The first is the place for all baseline players. The second is
the net position.
If you are drawn out of these positions by a shot which you must
return, do not remain at the point where you struck the ball, but
attain one of the two positions mentioned as rapidly as possible.
The distance from the baseline to about 10, feet from the net may
be considered as "no-man's-land" or "the blank." Never linger
there, since a deep shot will catch you at your feet. After
making your shot from the blank, as you must often do, retreat
behind the baseline to await the return, so you may again come
forward to meet the ball. If you are drawn in short and cannot
retreat safely, continue all the way to the net position.
Never stand and watch your shot, for to do so simply means you
are out of position for your next stroke. Strive to attain a
position so that you always arrive at the spot the ball is going
to before it actually arrives. Do your hard running while the
ball is in the air, so you will not be hurried in your stroke
after it bounces.
It is in learning to do this that natural anticipation plays a
big role. Some players instinctively know where the next return
is going and take position accordingly, while others will never
sense it. It is to the latter class that I urge court position,
and recommend always coming in from behind the baseline to meet
the ball, since it is much easier to run forward than back.
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