Net ready position: keeping the racket up

What this lesson covers

Many players struggle with late contact on volleys because the racket drops during the point. When the racket starts low, the player must raise it to meet the ball, which causes the racket face to open and the ball to fly upward. Maintaining a high racket position is essential even when the partner is hitting the ball.

Players often relax and lower their racket while watching their partner, which leaves them unprepared when the ball suddenly returns to them. The solution is to expect the ball on every single shot. Practice keeping the racket up during the warm-up, even when the ball is not coming directly to you. This habit builds the muscle memory needed to stay in a ready position throughout the entire match.