Anticipation and court movement: stop ball watching

What this lesson covers

Many players lose points by fixating on the ball instead of actively anticipating the next move. This habit causes late preparation and rushed shots. Instead of waiting for the ball to bounce, players must bounce on their toes and prepare their racket as soon as the opponent makes contact. Early movement based on anticipation allows for better positioning and more control over the shot selection.

Watching the ball also blinds players to the opponent's body language. Observing the opponent's posture provides visual cues that reveal whether a lob or a hard shot is coming. This information allows for early adjustments, such as moving back for a smash or preparing for a ball at the feet. Similarly, when a partner is hitting, the non-hitting player should watch the opponents rather than the ball. Communicating the opponents' positions to the partner prevents being caught out of place and helps maintain a dominant court position throughout the rally.