How We Turned Her Last Tennis Competition into a Training Plan

by Cosmin Miholca | Tennis Coaching | 0 comments

My Daddy / My Coach – Lesson no. 34 | How I prepared my 9-year-old daughter for the next competition

Q: Why does my backhand volley have too much slice?

The racquet face may be too open or the racquet head may be dropping. Keep the wrist firm, racquet tip up, and back elbow elevated.

A tennis tournament can tell you exactly what to practice next.
The important thing is to notice more than the score.
Which balls created trouble?
Which opportunities went unused?
What did the opponents do that your child was not ready for?

Two days after Bianca’s competition, those questions shaped our lesson. She was almost ten, playing in a 10-and-under format where boys and girls competed in groups against several opponents.
I liked that variety.
Some children hit hard, others played slowly, and some used clever drop shots and spins.

With matches played first to seven or ten points, she had to adjust quickly.
Another tournament was coming that Saturday, so we had specific work to do: attack easy balls, develop touch, recognize drop-shot returns, and improve movement.

Start With Preparation, Not Power

After some running and dynamic stretching, we began with shadow strokes.
Before asking Bianca to attack, I wanted to remind her to keep her backswing compact.

One simple drill uses a ball basket behind the player.
Bianca turned for a forehand without taking the racket so far back that it touched the basket, then let the racket drop and swung forward.
We repeated the same exercise on the backhand.

My reminders were simple: turn, drop, swing.
I also checked her backhand grip because she sometimes closed the racket face too much, and encouraged a little space between her elbow and body.

Next, we added movement.
She prepared the racket, followed me with her feet, and swung on my cue.
A compact backswing should work while moving, not only while standing still.

Our rally warm-up progressed from the service line to halfway back, then to the baseline.
We kept the early balls inside the service boxes and later rallied at about 70 percent power.
This was cooperative hitting, not a contest to finish points.

Attack Short Balls With Spin and Margin

At the competition, I noticed opportunities that returners were not using.
Some children pushed very slow second serves over the net.
I call these “lollipop” serves.
A slow ball that sits up inside the service box should invite more than a safe reply.

The same applies to a short ball during a rally.
I wanted Bianca to recognize that she could finish the point or at least put her opponent in trouble.

But moving inside the court creates two challenges: clear the net and bring the ball down before it goes long. Hitting harder alone does not solve them.

For the high sitters we practiced, I asked her to:

Move forward with the racket prepared.
Contact the ball higher when possible, ideally above net level.
Use topspin to help keep the aggressive shot inside the court.
Begin with a crosscourt target rather than chasing the sideline.

For Bianca, that higher contact was around shoulder height.
This was a cue for these particular balls, not a requirement for every short ball.
Crosscourt gave her more court length and a route nearer the lower middle of the net.
I also asked her to aim at least a step inside the line.

We started with forehands, then practiced running around short balls on her backhand side to hit inside-out forehands.
The goal was controlled aggression using her stronger shot.
This is the same balance emphasized in the short-ball put-away: enough confidence to attack, with enough control to finish successfully.

Make the Feed Look Like the Serve She Will Face

Once Bianca had practiced attacking easy feeds, we moved to slow second-serve returns.
I placed targets crosscourt and served balls she could step in and attack.

To imitate a younger player’s serve, I held the racket higher up the handle, used a lower toss, and avoided reaching to my full height.
I wanted the practice ball to resemble the situation we were preparing for.

Some returns went long. I could still appreciate her commitment while asking for more spin or a higher contact on the next attempt.
Encourage the attacking intention, then correct the execution.

We practiced from both service sides, including inside-out forehands from the ad side. For more detail on the tactical decision, see how to attack the second serve.

Build Touch Before Switching to Power

The tournament also showed how useful finesse could be.
Some children played drop shots, moved forward, and became involved in short exchanges with angled slices and touch shots.

Bianca needed to feel comfortable there too.

