P2 Ready Position: Feet, Balance, and Court Awareness
The ready position is where everything starts. Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of your feet.
Your ready position determines how fast you react. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent 15-20 degrees, weight balanced on the balls of your feet—heels should barely touch the ground. Your torso faces the net at a slight angle, allowing your shoulders to rotate freely. Hold the racket in front of your body at waist height, arms bent, with the racket head at eye level. This position is called the 'split step ready,' and it's held just as your opponent begins their stroke. The moment they start their swing, make a small hop (2-3 inches high), landing softly on both feet. This neutral hop prevents you from being caught flat-footed. Many P2 players stand too upright or with weight on their heels—this delays first-step explosiveness. Your eyes should track the ball from the opponent's racket. Stay in the ready position at baseline between every shot. At the net, keep your racket higher and your knees bent more to react to volleys quickly.
Progression steps
- 1Set your ready position without hitting—hold it for 30 seconds
- 2Add the split-step hop as a coach tosses balls to your forehand
- 3React to coach tosses by taking one explosive step toward the ball
- 4Play rallies while maintaining ready position between every shot
Drill suggestions
- • Split-step ladder: 20 hops with perfect form, then move to the baseline
- • Reaction drill: Coach calls 'forehand' or 'backhand' after tossing—react and hit
FAQs
When exactly should I do the split step?
Split step just as your opponent begins their stroke—not when you see the ball. Timing is everything.
Should my racket be high or low in ready position?
At baseline: racket at waist height. At net: racket higher (shoulder height) to react to volleys faster.
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