A useful doubles concept, especially when both teams are playing in a one-up, one-back position, is "deep-to-deep, short-to-short." Here is what it means.

Deep refers to the back position and short refers to the up position. (Note: these are directional terms, you are not usually trying to hit back to the opponent). If you are in a deep (back court) position, you want to hit the ball in the direction of the opponent who is also in a deep position (back court). You are hitting deep-to-deep. This is generally a cross-court shot.

It is critical that when you are in the back court you do not hit the ball to the net person, who can easily volley this ball away for a winner (or put your partner in physical jeopardy!). In other words, you always avoid hitting deep-to-short.

If you are hitting a ball in the short or mid-court area, either as the net person or the back person who has come in for a short ball, then you often have an opportunity to put this shot away for a winner. Shot selection depends on the height of the ball as you prepare to strike it. If it is waist level or higher, you will be hitting offensively and slightly down on the ball and you can hit it anywhere in the short court area, angling it to either side of the net person, pounding it up the middle, or driving it back at her feet. Thus, in the near or short court area you should be hitting short-to-short. If you hit the ball back toward the opponent on the baseline (hitting short-to-deep), you forego your offensive possibilities and allow your opponents to get back in the point.

There are times, however, when it is better to hit toward the deep person than into the short court. This is when you are in a defensive position and/or the ball you are about to strike is below the net, forcing you to hit up. Hitting this ball back to the near court (short-to-short) allows the opposing net player to hit your shot offensively down into the court for a placement. Rather than risk this, simply get the ball back over the net into the back court (short-to-deep). You may allow your opponents to stay in the point, but you avoid losing the point outright by hitting it to the net person.

Employing the deep-to-deep, short-to-short concept will improve your doubles play, win you more games, and provide you more enjoyment.

Randy Cummings
Match Point Racquet Sports
www.racquetgear.com