Introduction

In pickleball, the ready position is your foundation for success on the court. Whether you’re at the no-volley zone (kitchen) or midcourt, maintaining a proper ready position can elevate your game by improving reaction time, footwork, and shot accuracy. In this blog, we’ll break down the key components of a solid ready position, address common mistakes, and share drills to help you stay low, balanced, and prepared for any shot.

Watch this video for additional tips and insights:
The Ready Position in Pickleball

1. The Importance of the Ready Position

The ready position is more than just a stance; it’s a mindset that prepares you to handle anything your opponent throws at you. Staying low and balanced helps you:

• React faster to incoming shots.
• Maintain control over your footwork.
• Keep your paddle and body aligned for consistent returns.

When your ready position is strong, you’re not just playing defense—you’re setting yourself up for offensive opportunities.

2. The Key Components of a Proper Ready Position

Here’s how to establish a solid ready position:

• Feet Placement: Keep your feet shoulder-width apart to ensure balance and mobility.
• Knees Bent: Lower your center of gravity by bending your knees and dropping your hips. Think of a slight squat—your legs should feel engaged.
• Chest and Head Up: Maintain an upright posture with your chest forward and head up. This keeps your eyes on the ball and prevents slouching.
• Paddle Position: Hold your paddle up and ready, angled slightly forward at 12 o’clock or 11 o’clock, depending on your comfort.

3. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced players can fall into bad habits. Here are two common mistakes and how to fix them:

1. Standing Up Mid-Play

• The Problem: Players often start in the ready position but gradually stand upright, bringing their feet closer together.
• The Fix: Focus on keeping your knees bent and feet wide throughout the rally. Staying low ensures you’re always in an optimal position for quick reactions.

2. Dropping the Paddle

• The Problem: Players lower their paddle to their side or below their waist, making it harder to react to high shots.
• The Fix: Keep your paddle up and in front of your body. This minimizes the time it takes to move the paddle to your next shot.

4. Drills to Improve Your Ready Position

The “Stay Low” Drill

1. Start at the no-volley zone in a proper ready position.
2. Have a partner toss balls to different sides of your body.
3. Focus on moving laterally to reach the ball while maintaining a low stance and paddle position.
4. Reset to the ready position after each toss.

The “Crossover Test” Drill

1. Stand upright and practice crossing one foot over the other—note how easy it is.
2. Now drop into your ready position and try crossing over again. You’ll notice it’s much harder to cross your feet, encouraging proper footwork habits.
3. Use this drill to build muscle memory for staying low during gameplay.

5. Advanced Tips for Intermediate Players

While beginners should focus on mastering the basics, intermediate players can start incorporating advanced concepts like:

• Efficient Paddle Position: Adjusting paddle angles for quicker backhand or forehand volleys.
• Controlled Weight Shifting: Distributing your weight evenly for smoother transitions between shots.
• Improved Reaction Time: Using the ready position to anticipate and counter opponents’ shots effectively.

Call to Action

Want to take your ready position—and overall pickleball game—to the next level? Join Night Train Pickleball’s Precision Training Program, where we dive deep into footwork, strategy, and advanced techniques to help you dominate the court. Learn More Here