…and habits I’m now working to build or correct.

👣 1. Footwork First

• “Shuffle, shuffle, stop, and hit.”
• Even if a hit is bad, always go back to an athletic stance: to split step when your opponent is about to hit the ball and stay calm and ready for next shot.
• Don’t jump or move your feet foundation when hitting the ball (when advanced, you can hit on the move, but for now, learn the basics)
• To hit, behind the ball and find your ICP (Ideal Contact Point).
• Don’t reach to hit the ball! Prioritize balance before hitting.
• Shadow drills for running and controlled stopping.
• Practice speed drillls, change directions (like around cones), shuffling in the kitchen or sliding into lunges.

👀 3. Watch the Ball (Literally)

• Follow the ball all the way to contact — not just your target zone.
• For drilling: Try wearing a hat that limits peripheral vision to force focus on your hands and paddle.

🛡️ 4. Paddle Position Discipline

• Drill to keep the paddle in front, ready at all times.
• Practice to keep paddle in front low at the baseline, mid body in transition zone, chest level at the kitchen line.
• Always try to hit the ball in front of you (weather is coming fast or slow… don’t get jammed by hitting to close to your body).

🎯 5. Directional Control

• Use cones to practice hitting from and to different depths and angles.
• Build muscle memory for placement, not just power.