Tennis For Beginners: The ready position
All tennis strokes lead to the ready position
If you're a newer adult entering the game of tennis, feeling a bit lost on the court or wondering why the ready position matters, this post should help.If you've landed here, you're on the right path to becoming the player you want to become. I'm not here to bore you with fancy terminology or complex drills, but as a tennis director with over two decades of adult coaching experience and a lifelong love for the game since my junior days, let's dive into a crucial aspect of tennis – the ready position.
Now, forget about the fancy terms and technicalities for a moment. I want to share a little secret with you: the ready position is your weapon on the court. It's the foundation for all your core tennis strokes (excluding the serve) and sets the stage for each rally and point.
As you're just getting started in the game learning the court lines, long before you master the serve, the ready position steps into the limelight.
The ready position in tennis serves as the foundational stance for essential tennis strokes, excluding the serve. Timing is paramount, and maintaining readiness and heightened alertness before each shot primes your nervous system to swiftly perceive and advance towards the incoming ball, ensuring early responsiveness.
The ready position isn't just a formality. It's the starting point for all your essential tennis strokes, whether you're in a heated rally or gearing up for that crucial point.
Tennis is all about timing, and being ready & alert before each shot primes your nervous system to spot and move towards the incoming ball early on. Not to mention it tells your opponent that you know what’s going on and you’re prepared for anything. Your body language speaks volumes on court!
If you're considering dipping your toes into the world of tennis, this beginner-friendly online course is designed with you in mind. I've crafted it personally to equip you with the fundamental knowledge you need to confidently step onto the court. These basics are the building blocks for your success, and trust me, understanding them will make your tennis immensely richer and an all around better player.
Whether you're easing into the idea of tennis or gearing up for some serious court action, this How to Play Tennis online course covers it all. From core tennis strokes to the nitty-gritty of keeping score. And guess what? It all starts with the ready position!
Tennis isn’t just a sport. It's an addictive ride that leads to new friendships, shared victories & losses, and fantastic workouts that leave you feeling amazing.
I promise never to get technical around my beginner players. Because you’re going to connect with regular, simpler language better. Even as an advanced player I’m lost when coaches drone on using technical talk which can be absolutely said in simple language.
Pro tip:💫
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The art of the ready position
The ready position is your starting position before each & every shot. You’ll also return to your ready position after each and every shot.
“The ready position isn’t a relaxing position. It’s a stance showing you’re prepared to attack the ball.
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The core tennis strokes you’ll find your ready position on will be:
volleys (forehand & backhand)
Return of Serve
Jofre Porta
Alright, players, let's talk about the art of the ready position. It's not just about looking the part, it's about owning it, even if you have to fake it a bit. Nobody wants to see a lazy ready position. It's like telegraphing to your opponent that you're heads not in the game.
A position where you're not just chilling. You're on the lookout for that ball like a hawk! Racket poised in front, feet shoulder-width apart, a slight bend in the knees, and, of course, staying balanced. Always balanced! This setup gets you geared up and ready to launch into action when that ball comes your way. We all know how easy it is to lose focus on court from point to point. This helps you stay attentive.
Some adults take the ready position lightly, treating it like a casual break. Not a good move! It sends a signal to your opponent that it's an easy win for them by just shuffling you around.
You see, it's all about simple body language. In tennis, your body speaks volumes. So, let's get that ready position rock-solid, show that awareness, and exude strength.
Ready Position: Dominate every tennis stroke
ready position at the baseline
There´s different ready positions for the different strokes. Remember, groundstrokes are balls that are hit off of the ground. Where you´ll be positioned, waiting behind the baseline.
Forehand groundstroke (eastern grip)
Backhand groundstroke (continental grip)
Ready Position: Return of serve
ready position, return of serve
Let's dive into the return of serve ready position. Stand a bit lower, center of gravity, racket centered, maintain a forehand grip for easy access to the backhand when you need it.
As you face the incoming serve, your positioning might see you a couple of feet inside the baseline, especially at the beginner level. Now, in this stance, feet are shoulder-width apart and poised for a quick move in either direction based on where that serve is headed.
And here's a crucial note: when you're the one serving, after that ball leaves your strings, it's time to recover.
Hustle back to the middle of the court for singles or the center of your side for doubles, and snap back into your ready position for those groundstrokes. Got it? Let's keep that return game strong!
Ready positions for volleys & overhead smashes
Alright, let's break down those tennis volleys. The ones where the balls don't bounce, they're soaring through the air with you standing right up at the net.
For your flawless forehand and backhand volleys, you're rocking a continental grip, keeping that racket centered above the net.
Now, here's a pro tip, especially for you beginners. Pay attention to your wrist – keep it upright. As you turn those shoulders towards the ball, make sure your wrist is up or in an L position in that continental grip. It's like a secret handshake with the racket, slightly opening its face on contact. This laid-back position makes sending that ball over the net a breeze.
Your ready position? Always centered with your body. Elbows and knees are in a bend, getting low, and poised to push off in the direction of that incoming ball. But hey, no slouching here – it's not a chill-out spot. It's a ready position. You're on the attack, ready to make your mark on the ball. Let that be your signature on court, okay? 😉
Now, you've got the scoop on the importance of the ready position for each tennis core stroke. Next up, the famous forehand – check it out here.
Sending love from Mallorca~