Consistency techniques: preparation and footwork

What this lesson covers

Consistency relies on early racket preparation and active footwork. At the net, keep the racket at head height with two hands on the grip to prepare for both forehand and backhand volleys. When defending at the back, maintain a lower preparation to react to balls hitting the glass. Always freeze the racket preparation before contact to ensure control rather than relying on a large swing. Keep the head stable and focused on the contact point to maintain balance throughout the shot.

Footwork should be active and controlled. Use a split step as the opponent hits the ball to remain ready to move in any direction. When moving on the court, take small, calm steps rather than rushing. Ensure both feet are planted during the shot to benefit from ground reaction force. Avoid moving while hitting, as this leads to instability and errors. When choosing targets, mirror the incoming trajectory by playing fast balls back fast and lobs back with lobs. Aim cross-court to utilize the longer distance for safety. Prioritize the development of correct technique over winning a single point to build long-term consistency.