What is the Best "Ready Position" for Pickleball?
If you've come from a racket sports background like tennis or racquetball, then you know the importance of being in a ready position. This means having your knees bent with your feet planted a shoulders width apart. In those sports, it also means having your racket in front of your body and vertical to the ground. But in pickleball, you also want to be aware of a couple of differences in ready position compared to tennis and racquetball.
These pickleball tips for body and paddle positioning will help you play better pickleball, simply by mastering the ready position.
Pickleball Paddle Position in the Ready Position
The first is related to paddle position, so start by imagining a clock with 12 numbers on it.
When I learned to play racquetball, twelve o'clock was considered to be the correct starting position. However, pickleball is a bit different as the pace at the non-volley zone line requires a different technique.
Think of your paddle position in terms of a clock.
Paddle Position at the Kitchen Line
If you’re playing at the kitchen line, have the back-hand side of your paddle face towards your opponent and parallel to the net, with a position at 10 or 11 o'clock. This is because when shots are hit at your body, the backhand allows you to cover 80% of your body. I know it is harder to make a change for tennis and racquetball players, but it is something you should work on. A great time to do this is in warm-ups because you have the time to consciously think about your paddle position.
Paddle Position at the Baseline
If you’re playing at the baseline after a pickleball serve and awaiting the next shot, the ready position is holding your paddle up in front of your body, perpendicular to the court, above the waist, at 12 o’clock. This position allows you to hit a forehand or get into a backhand position easily as you await the return of serve and set up the third shot drop.
What Paddle Grip Should a Player Use in the Pickleball Ready Position?
There are three main grip types that pickleball players use while playing pickleball - eastern, western, and continental. The continental grip is used by more advanced players, while new players tend to use the eastern grip. The type of grip you use for the ready position should be the one that feels the most comfortable. The eastern grip is the easiest in most cases because you can easily hit forehands and backhands without switching grip.
Body Position in the Pickleball Ready Position
I mentioned in the first paragraph to make sure you bend your knees when in the ready position. For long dink rallies at the net, I get very low to the ground. However, what I've come to learn about pickleball is that a low-ready position is not always what is needed and can take away some offensive opportunities.
Start with your feet a shoulder’s width apart. It is best to bend your knees and lean forward on the balls of your feet. This position allows you to have the fastest reaction time and offers the best maneuverability.
Having the best ready position greatly adds to your pickleball game and allows you to be faster and lighter on your feet. Having the right paddle position will help you strike quickly and control the ball.
Here’s a full video from In2Pickle on the different ready positions and how to orient your paddle and body for the best results:
Final Thoughts
Take a little time to work on being in the correct ready position as part of your warm-up drills until it becomes muscle memory. After each shot, return to the ready position to prepare yourself for the next shot. You’ll see a difference in the shots you’re able to take and to return once this becomes second nature.
