What you can learn by watching your opponent's racket:

1. When your opponent is at the net, you can begin to anticipate whether the shot is going to offensive or defensive by watching their racket. In general, a low racket preparation will signify a low volley or a half-volley. Both shots are very difficult and involve much "touch." When your opponent's racket is in this position you should be moving forward to assume an offensive position. Remember, they must "lift" these shots up over the net. You would like to be in a position to hit their "up" ball "down," or to retrace a short weak return. A high racket preparation from your opponent will signify a high volley or an overhead. In either case, you should assume they are the offense and you are the defense. You should be looking to either hold your position in the case of a high volley or move back in case of an overhead if you are near the net. If you are at the baseline, stay there and defend.

2. When your opponent is on the baseline and you are at the net, you should be watching to determine if their
   • racket is drawing back - signifying a full groundstroke in the offensive style - assume a defensive style.
   • racket is dropping - signifying a lob - you should assume a defensive position until you read the depth of the lob (on a short lob you will take the offensive & on a deep lob you will assume the defense).
   • racket is lifting up - signifying a chip or underspin. In this case, assume the offensive - move in on the shot and don't let it float underneath you.