What’s the Best Ready Position in Pickleball?

I get this question a lot…

“Where Should I Hold my Paddle?”

If I am just asked “what’s the best ready position?” Then I like to briefly explain that there are two types of ready positions.

What are the 2 Types of Ready Positions in Pickleball?

Ready for your opponent to hit the ball and
Ready position before you hit the ball (the pause between your backswing and forward swing.)

Players tend to ask me about where they should have their paddle ready before their opponent hits the ball, but this concept of 2 ready positions is very important.

1. Think with me for a second while we get ready before our opponent hits the ball…

It looks like my opponent is winding up to hit the ball hard and fast (as they seem to love to do). They pull their paddle back and their eyes get big. Something scary is about to happen!

This is the moment in time where your “ready position” matters the most. Just before your opponent swings and hits the ball.

2. And what about being ready to hit?

Imagine you get a slow return. You step into the shot, have a nice short backswing right before you hit the ball. There is a slight pause in between your backswing and just before you rip a fantastic third shot drive.

This scenario is the class “ready to hit position”.

(Additional Read: Choosing the right Pickleball Grip tape for your paddle.)

So What’s the Best Ready Position in Pickleball?

Now that we know the 2 types of ready positions, we are going to focus on the first which is “being ready before your opponent hits the ball.” This is usually what people are asking about.

I teach players that “the best ready position in Pickleball is a position that is ready for your opponents most likely attack.”

This is different than what a lot of coaches and players will tell you. They like to tell you there is a magical ready position that is one sized fits all.

If you’ve seen players holding their paddles out in front of them like robots but seem surprised at almost every shot their opponent hits, Then that is the traditional “ready position” that is taught.

Why is this one-size-fits-all archaic and robotic ready position taught in Pickleball?

I believe it’s a carry over from Tennis. In Tennis, you have a lot more time to move and get your racket into position to hit the ball.

Remember the “ready to hit” position?

This is super important because both Tennis and Pickleball reward you for getting to a good “ready to hit” position (“backswing”). However, Pickleball usually gives you MUCH LESS time to move your paddle there.

What “Being Ready for Your Opponents Most Likely Attack” will Solve for You

It’s more challenging trying to guess where your opponent is about to hit the ball hard versus just going to a robotic ready position. The upsides are massive though.

Some of the best counterattackers and volleyer’s I’ve seen are excellent at reading where their opponents are about to attack.

You might here people say “Oh my gosh! Their paddle is ALWAYS in the right place… UGH!”

This is the glorious sound of frustration from an opponent that was just read like a book.

Your eye hand coordination doesn’t get better when you try to guess where your opponent is about to attack the ball.
Your hand speed doesn’t get quicker magically.
But what DOES happen is that your brain starts getting your body to hold the paddle in the right spot more often that will allow you to be ready to counterattack or reset your opponents attacks.

Trying to predict where your opponent will attack the ball will help you get to the actual most important ready position quicker which is the glorious “ready to hit position”.

(Additional Read: What to look for in Great Pickleball Shoes)

Common Situations to Practice Thinking About Where Your Paddle Should Be

Now that we know mentally preparing for our opponents attack is much more helpful than a magical ready position that is perfect for all scenarios.

Let’s look at some common situations you might find yourself in as your opponent is about to hit the ball:

You are at the Kitchen while your Opponent is in the Transition zone

You and your partner are on the returning team and you made your way to the kitchen. Now your opponents are in transition (area from the baseline to the kitchen) working their way in.

Many opponents drive the ball hard from here. This means you should get ready for fast and hard angles.

If your opponent in front of you is hitting the ball hard, be ready to protect your body and line.

If your opponent diagonal of you is hitting the ball hard, help your partner protect the middle (even if it’s your backhand. Your partner will be needing to protect their line as well).

You and your opponent are both at the kitchen

The lower they are contacting the ball, the higher your ready position should be. If they are hitting a ball from their ankle, you might should be ready around your shoulder for example.

If they are contacting the ball at their waist, you will likely need to be ready around your waist/stomach area.

Can You Draw an Imaginary Line from Where Your Opponent is Contacting the Ball to Where the Ball will go if They Hit it Fast?

I know it happens really quick in a game. But wherever your opponent is contacting the ball, try drawing 1-2 lines in your head from where they are contacting the ball to where the ball will go if they hit it fast.

This will help your body subconsciously get your paddle to the correct ready position.

Why Am I Suggesting to Be Ready for Your Opponents Most Likely Attack?

If your opponent hits it slow, you will have time to hit the ball back from almost any ready position.

However, if your opponent tricks you and hits it fast last second, you will almost have had to predict the path of the ball correct to even have a chance to hit the ball back.

I see so many people constantly look caught off guard when their opponent hits the ball fast. And these players almost always have the traditional, robotic “ready for everything” ready position. (Which ironically leaves them ready for close to 0% of the important and difficult balls.

To Recap My Thoughts on the Best Ready Position in Pickleball

Try to predict where your opponent could possibly attack the ball fast (guessing wrong is ok. But it’s better to learn how to guess, than to just hope)
Put your paddle and body in position to defend that shot
Adjust based on the patterns of your opponent

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