Paddle grip and ready position

Setup

1. Warm up wrists, shoulders and calves for a few minutes before picking up a paddle.
2. Players spread out a few steps behind one kitchen line, at least two paddle lengths apart.
3. The coach stands across the net at the far kitchen line with a few balls.
4. The youngest players use a lighter paddle and a foam or low-bounce ball.

How it runs

1. Grip: hold the paddle edge-on and shake hands with the handle, so the V between thumb and index finger sits on top.
2. Ready: feet about shoulder-width apart, knees soft, weight on the balls of the feet, paddle head up in front at chest height.
3. The coach points left or right; players turn their shoulders, show a forehand or backhand face, then come back to ready. Ten turns.
4. Next the coach tosses an easy ball to one side; the player side-steps, pushes it softly back over the net and resets to ready.

Coaching points

• Hold the handle gently, firm enough to control it but loose enough that the forearm stays relaxed.
• One grip covers forehand and backhand, so there is no need to change it between shots.
• Bring the paddle back up in front after every shot; it should never hang down by the knees.
• Use small side-steps for balls close by rather than crossing the feet.

Common mistakes

• Holding the paddle flat like a frying pan, which makes the backhand awkward.
• Squeezing the handle so tightly the wrist and forearm lock.
• Standing tall with straight legs and flat feet.