The Previdi System

Type:  Tip
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: Getting the lead on your serve is important for many reasons as it allows you to play more relaxed and more aggressively.

EFFECT ON GAME:  If you get ahead on your serve, it puts pressure on your opponents and minimizes the effect of them hitting a winner.

Type:  Tip
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: Serve and volley is a critical part of The Previdi System . Many players have learned serve and volley incorrectly or not at all. We will teach it to you in a systematic way. 

EFFECT ON GAME:  In The Previdi System you will learn how to serve and volley and to master all the situations that occur through repetition of drills, games and points. Once you learn this you will no longer feel powerless on your serve. You and your partner will control play by controlling the net. If you're consistent at serving and making the first volley you will win matches and everyone will want to be your partner. 

Type:  Tip
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: When we're hitting the SAL return in The Previdi System, the type of serve dictates whether we hit a slice or flat return.

EFFECT ON GAME:  In The Previdi System we can control play with the SAL (short, angled and low) return. We need to choose the proper type of return ( flat or slice) in order to be consistent. On a flat , low serve we hit a flat return and on a high spin serve we hit a slice return. Making the correct choice will help us to be consistent on our returns as we make sure we always make the first two shots of every point. 

Type:  Tip
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC:  There are only two things you can control every time you play a doubles match; conditioning and effort. These two things are interconnected as you can't put out maximum effort and focus if you aren't in great shape and physically and aren't mentally tough.

EFFECT ON THE GAME:  If you work hard in the gym and at practice, you will be in great physical shape when you play a match. If you're in great shape you'll be able to execute your shots and "plays" consistently. The fact that you never get physically and mentally fatigued will give you an advantage later in the match when your opponents start to get tired. 

Type:  Tip
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: Serve and volley can be difficult against an attacking receiver because your opportunities as well as your time are limited. The three words you need to remember are; low, slow and close. Keep the ball low, slow the ball down and close in for the ball your opponent hits up.

EFFECT ON GAME: If you learn how to neutralize your attacking opponent by keeping the ball low and controlling the speed of the game, you'll be able to hold serve even against the best returns and the most aggressive players. You will be a partner that other players love to play with.

Type:  Tip
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: If your opponent stays back on their return, you have more options than when they come in. What you do with the first volley and the position you and your partner take after that volley are determined by the type of return they hit to you.

EFFECT ON GAME:  Hitting the right volley to the right spot and getting to the proper position will give your team control of the point and lead to holding serve on a consistent basis.

Type:  Tip
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: Doubles is a team sport and like any team sport, there need to be parameters for positioning and shot selection so we can work as part of the team and avoid surprises or randomness. 

EFFECT ON GAME:  If you know where to be, where to hit your next shot and , most importantly, where your partner is going hit their next shot, you will become a successful doubles team and win most, if not all of your matches. Once you've established your parameters and know the "plays" instinctively, you won't have to think you will be able to react quickly and without hesitation. Everyone on your USTA team will be able to play doubles with any other member of your team and there will be no confusion or learning curve. Your team will have a huge advantage over all other teams you play. 

Type:  Tip
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: The term "JAIL" in The Previdi System, refers to hitting your return Short, Angled and Low. Hitting your return SAL and putting your opponent in JAIL will help you control points in your doubles matches.

EFFECT ON GAME:  When your doubles team is able to put your opponents in JAIL, you will limit their ability to lob, to hit passing shots and you will create space between your opponents for your next shot. It will allow you and your partner to get in optimal attacking position and enable you to stay on the offensive during the point. Your opponents will get frustrated because you're taking away their ability to hit their favorite shots. They'll be playing defensive tennis at all times!

Type:  Tip
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  2-4 players

TOPIC:  There are two places where we want to hit the ball in The Previdi System in order to control play and limit our opponents options. SAL ( short, angled and low), and deep over the net players head. 

EFFECT ON GAME:  When you are able to master the areas of the court where there are no opponents, especially when the server or receiver stay back, you and your partner will control play and keep your opponents off balance. You're also exploiting the same player by hitting to both of these spots and eliminating the net player as a threat. 

Type:  Tip
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: There are three ways to win a point in tennis; winners, unforced errors and forced errors. You want to put your opponents in difficult situations and force them to miss.

EFFECT ON GAME:  If you and your partner can consistently put your opponents in difficult situations and force them to hit shots under duress, you will be effective against teams of all levels.