Many players react by separating the hands and moving the racquet first, losing valuable time to reach a distant ball.

It is best to keep the non-playing hand on the racquet, so you make with your torso (and your foot closest to the ball) your first move.

You don't even need to think of preparing at all.

You lean towards the side where you need to run to, sliding the outside foot just like a sprinter, using your weight to start the body in that direction.

The second step will cross over, not the first step. You just run like when you were a kid, with no special steps.

That will already turn your body, preparing you to take a swing when you get to the ball.

It is better to get closer to the ball than farther. Reaching too far impairs your balance, and should only be done as a last resort.