We began with gentle service-box rallies using the continental grip, which I also call the hammer grip.
She sometimes tried to add too much slice, so I asked for a simpler push.
Move to the ball, get balanced, and guide it over.

Then I fed a ball and moved toward the net.
I stayed mostly in place, reaching with my racket, while she tried to place the ball past either side of me.
The task was not to overpower me or play a tiny drop shot. It was to find space with touch.

Finally, we combined the two modes.
We rallied softly with the hammer grip.
On my cue, she changed to her regular forehand grip and attacked away from me.
That grip change needed as much practice as the shot itself.

Read the Drop-Shot Return Early

Some opponents revealed their drop-shot returns well before contact.
I wanted Bianca to start recognizing those signals instead of waiting until the ball was already short.

For our exercise, I made the contrast clear.
A fuller backswing and shoulder turn signaled a drive.
Keeping the racket in front, without traveling behind my shoulders, signaled a drop shot.

After warming up her serve, we used a short sequence:

Bianca served.
I returned with either a drive or a drop shot.
She read my preparation and played one more ball.

We stopped there rather than continuing the rally.
Even an out serve could be returned if it allowed us to practice the recognition task.

The response depended on her arrival.
If she reached the drop shot late, a controlled push was appropriate.
If she arrived in time, she could drive it.
And when retreating would cost too much time, she needed to consider taking the ball early or in the air instead.

Finish With Forward Movement and Recovery

Our first finishing drill followed a triangle: forehand, backhand, then a very short ball.
Bianca hit the two groundstrokes, sprinted forward, changed to the hammer grip, and pushed the short ball over.
Then she walked back to reset.

The second drill focused on wide balls.
In sets of three, she ran toward the sideline, hit crosscourt, and recovered before the next feed.

Coach demonstrating lateral footwork with bent knees while Bianca stands nearby

The pattern was run, hit, crossover, shuffle back.
Reaching the ball was only half the job. She also needed to regain a ready position, as explained in recovering faster after wide balls.

It was hot; we took water breaks, and toward the end Bianca was tired and hungry. Those details were part of the real lesson too; not every repetition looked sharp.

Let Competition Give Practice a Purpose

Bianca did not master everything that day.
We planned to return to these situations in the next lessons until they felt more comfortable.

That is the value of a competition-based training plan: identify what happened, recreate it, make corrections, and repeat.
The drills have a reason because the player has already met the problem in a match.

And after the hard work, Bianca brought out Sparky, our recently rescued puppy, for his first visit to the tennis court.
A good effort, a few clear lessons, and a puppy to take home.
Not a bad finish.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

How to Switch from One-Handed to Two-Handed Backhand

by Cosmin Miholca | Tennis Coaching, Tennis Training | 0 comments

Switching to a Two-Handed Backhand? Train These 2 Things!

Switching from a one-handed to a two-handed backhand is not simply a matter of putting another hand on the racket. You need to change what your hands are used to doing.

The shortcut I like focuses on two things: teaching both hands to work together and teaching the non-dominant hand to swing toward the ball. Once those movements feel more comfortable, you have a foundation for your new stroke.

This is a simple progression, not a complete lesson covering every technical detail of the two-handed backhand. The goal is to make the transition less awkward by practicing the movements separately, then bringing them together.

Why I Use Two Hands in Matches

I grew up playing with a two-handed backhand. When I started coaching, I needed one hand free to hold tennis balls while rallying with students. So I learned a one-handed backhand, and I loved it.

I still enjoy using one hand when I teach or rally for fun. In matches, though, especially under pressure, I tend to return to two hands. For me, it offers better control, an easier return of serve, and more comfort handling high balls and creating angles. Power and control are also reasons I prefer it in competition.

