Your Ready Position Matters
Summary
Kyle Koszuta (ThatPickleballGuy) reminds players that ready position is not optional fluff. If the paddle is down or you’re flat-footed when they contact, every exchange starts late. Athletic base + paddle up is what makes counters, blocks, and poaches possible in the tiny window at the kitchen.
Key takeaways
- Paddle up before their strike
- Athletic base, not locked knees
- Ready is continuous between balls
- Late ready = late hands
Action items
- Between every dink, reset to ready on a verbal cue
- Mirror drill: partner holds ball; you must be ready before toss
- Film kitchen rallies; mark frames where paddle is down
- Cue: ‘paddle first, then feet’