Ready position: avoid permanent body profiles

What this lesson covers

Maintaining a neutral ready position is essential for covering the entire court. Players often commit to a specific side too early, locking their hips and feet into a single profile. This habit restricts movement and leaves the opposite side vulnerable to unexpected shots. While adjusting the toes or torso slightly toward the incoming ball is acceptable for anticipation, the body must remain balanced and ready to pivot in either direction.

At the net, holding a static, extreme profile prevents a quick reaction to balls played behind or across the body. The goal is to stay mobile enough to step into any shot, whether it requires a forehand or a backhand. Even when anticipating a specific play, such as a cross-court lob, the stance should allow for a rapid turn to cover the other side. A neutral, athletic base ensures that if an opponent hits a low-percentage shot, the player can still block the ball and remain in the point rather than being caught out of position.