That does not mean everybody needs to switch. If you are still deciding, my comparison of one-handed and two-handed backhands can help you think through the choice. If you have already decided, the next step is to retrain the movement.

two-handed backhand contact point

Understand the Two Changes First

On the one-handed backhand, the hands separate during the forward swing, and the body stays more sideways. On the two-handed backhand, the hands stay together while the hips and shoulders rotate through the shot.

Your non-dominant hand also gets a new job. Instead of moving away from the ball, it must help swing the racket toward it. For me, as a right-handed player, that is the left hand.

In this progression, think of the non-dominant hand as the hand that swings and the dominant hand at the bottom as the hand that helps stabilize the racket at contact. That is the feeling we want to develop.

What You Need

A tennis racket and tennis balls.
An oversized ball, such as a volleyball, soccer ball, or basketball.
A partner willing to feed easy balls, or a ball machine.

I use a volleyball borrowed from my younger daughter. Nothing complicated! I do not recommend a medicine ball because this is a coordination exercise, not a strength exercise.

If you do not have a larger ball, you can hold a tennis ball with both hands. There will simply be less space between them.

Drill 1: Teach Your Hands to Work Together

Start with the oversized ball

Hold the ball in both hands and imitate the shape of a two-handed backhand. Use this simple sequence:

Bring both hands up, as though lifting the ball over an imaginary object.
Lower the ball underneath that object to create a loop.
Swing from low to high.
Finish as though you were going to throw the ball over your shoulder, without releasing it.

As your hands move, let your hips and shoulders rotate. We are not trying to move the arms while keeping the body frozen. We are teaching the hands and body to work together.

Coach holding a volleyball with both hands beside his shoulder on a tennis court — Keep both hands on the ball through the finish while allowing your body to turn.

You can use an open stance or a square stance for this exercise. The stance is not the main concern here. Pay attention to the loop, the low-to-high swing, and the feeling of both hands traveling together.

Set your two-handed backhand grip

Before repeating the exercise with your racket, check your grip:

Dominant hand: Place it at the bottom of the handle in a continental, or hammer, grip. Imagine using the edge of the racket to hammer a nail.
Non-dominant hand: Place it above the dominant hand in a forehand grip, such as an eastern grip.

A useful way to find the upper hand position is to place that palm flat against the strings, then slide it down toward the handle until it meets the bottom hand.

Coach holding a tennis racket with both hands together on the handle

Repeat the movement with your racket

Now put the ball aside and make the same motion with the racket: lift, drop, swing low to high, and finish over the shoulder. Keep hold of the racket throughout. The throwing image is only a way to picture the finish.

Let your hips and shoulders turn as both hands swing together. Spend enough time on these shadow swings to feel comfortable. There is no need to rush into hitting balls just because you understand the instructions.

Drill 2: Teach Your Non-Dominant Hand to Swing

Next, remove your dominant hand from the racket. Keep your non-dominant hand at the top of the grip, exactly where it belongs on the two-handed backhand. Leave the lower part of the handle available for the other hand.

Turn sideways, lower the racket, and swing low to high, finishing over your shoulder. You are essentially practicing a non-dominant forehand.

This is important because your non-dominant hand may be very comfortable moving backward during a one-handed backhand. Now we are asking it to do the opposite: swing toward the ball.

Make several shadow swings with that hand alone. Then add your dominant hand at the bottom and repeat the same swing. Try to preserve the feeling that the upper hand is swinging, rather than changing the movement completely when the second hand joins.

Add Easy Feeds: Four, Two, One, Then Both

Start just behind the service line with slow, easy feeds. Do not begin at the baseline with fast balls. When learning a new skill, you want time to focus on the movement instead of rushing to make contact.

I use a ball machine, but a partner can feed the same progression. If you practice independently, my ball machine tennis drills offer other ways to organize your sessions.

Work through these rounds:

Four and four: Hit four balls with the non-dominant hand alone, then four with both hands.
Two and two: Hit two balls with the non-dominant hand, then two with both hands. Repeat.
One and one: Alternate one non-dominant forehand with one two-handed backhand.
Both hands: Finish with a round of eight two-handed backhands.

