What in the World are you Looking at!

One of the most common errors I see watching club-level doubles matches isn't missing shots, although it's an ongoing theme at the 3.0 /3.5 level. It's visual discipline.

Where your eyes are focused as the point is being played out determines whether you position yourself properly (offensively, neutral, or defensively).

You are alternately on the defensive side of the shot or the attacking side, and it changes every three or four seconds!

Of the four players on the doubles court, the only one looking at the ball should be the player toward whom the ball is traveling.

The other three should be watching either the opponent preparing to strike the ball or the opposing net player who is crouching in wait, looking to cut off a weak response and TORCH THE OPPOSING NET PLAYER (YOU)!!

• If you are the server, once you have put the ball in play keep your eyes on the returner (body position and balance)as you try to ascertain the direction and quality of their response.
• If you are the server's partner (NET PLAYER), your eyes must be focused on the receiver as well and focused narrowly on their Racket face in the effort to read and attack any weak response.
• If you are the receiver of serve (the returner), your eyes need to be focused on the server's contact point (not watching their hand lifting the ball) so that your reaction to the delivery of that serve is instantaneous and purposeful.
• If you are the returner's partner (this is known as the HOT SEAT position), your eyes should be sharply attached to the server's partner at the net because their job is to play aggressively through you or angle past you any time they get a weak shot coming near them.

Every time the ball crosses the net, those visual focuses must change, and positional responsibility switches alternately from hunter to hunted.

I'm pretty sure that having outlined the initial behaviors of the four participants, none of my descriptions included looking backward at your partner as they are striking their shot.

The very briefest of glances is acceptable if you feel you need to evaluate your partner's balance. However, be sure your eyes are forward on the threat as the ball is being played.

The next time you are driving somewhere, be aware of where you are focused, and I'm sure you'll find your attention is focused forward to see what may be coming at you, rather than what's behind you in the rear-view mirror.