“Sometimes when I hit a short return, I feel more comfortable just staying back, but my husband wants me to come up to the kitchen line no matter what. What should I do? Also, is it bad to hit slice returns? I hear I shouldn't slice anymore?"

My answer: 

Hit the return you feel most confident hitting deep. Doesn't matter if its slice or not. 

There’s a lot of people out there saying, "Don't hit slice. You're giving them spin." 

Which, I share some visual examples of what means at 3:24 in this video.

I agree, to some extent. That extent being, if your opponent has awesome 3rd shot drives, then yes, I’ll be a bit more hesitant to slice. 

But the truth is, most players up to a 4.5 level actually don’t handle low slice returns that well. And their 3rd shot drives are nowhere near as consistent as the pro's giving that, "Don't slice" advice.

SO, don't feel the pressure to hit flat or topspin if you feel most confident with the slice. 

NOW, IF you hit a short return, it's pretty likely the opponent will hit their drive AT YOU running in. SO, your husband needs to understand "partner protection." 

Meaning, he should anticipate the ball will be hit at you, and slide over across the mid line and block it! AKA, to protect his partner -- you :)

This will give you more time to keep running up and allow you to avoid hitting a tough shot in the transition zone.

If they hit a drive down his line for a winner because he was protecting you, so be it. In my experience, there’s a lower probability of your opponent hitting that shot. So make them deviate from the norm. 

LASTLY, IF you hit a short return, your husband doesn't slide over, and you get caught in the mid court, honestly, you're just kinda screwed 😂.

I'd typically come into the mid court, do my best to survive that ball, then make my way to the kitchen. But truthfully, it's just a tough position to be in.

On the other hand, if you totally panic after you hit the return. As in, you know it's extremely short and bad things are coming. YES, just stay back, then look to hit a drop and move in. 

Here’s my final thoughts: 

1. Hit your most confident shot on the return to get it deep. Getting it deep is the most important thing, regardless of the type of spin you hit it with. 

2. Tell your husband to stop blaming you for not coming up, and instead — ensure he understands his partner protection responsibilities 🙂.