Expect the single-hand shots to feel awkward, especially with your hand higher on the handle. That is okay. Your first job is not to get every ball over the net. It is to become comfortable swinging with the non-dominant hand.

When you add the second hand, keep the same priorities: start high, let the racket drop, swing low to high, and allow the hips and shoulders to rotate.

Build the Movement Before Judging the Result

The whole progression comes back to those two changes: both hands work together, and the non-dominant hand swings toward the ball instead of moving away.

Give yourself time with the oversized ball, the shadow swings, and the easy feeds. At this stage, where the ball lands matters less than learning the new coordination. Make the movement comfortable first, then continue developing the complete stroke.

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Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

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5 Steps to Build Your Backhand Volley – Raw Tennis Lesson

by Cosmin Miholca | Tennis Coaching, Tennis Training | 0 comments

Backhand Volley Tennis Lesson: 5 Steps to Build Control, Footwork, and Placement

A solid backhand volley shouldn’t start with trying to hit hard. It should begin with control.
The backhand volley is usually harder than the forehand volley because pushing forward with the back of the hand feels less natural for most players. But once you learn the right progression, the shot becomes simple, compact, and reliable.

This five-step progression uses a racquet, tennis balls, and ideally a ball machine. The purpose is to build the feeling first, then add the proper grip, racquet position, footwork, power, and placement.

Take your time with every stage. Do not move on just because you completed a few balls. Move on when you can control the contact comfortably.

Start With the Continental Grip and the Right Feeling

The grip for this backhand volley tennis lesson is the continental grip, also called the hammer grip.
A simple way to find it is to place the palm of your dominant hand against the edge of the racquet and slide it down to the bottom of the handle. You should feel as if you could hammer a nail with the racquet.

Before hitting fed balls, practice controlling a ball with the back of your hand.
Hold the racquet with your palm facing down and your knuckles facing up. Bounce a ball upward on the strings.
This strengthens the wrist and forearm while teaching you how to control the racquet face.

For younger players or anyone who finds this difficult, choke up on the grip or even hold the racquet at the throat.
Sponge balls are also a great option because they make the exercise easier to control.

Start near the racquet throat if needed.
Keep the palm down and knuckles up.
Complete about 50 controlled bounces before sliding the hand lower.
Use a relaxed grip, not a tight squeeze.

This early drill may look basic, but it gives you the exact feeling needed later: controlling the ball with the back of the hand rather than swinging at it.

Set Up the Ball Machine for Learning, Not Survival

A ball machine is excellent for a backhand volley tennis lesson because it gives you repeatable feeds and enough time to focus on one technical detail at a time. You can also ask a partner to feed balls, but the key is consistency and a slow pace.

Place the machine about halfway between the service line and baseline.
Since you will be standing closer to the net, this position produces a manageable ball speed.
Do not make the feeds too fast when you are learning. Fast balls force rushed movements and hide technical problems.

Use at least 100 balls if possible, ideally around 120.
Set feeds every five to seven seconds. After ten balls, take a short 15 to 20 second break. This gives you time to reset, assess your technique, and avoid practicing while tired and careless.

Train Your Backhand Volley Solo

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Step 1: Catch the Ball on the Strings

The first fed-ball drill is not about hitting over the net.
Hold the racquet at the throat and simply catch the ball on the strings. Think of catching it with the back of your hand.

Keep the racquet face slightly open so the ball rebounds gently upward.
Your knuckles should point in the same direction as the racquet face. Do not worry about footwork, power, or placement yet. Just learn to receive the ball with a relaxed hand and a quiet racquet.

This drill removes the urge to swing.
If the ball does not go over the net, that is fine. The goal is feel and control at contact.

backhand tennis volley

Step 2: Push Gently From High to Low

For the second stage of this backhand volley tennis lesson, slide your dominant hand to the top of the grip while staying in the continental grip. Let the non-dominant hand lightly support the racquet near the strings.

