The key to quickness

Assuming that you have no physical limitations and average speed, quickness is a reflection of your readiness.

You always hear terms like “get ready” and “be in ready position”.  This is the basis for quickness.  But what is being ready.  It’s kind of like “watch the ball”.  The term doesn’t really tell you anything about what to do or how to do it.

Let’s start with defining ready position.  Physically, it is a balanced position where your knees are slightly bent, your weight is on the balls of your feet ( that is you are leaning slightly forward, with your weight just behind your toes), and your racket is out in front of you.  How you hold the grip is up to you.  I hold it in a continental at the net and a backhand at the baseline.  Others recommend a forehand grip, since that’s typically the most aggressive stroke to hit.  Take a look at the article on Style to help you understand more.

Now that your body is ready, we move to the real essence of quickness.  How ready is your mind?  Things like watching the movement of the opponent, their racket preparation, potential angles of return, and knowing their typical playing patterns are definitely things to observe and consider for better anticipation.  But are you ready?  You’re only truly ready when you want to hit the ball.  You can’t wait to get to the ball to make your shot.  You’re playing doubles and you want the ball to come to you, not your partner.  This creates quickness.  Quickness involves those little twitch muscles and want to spring into action.

Look at a sprinter.  He is in the blocks at the starting line.  He has pent up energy ready to explode once he hears the gun.  It’s these fast twitch muscles and his nervous anticipation that give him the quickness once he hears the gun go off.  That is what makes the difference of the start.  Once he’s up and running, it’s his muscle strength, technique, and drive that take over.

Like a sprinter, it’s your eagerness to move, along with your alertness to the conditions on the court that give you the quickness.  I hear all the time from opponents that they couldn’t believe that I got to a ball or reacted so quickly on a volley at the net.  It’s because I wanted to get the ball.  I want to get every ball.  Therefore, I’m ready to move quickly or react quickly.

Remember, it’s not about your speed or strength, it’s about your desire and eagerness to move and get every ball.  Use this mindset and you’ll be shocked at how “quick” you’ve become.