noticed that your opponents seem to prefer to hit the ball hard and flat. Those observations have been confirmed in the first two games.
It's time to slow down the game, not just in terms of pace, but in the time between points as well. Some teams do best when they keep the points moving along quickly.
More: How to Choose the Right Shot
Don't use gamesmanship or tricks to slow down the game. But don't fall into their fast-paced methods either. Players who like fast-paced games tend to rush their opponents simply by the way they play. If they stick to the baseline, hit drop shots and make them run.
The same advice goes for opponents whose entire game is slow. You can't force them to speed up and rush to the baseline to begin their service game. But you can speed up the game once it's underway.
When you face a team that lobs a lot and puts slower pace on the ball, speed up your side of play. Hit one of two of those lobs out of the air before it bounces, try a hit the ball down the line and even speed up your actions between points. It will disrupt your opponent's style of play and help you gain momentum in the match.
More: The Secret to Returning Lobs
Change Up Your Serve
All players can fall into the habit of using the same one or two serves throughout a match. That makes you predictable. It also might mean you're missing an opportunity to take advantage of a weakness.
If one of your opponents seems to love hard cross-court returns of serve then start placing the ball towards the middle. Notice your opponent favors their forehand? Start serving to their backhand. Better yet try a slice.
Adjust As You Learn
You'll learn more about your opponents as the games and match unfolds. Your opponents might adjust their strategy, which means you need to as well.
Don't get too carried away with the strategy though. Most matches are won by the team with the fewest unforced errors.
More: How to Reduce Unforced Errors
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