Now move from catching to a gentle push.
As the ball arrives, separate the hands and push slightly from high to low. Stop the racquet immediately after contact. It is a very short motion, not a swing.

The high-to-low action begins to create a little underspin. That slice helps the ball stay low after it crosses the net, making the next shot more difficult for your opponent.

Step 3: Use the Full Racquet With a Locked Wrist

Slide your hand all the way down to the bottom of the handle.
Maintain a roughly 90-degree angle between your forearm and racquet. The grip can stay loose, but the wrist should remain firm.
A loose grip does not mean a floppy wrist.

Coach holding a tennis racquet upright with forearm and racquet forming a right angle

When the racquet head drops, the face can open too much and produce excessive slice. Instead, keep the tip of the racquet up and the back elbow elevated, pointing generally toward the back fence.
This does two important things:

It keeps the racquet face only slightly open.
It prevents the racquet from moving too far back.

Start with the non-dominant hand supporting the racquet throat.
As the ball comes, step in and punch gently from high to low. Then stop.
A proper backhand volley has a short backswing and almost no follow-through. For more help with that compact action, try this no-backswing volley drill.

Step 4: Add the Footwork

Once the upper body is under control, add the feet.
At the net, begin in a lower ready position with the racquet head higher than it would be at the baseline. Keep your hands and elbows out in front of the body, high enough that your eyes can look just over the racquet tip.

This matters because volleys arrive quickly. If your elbows are tucked against your body, the racquet tends to travel too far back during preparation, and you will be late.

Coach in a low ready position with feet apart and racquet held in front

The sequence is simple:

Split step to become balanced and ready.
Step out toward the backhand side and load the outside foot.
Turn only slightly, about 45 degrees, rather than turning fully sideways.
Step in with the inside or dominant foot as you make contact.
Punch and stop immediately after contact.

Do not turn fully sideways. That takes the racquet too far back and creates a bigger swing than the volley needs.
The shoulders should turn slightly, with the body roughly facing the net post. The racquet should begin above the eventual contact point so it can move down through the ball.

This backhand volley tennis lesson is built around the same compact principles used in a broader step-by-step volley teaching progression: racquet in front, no big backswing, and a controlled step into the ball.

Step 5: Add Power and Placement

Only after the contact and footwork are working should you add more power. Take the racquet slightly farther back, punch a little more firmly, and allow a slightly longer finish if necessary.
It is still a volley, so the motion stays compact.

At this stage, alternate targets. Hit one backhand volley down the line, then hit the next crosscourt. Continue checking the same technical elements every time:

Continental grip.
Firm wrist and stable racquet face.
Racquet head up and back elbow elevated.
Split step, step out, then step in.
High-to-low punch with no long follow-through.

A good backhand volley tennis lesson is not about rushing through five drills in one session. Spend as long as necessary at each stage. Once you have clean contact, add movement. Once movement is clean, add direction. Then you can make the shot stronger without losing the compact shape that makes it dependable.

For a focused solo session after learning the fundamentals, use this backhand volley punch and drop ball-machine drill. It is a great next step for developing feel, placement, and a lower ball after the bounce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grip should I use for a backhand volley?

Use a continental or hammer grip. It helps keep the racquet face stable and makes it easier to hit both forehand and backhand volleys.

Should I use a follow-through on my backhand volley?

Keep the follow-through very short. Punch through contact from high to low, then stop the racquet instead of swinging across the body.

Why does my backhand volley have too much slice?

The racquet face may be too open, or the racquet head may be dropping. Keep the wrist firm, racquet tip up, and back elbow elevated.

Can I practice a backhand volley without a ball machine?

