MY DADDY / MY COACH
How to Teach Kids to Play Tennis
– Section 2 of 3 –
In this section, you’ll follow the tennis journey of Cosmin Miholca, a certified coach, as he teaches his two daughters how to play tennis. The series begins with their very first lessons, where they learn the fundamentals, and continues as they develop their skills and progress toward competitive tournament play.
My Daddy / My Coach is unique because it gives you an inside look at how a professional tennis coach teaches his own children—from complete beginners to confident, competitive players. You’ll see their development over time, including the techniques, drills, progressions, and lessons that helped them improve.
*These videos are intended to supplement, not replace, on-court tennis instruction. Tennis is a fast-paced sport that involves movement, balance, and equipment, and like any physical activity, it carries inherent risks. Always take responsibility for your own safety and work within the limits of your experience, physical abilities, and comfort level. Before attempting any skills or drills demonstrated in these videos, make sure you are properly prepared and avoid taking risks beyond your current level of training and ability.
Tennis Lesson no. 19: The Slice Ground-Stroke
(7 videos / 41 minutes)
– volley technique and practice
– introduction to slice ground-strokes
– slice forehand and backhand (progressions and drills)
Tennis Lesson no. 20: Consistency, Return of Serve, Slice & Flat Serve
(8 videos / 51 minutes)
– ground-strokes tennis drills
– how to return serve (footwork and practice)
– tennis serve practice (flat and slice)
Tennis Lesson no. 21: Competitive Games, Short Ball Put-Away
(10 videos / 62 minutes)
– fun on-court tennis games
– serve and rally play
– short ball put-away (technique and practice)
Tennis Lesson no. 22: The Overhead
(7 videos / 44 minutes)
– introducing the overhead
– overhead technique and practice
– overhead tennis drills
Tennis Lesson no. 23: Consistency, Volley, Transition
(10 videos / 60 minutes)
– rally games
– volley: how to avoid taking the racquet back
– transition to the net
– play at the net vs coach
– play at the net vs player
– speed and leg strength exercises
Tennis Lesson no. 24: The Drop-Shot
(6 videos / 40 minutes)
– volley practice
– introducing the drop-shot
– drop-shot technique and practice
– how to disguise the drop-shot (drills)
Tennis Lesson no. 25: Ready for Tournament
(9 videos / 57 minutes)
– ground-strokes rally games
– net vs baseline drills
– serve return and play
– short ball return (placement tactic)
– lob retrieval (technique and footwork)
– footwork and conditioning drill
Tennis Lesson no. 26: Tactics following Slice Serve
(7 videos / 45 minutes)
– slice serve practice (technique and placement)
– tactics when opening the court with slice serves
– leg strength and quick footwork drills
Tennis Lesson no. 27: Transitioning to the Net
(7 videos / 44 minutes)
– ground-strokes drills (quick footwork, technique)
– short ball approach drills
– volley drills
– overhead technique and practice
– transition to the net drills
Tennis Lesson no. 28: Let the Games Begin
(9 videos / 57 minutes)
– fun speed, footwork and quick change of direction games
– lots of competitive tennis games
Tennis Lesson no. 29: Angles, Touch and Put-Away
(8 videos / 48 minutes)
– ground-strokes rally practice
– short ball put-away (angles)
– coming up to the net behind aggressive shots
– drop-shot placement on the run (to targets)
– tactics following the drop-shot (play)
– footwork and ground-strokes consistency drills
Tennis Lesson no. 30: Grips, Drills, Serve Technique
(8 videos / 50 minutes)
– grips review and practice
– racquet back-drop on serve (technique)
– elbow position on serve backswing (technique)
Tennis Lesson no. 31: Indoor Tennis – All Around Game
(9 videos / 59 minutes)
– ground-strokes drills
– volley and overhead drills
– speed and footwork exercises
Tennis Lesson no. 32: Transition from Indoor to Outdoor Tennis
(7 videos / 45 minutes)
– how to transition to outdoor tennis
– junior tennis schedule; tips for coaches & parents
– outdoor vs. indoor tennis (exercises and tips)
Tennis Lesson no. 33: Court Coverage from Baseline
(6 videos / 43 minutes)
– understand angles and court positioning
– footwork for quick recovery
– get to the ball early, use less energy when competing (tips, drills)
Tennis Lesson no. 34: Tactics, Touch Shots & Speed
(8 videos / 52 minutes)
– how to shorten backswing (creative drills)
– touch shots – control, placement
– attacking slow serves / placement, technique
– reading opponent’s return of serve
– speed drills for retrieving short and wide balls
Tennis Lesson no. 35: Technique, Competitive Games
(9 videos / 64 minutes)
– more short-backswing creative drills
– ground-strokes technique & practice
– competitive, fun tennis game
– serve technique & practice (new tips!)
– tie-break (competition)
– important tips for coaching junior players
Tennis Lesson no. 36: Technique, Drills and Match Play
(9 videos / 63 minutes)
– new technical elements
– ground-strokes & short ball put-away drills
– volley & overhead drills
– competitive game (hold the serve)
– our new puppy, Sparky 🙂