How To Perfectly Position Yourself

Step 1: Position your feet

To adopt the ready position at the beginning of a tennis game, stand just behind the baseline.

Your feet need to be approximately shoulder width apart. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet.

Step 2: Position the racket

The grip used for the ready position is the continental grip. It's also known as a chopper grip, named thus because it's how you'd hold an axe for chopping.

To find the grip just hold your racket as if it were an axe. The V of your thumb and forefinger should be on the top bevel of the racket's handle.

Your other hand is placed on the throat of the tennis racket and keeps the racket head at chest height.

With both hands on the tennis racket, you are ready for quick grip changes and stronger, earlier body rotation for the shot.

TIP: Hold the handle loosely. You will use the hand on the throat to change grip...so the handle must be free to move.

Step 3: Stay vigilant

For better anticipation, it's important to watch the ball at all times. Keep your eyes straight ahead, never taking them off the ball.

Step 4: Anticipate the ball

With your body erect, bend your knees slightly. This lowers your centre of gravity and means you're ready to move off in any direction.

As your opponent strikes the ball you can bounce onto your toes for extra spring in your legs.

This will allow you to accelerate in any direction at maximum speed the moment you see where the tennis ball is going.

Step 5: Recover after your shot

After hitting the ball return to the ready position as soon as possible.

This will give you maximum flexibility and balance for your next shot.