Previdi System Terminology

In this list of videos, we provide you with specific terms you will hear us use throughout our videos, articles, and live discussions.  Understanding these terms will help you better follow the Previdi System.   This is a complete list of our Previdi Terminology videos.  We are consistently updating our pages with new videos, so we invite you to check back often!

Hunter And Helper

Type:  Terminology
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: In The Previdi System, the terms Hunter and Helper define the positioning and shot selection of the two doubles partners.

EFFECT ON GAME: Once you and your partner have mastered Hunter and Helper positioning and shot selection, you will eliminate randomness, bad decisions and poor decisions. You will always be on the same page and can play with any teammate seamlessly.

SAL - Short Angled Low

Type:  Terminology
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: In order to put your opponents in "Jail", you need to hit a SAL ( Short, Angled , Low) ball. 

EFFECT ON GAME: If you perfect the SAL Return, you will be limiting your opponents options and controlling play. You will also open the court up for other, complementary shots, such as the Offensive Lob Return.

Put 'em In Jail

Type:  Terminology
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: In The Previdi System, "Jail" is the area in front of the server near the service line and the singles sideline. Hitting here with a SAL (Short, Angled, Low) Return, will give your opponents few options and will set up you and your partner to control play at the net.

EFFECT ON GAME: The beauty of "Jail" is that hitting returns (or other shots ) there is equally effective against opponents who stay back as well as those who come in. It is effective at all levels of play.

Deep To Deep - Short To Short

Type:  Terminology
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: In The Previdi System, it's important to understand where you are supposed to hit the ball when you're the Hunter or the Helper. Deep to Deep and Short to Short will help you remember where to hit based on your role at that time.

EFFECT ON GAME: Hitting the appropriate shots will help you to set yourself and your partner up as well as letting your partner know what their next move should be before you've even hit your shot. No hesitation and no bad choices will give you a better chance to win your matches.

Moment Of Truth

Type:  Terminology
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: In The Previdi System terminology, the Moment of Truth is the foundation upon which all shots are built.

EFFECT ON GAME: If you are consistent at the Contact Point (Moment of Truth), you will be able to be consistent and accurate, the two most important qualities in doubles.

Netstrapping

Type:  Terminology
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: When you hit the SAL Return in The Previdi System, you're going to get many angled balls back in response. If you don't put the net strap in between you and the opponent, you will be vulnerable to those angles. Any time you're the Helper, put the netstrap between you and the opponent so you're positioned in the center of all the possible returns to your side. Make sure your Hunter doesn't go and hide in their alley because the middle will be wide open.

EFFECT ON GAME: If you position yourself properly as the Helper, you will not be vulnerable to angles and will be able to use your opponents angles against them.

No Man's Land = Pro Man's Land

Type:  Terminology
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: In order to be a great doubles player, you need to master the mid court area. You're going to be moving through this area on your first volley as a server or receiver. In The Previdi System we call this area "Pro Man's land" because great players at all levels are proficient at setting up points from this area. 

EFFECT ON GAME: Once you've mastered Pro Man's Land, you will be able to get to the net without missing set up volleys. You and your partner will control play from your Hunter and Helper positions.

Abandon Ship

Type:  Terminology
Level:  2.5 - 5.0
Participation:  None

TOPIC: When the Helper has to run behind the Hunter for a deep lob, the Helper tells the Hunter to "Get Back" so they can play defense together. When the Helper has to "Abandon Ship" they don't leave their partner behind. 

EFFECT ON GAME: Getting back together and hitting a high lob will help to neutralize the opponents advantage and keep our team in the point. The key is to be patient once your team is back and keep lobbing until an opportunity arises to take the net back.