Do you want to react faster on the pickleball court and win more rallies? If so, you’re in the right place.
We’re thrilled to have pickleball sports performance coach Ty Woody with us, who will guide us on mastering the perfect ready position to enhance your game.
The Ready Position: What You’re Doing Wrong
Many players make a common mistake at the baseline by standing too tall. Legs are straight, knees barely bent, and their body isn’t primed to react.
This stance might feel stable, but it doesn’t prepare you for quick movements essential in pickleball.
The Correct Ready Position
Ty demonstrates the correct ready position using Tammy, a skilled member of our coaching team. Instead of standing tall, focus on loading your legs and body:
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- Load Your Legs: Bend your knees and sink down slightly. Engage your quads, hamstrings, and hips.
- Lean Forward: Lead with your shoulders and knees, positioning your body to move quickly in any direction.
- Stay On Your Toes: Keep your weight on the balls of your feet, ready to spring into action.
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This position allows you to react swiftly, whether moving forward, sideways, or at an angle. As we age, maintaining speed becomes challenging, so adopting an efficient ready position is crucial.
Apply It Everywhere
This ready position isn’t just for the baseline. Use it during transitions and at the kitchen line.
Being in a ready position prepares you to tackle any shot, preventing mistakes like popping the ball up or missing a crucial point.
Connect with Ty Woody
Ty Woody is a seasoned sports performance coach who works with players of all levels, from pro player Judith Castile to beginners, helping everyone achieve peak performance. He emphasizes the importance of training off the court to meet on-court demands, ensuring players stay healthy, active, and strong.
Reach out to Ty Woody for both in-person and virtual coaching. Follow him on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/pickleballsportsperformance/
Together, let’s train smart, live boldly, and age well.
CJ Johnson
Hey there — I’m a professional three-sport athlete and coach who has spent my entire adult life earning a living from playing and coaching sports. Since I started coaching more than three decades ago, one thing has remained the same: My commitment to see students not as they are but as what they can become and to move heaven and earth to help them realize their untapped potential. You should know that when it comes to helping pickleball players over 50 live their best lives on and off the courts, I'm an expert. Good pickleball is not just technique; it's the mind and body working holistically. That's why I'm also a personal trainer and weight management specialist. When I’m chillin', you'll find me watching Star Trek with my husband John and our two fur babies, Shirley and Ralph. (Yes, Happy Days)