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How To Perfectly Position Yourself
Learn how to adopt the ready position, enabling you to play a more successful tennis game. Positioning yourself in tennis is one of the most important aspects of the game; so watch closely and improve your footwork. Watch this simple tutorial on perfectly positioning yourself for tennis strokes.
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Step 1:
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Position your feet
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To adopt the ready position at the beginning of a tennis game, stand just behind the baseline.
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Your feet need to be approximately shoulder width apart. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet.
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Step 2:
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Position the racket
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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.
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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.
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Your other hand is placed on the throat of the tennis racket and keeps the racket head at chest height.
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With both hands on the tennis racket, you are ready for quick grip changes and stronger, earlier body rotation for the shot.
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TIP: Hold the handle loosely. You will use the hand on the throat to change grip...so the handle must be free to move.
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Step 3:
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Stay vigilant
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For better anticipation, it's important to watch the ball at all times. Keep your eyes straight ahead, never taking them off the ball.
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Step 4:
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Anticipate the ball
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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.
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As your opponent strikes the ball you can bounce onto your toes for extra spring in your legs.
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This will allow you to accelerate in any direction at maximum speed the moment you see where the tennis ball is going.
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Step 5:
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Recover after your shot
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After hitting the ball return to the ready position as soon as possible.
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This will give you maximum flexibility and balance for your next shot.
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