Preparation for your next shot begins at the moment you hit your immediate shot.

Your preparation for your next shot begins immediately after you hit the ball back to your opponent.

These tips will help you react quickly to your opponent’s return shot.

• After hitting the ball, immediately get back on the balls of your feet.
• Observe your opponent’s reaction to the shot. Watch his/her body language.
  If your opponent exhibits difficulty in reaching your shot or remaining in balance,
  consider moving in towards the net in anticipation of handling a short ball or a volley.  Otherwise, start side stepping slightly backwards and towards the centre of the court.
• In addition to watching your opponent’s body language, observe the height of the ball as it passes over the net. Balls that pass close to the net are usually shallow shots. Balls that pass high over the net usually land deep in the court.
• Try to observe if your opponent is adding any spin on the ball. Topspin will make the ball jump towards you on impact. Underspin will slow the ball’s forward movement. Understanding how a ball will react on impact will help you make the final small adjustment steps that are needed to get to the ball to setup in your hitting pathway.
• As a final tip, try to observe the line of the ball’s path as it leaves your opponent’s racquet. Begin to adjust your positioning in relationship to the path of the incoming ball as soon as possible.

George Haley