One question that comes up often in my clinics as I travel is, "I was taught to always be side by side with my partner. Is this correct?" While at times it is correct to be side by side, many times you should not be in this position with your partner. Let me give you one example. You and your partner are both at the net and the opponents are back. They return with a lob and your partner goes back to return it. You look at the opponents and they are staying back. You will be in big trouble with me if you leave the most powerful position on the court when you do not have to. This is only one of many examples of when you should not be side by side. You should constantly be attacking or defending and often you will not be side by side. Time and opponents determine your position relative to your partner and it varies constantly. So do not worry if you are not next to your partner. The question you need to ask yourself is, "Am I in the correct position to attack or defend the opponents shot?"