The Transition Game
by Steve Tourdo
Transition shots are a vital part of your movement toward the net. Whether you hit a volley, half-volley or
even a ground stroke, the target you choose must make sense in light of the current court
conditions. In this lesson, we will discuss the decision making process when choosing your transition target.
There are two main targets to choose from when transitioning. Cross court, and down the line. Both are
defined by the body of the opposing net player. Because of this, “cross court” can also include down the
middle because the middle is on the cross court side of the net player.
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Most transition shots are hit cross court. This can be a very reasonable
shot selection if you know why you’re choosing it. Often, this shot selection is made from habit rather than what’s most sensible
at the moment. The main goal is to have both shot selections available to you
and possess a clear idea of when to hit each one.
If you were to choose a restaurant for dinner, you would chose it by considering several criteria. Perhaps the
following would come to mind: type of food, location, price, ambiance, service, or a good
recommendation from a friend. While you may try a restaurant once on the recommendation from a friend, you go back
because it meets your criteria for a good restaurant.
Five Basic Criteria
Back on the tennis court, there are five basic criteria that a sophisticated transitioner will consider in choosing
a target. Let’s begin with the simplest and build up to the most sophisticated
reasoning.
Just Because
The simplest and most common criteria is what I call “just because.” Many players hit crosscourt “just
because” that’s what they’ve always done. They make a sensible decision once and go to that restaurant the
rest of their lives regardless of changing situations. This target selection is usually m
Due to the high return, the server has the option to try the alley but elects to hit crosscourt because the return was close to the
middle.
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ade prior to the serve and
has little or nothing to do with the evolving situation after the return of serve.
Height of the Ball
Height of the incoming ball is another factor to consider. If the ball is low, you normally don’t want to take on
the opposing net player because you have no power. Instead, you hit crosscourt because that
opponent is less “weaponed” due to the deeper court position. If the
ball is high, you pick up a reason to target the alley of the opposing net player because the ball is above the height of the net and may be
hit with power.
Location
Left/Right location of the incoming ball is also a factor. If the return is down the middle, it’s very difficult to hit
to the alley. On the other hand, if the incoming ball is wide and you’re positioned right in
front of the alley, this may be a good time to hit down the alley because it compliments your court position.
Opponent's Court Position
The opposing net player’s court position is another factor. If they vacate the alley early or there is a large hole there to begin with, it
may make sense to hit into the alley. If they are positioned close to the alley, perhaps crosscourt is the “proper” decision.
When your partner is in the middle of the court, use the down
the line to help compliment their court position.
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Partner's Court Position
The last and most sophisticated reason for choosing whether to hit down
the line or crosscourt is based on your own net player’s court position.
If your net player is still in the same position as when you hit your serve,
it makes sense to hit back crosscourt and keep the action in front of their net position. On the other hand, if
they tried unsuccessfully to poach and are located in the middle of the court,
compliment their court position by volleying down the line.
So there you have the five criteria any high level player uses to make
their transition target decision: just because, height of the ball, left
right location, opposing player’s court position, and your own partner’s
position.
I strongly suggest you own both transition shots. Know why you
hit them and get good at execution.
Enjoy your challenges and good luck until next time.
For a more complete explanation of this concept, see Steve
Tourdo's book: Unlimited Doubles!!
The above article is an excerpt from the first chapter of Unlimited
Doubles! For more detailed explanation of this concept and to improve your doubles game
refer to the book.
Your comments are welcome. Let us know what you think about Steve
Tourdo's article by emailing us
here at TennisONE.
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