Anticipating your opponent’s serve in tennis requires adopting the optimal ready position. This stance allows you to swiftly react with forehands or backhands and move efficiently across the court to intercept the ball.
Mastering the Grip
Before assuming the ready position, ensure your grip on the racket is both correct and comfortable. Familiarize yourself with the racket’s feel in your hand. There are two primary techniques to determine the best grip for you. Experiment with both to find your preference.
Initially, hold the racket with your non-dominant hand (left hand for right-handed players and vice versa) and extend it in front of you, perpendicular to your body. Place the palm of your dominant hand flat against the strings, slide it down the handle, and grip it near the base. Alternatively, lay the racket on the ground, pick it up, and maintain that grip.
With the racket properly gripped, position yourself one step behind the baseline. This vantage point offers a comprehensive view of the court. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing the net. Elevate your heels slightly to balance on the balls of your feet, enabling quick directional movement to reach the ball.
Bend your knees, ensuring they do not extend beyond your toes, to maintain a low center of gravity. Keep your back and upper body straight. Always start with both hands on the racket. The placement of your hands depends on your backhand preference. For a single-handed backhand, split your hands with the dominant hand at the base and the other at the throat. For a double-handed backhand, position your non-dominant hand above the dominant one.
Hold the racket at hip height, positioned in front of you for rapid ball access, but not too far forward to avoid balance disruption. Your elbows should be slightly ahead of your hips. After hitting the ball, quickly return to the ready position to prepare for the next shot.