Points to look for:
- The arms have continued to drop towards their ready position. The bat is in a neutral position, from which it is equally easy to play a forehand or backhand stroke.
- The player is now watching his opponent play the ball.
- The player has moved towards his right a little, since he is attempting to get into his best waiting position to cover the angles available to his opponent. This optimum position will depend on where the ball has landed on his opponent's table, and how the opponent is preparing to hit the ball.
- His bodyweight is again evenly distributed between both legs, and he is on the balls of his feet.
