Tennis Ready Position
Also known as: ready position in tennis, tennis ready stance, ready position at the baseline, ready position for a tennis return
In the tennis ready position, stand with your feet a little wider than your shoulders, knees bent and weight on the balls of your feet. Hold the racquet in front of you at about chest height, tip up, with your free hand on the throat. From there you split step as the opponent hits.
The ready position is the stance you hold between shots, just before the split step. Its job is to let you move fast in any direction and prepare either a forehand or a backhand. Stand facing the net with your feet wider than your shoulders. Bend the knees and lean slightly forward from the hips. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet with the heels light. Hold the racquet out in front with relaxed hands.
Many baseline players wait with a forehand grip or a neutral grip and change it once they read the ball. At the net, many players hold a continental grip and keep the racquet higher, in front of the chest. There is little time for a grip change up there. On the return, many players stand a little wider and lower to be ready for a fast serve. Two-handed backhand players often keep the non-dominant hand in its backhand spot on the handle.
Standing tall with straight legs, resting on the heels and letting the racquet hang by your side all slow the first step. The ready position is not a frozen pose. Stay light and moving, then split step as the opponent makes contact.
Tips by skill level
Check yourself after every shot: feet wide, knees bent, racquet up in front, free hand on the throat. Then split step as your partner hits.
Adjust the stance to the situation. Go lower and wider on the return, hold the racquet higher at the net, and use a neutral grip at the baseline when you cannot predict the side.
Example
Between shots he used to stand upright with the racquet hanging at his knee. Now he recovers to a wide, low stance with the racquet in front at chest height. His split step is quicker and he reaches more wide balls.
Why it matters
Every shot starts from your ready position. A good one makes the first step and the unit turn faster on both sides.
Common mistakes
- Standing tall with straight legs
- Resting your weight on your heels
- Letting the racquet hang low or off to one side
- Holding the pose still instead of staying light and ready to split step
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct ready position in tennis?
Feet a little wider than shoulder width, knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet. Hold the racquet in front of your chest with the tip up and your free hand on the throat. Stay light and split step as your opponent hits.
What grip should I hold in the ready position?
It varies. Many baseliners wait with a forehand grip and switch when they see a backhand coming. At the net, many players hold a continental grip. It works for forehand and backhand volleys without a change.
Where should I hold my racquet when waiting for the ball?
Out in front of your body at about chest height, with the tip up and both hands on the racquet. A racquet hanging by your side takes longer to prepare.
Related terms
- Split StepA split step is a small hop timed to the moment your opponent strikes the ball. It primes your legs to push off explosively in any direction.
- Unit TurnA unit turn is rotating the hips and shoulders together as one unit to prepare for a groundstroke. The arm does not take the racquet back on its own.
- Recovery to Center CourtRecovery to center court is moving back to a balanced base position after a shot. That base covers the widest range of the opponent's likely replies.
- Grip ChangeA grip change is moving the hand along the handle between shots to match the incoming ball. Most often from a forehand hold to continental for volleys, serves and slices.
- Return of Serve PositioningReturn of serve positioning is how deep and how far to one side a returner stands. It is set to counter the server's pace, spin, and typical patterns.
- Volley TechniqueVolley technique is the mechanics of striking the ball before it bounces. It uses a short, firm punch action rather than a full groundstroke swing.
Related guides & benchmarks
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