Laser Pointer Ready Position: Point at Their Ball (Shade Slightly to BH)

Summary

Shea Underwood’s laser-pointer theory: when the ball is on the opponent’s side, point the paddle face at it so you’re already tracking. A relaxed paddle at your hip forces a big late lift on high balls and causes pop-ups.

Shea shades the laser slightly to the backhand side of the ball because the BH covers more body; the FH can still recover with one move. Don’t swivel the laser once the ball is on your side.

Key takeaways

• Point the paddle at their ball while it’s on their side
• Dead hip paddle = late lift and pop-ups
• Shade slightly to the backhand cover

Action items

• Kitchen shadow: track a partner’s hand with your paddle face for 2 minutes
• Play one game where any counter from a dead tip doesn’t count