Pickleball Ready Position Tips: Pickleball coach Mark Price is helping players improve their game by focusing on the ready position. In his training series “Unlock Your Pickleball Game,” Mark Price works closely with players to correct mistakes and turn weak areas into strengths. His method starts with adjusting how players hold their paddle before the ball comes.
Fixing the Ready Position
Mark Price uses real players to show common errors. He asked player Mike, who is 6 feet 4 inches tall, to show a bad ready position with his paddle too high at chest level. Mark Price explains that a high paddle means the player must move the paddle down before blocking fast shots, which adds delay.
To fix this, Mark Price has players place their paddle at net height. He tells Mike, “Move forward and put your paddle on the net… then raise it just slightly there.” For Mike, the correct paddle height is lower because of his tall frame. For shorter players, chest height might still be below net height. So, every player must match their paddle to net level, not body level.
Cut the Extra Movements
Mark Price stresses the need to reduce extra movements. He says that raising or dropping the paddle before blocking makes it hard to stop fast drives. Instead, players should block or punch the ball directly from a steady position above the net line.
“Now there’s no extra movement… You’re not trying to lift your paddle at the speed of the ball,” Mark Price explains. He shows that a strong, stable paddle position allows quick reactions to hard shots.
He also highlights court positioning and paddle angle. Players should keep their paddle slightly in front of them, favor the backhand side, and be ready to block, not swing. Mark Price explains that this technique is helpful against strong hitters, often called “bangers,” who hit hard and fast.
Small Change, Big Results
The goal is to have players fix what they can control—like paddle position—before worrying about foot speed or age. Many players think they’re not fast enough, but Mark Price shows how a solid ready position can fix this. By staying above the net line and avoiding unnecessary movements, players gain confidence and control.
This approach can make a big difference in a player’s ability to handle fast-paced games. Players of all ages and skill levels can benefit from learning the right ready position.
News in Brief: Pickleball Ready Position Tips
Mark Price teaches players how to improve their ready position in pickleball. His method helps them stay prepared for fast shots without extra movement. By matching paddle height to the net and holding steady, players can block or punch with ease. This simple adjustment boosts defense against strong hitters.
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