Yes. A partner can feed slow, consistent balls. Begin with the catch drill and progress to the push, punch, footwork, and placement stages.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

Forehand Tennis Lesson: Learn the Stroke Solo with a Ball Machine

by Cosmin Miholca | Tennis Coaching, Tennis Training | 0 comments

This forehand tennis lesson is built for learning on your own, one simple piece at a time. If you are new to tennis, the forehand is the shot you hit on your dominant side, and it quickly becomes one of the main ways to control a rally.
After the serve and return, it is one of the most important shots in the game.

You do not need a partner to start building a reliable forehand. A ball machine, a racket, and ideally around 100 balls are enough. The key is not trying to hit hard from the baseline on day one. Start close to the net, slow everything down, and develop the stroke in layers: grip, contact, preparation, loop, then movement.

Give yourself 5 to 7 seconds between feeds, and take a short break after every 10 balls. Good technique needs focused repetitions, not rushed swings.

The Grip

For this forehand tennis lesson, begin with a semi-western grip. It is a practical grip for learning topspin and keeping the racket face in a useful position through contact.

Here is the easiest way to find it:

Hold the racket by the throat with your non-dominant hand.
Place your dominant palm flat against the strings.
Slide that hand down to the handle while keeping your palm facing the same way as the strings.
Gently close your hand around the grip.

The simple feeling to remember is that the racket is an extension of your hand. Your palm and strings should face the same direction. This makes it much easier to understand how the racket face sends the ball.

Racket held upright with the dominant hand on the grip

Where to Stand

Start on the service line, not the baseline. This is one of the biggest shortcuts in a beginner forehand tennis lesson. Closer to the net, you are less tempted to swing too hard, the incoming ball is slower, and you have enough time to focus on the shape of the stroke.

Place the ball machine around the opposite service line and feed slow balls that bounce just inside the service box. Stand on your service line with your feet parallel to the net. This is an open stance.

Keep the setup simple. You are not trying to cover the whole court yet. You are training your body to recognize a comfortable contact point and repeat it. If contact feels crowded or too far away, use this guide on finding the right distance to the ball before adding speed.

Contact & Follow-Through

Contact and follow-through are the heart of this forehand tennis lesson. Begin in your open stance with the semi-western grip, palm and strings facing the machine. When the ball bounces in front of you, meet it with the strings facing forward and push the ball back over the net.

Do not try to blast it. Your first job is simply to clear the net consistently.

After contact, continue the swing up and over your non-dominant shoulder. Finish with the knuckles close to your ear, the racket behind your back, and your palm facing away. This is your follow-through.

Close view of racket finishing over the non-dominant shoulder Practice this motion without a ball until it feels loose and natural. Then turn the machine on. Stay here until most balls are clearing the net comfortably.
If your forehand keeps falling into the net, these essential forehand fixes can help you correct grip, contact, balance, and net clearance.

The Pre-Stretch

Once contact and the finish feel comfortable, add the pre-stretch. Stay at the service line in the same open stance. Before swinging, take the racket back so the handle points toward the net and the tip points toward the back fence. The strings should face down.

This is the pre-stretch position. From there, pull the racket forward through contact and into the same finish. Keep the hitting arm relaxed. A tight arm makes the stroke feel forced and makes it much harder to create a smooth path to the ball.

Again, rehearse the movement without balls first. Then use slow feeds and make sure the pre-stretch does not interrupt the clean contact point you developed earlier.

Player holding racket back low with strings facing down

The Loop

Now your forehand starts to look like a complete stroke.
Begin in a ready position: semi-western grip, non-dominant hand supporting the racket throat, knees slightly bent, and weight on the balls of your feet.

Step out and load your weight onto your dominant foot while turning your shoulders sideways. The racket face points toward the side fence. From there, allow the racket to drop naturally with the strings facing down. That natural drop is the loop.

From the loop, flow into the pre-stretch, contact, and follow-through. Rotate your hips and shoulders through the shot, finishing with most of your weight on your non-dominant foot.

The important word here is flow. Do not make the loop a separate, stiff action. It should lead smoothly into the rest of the swing.

Quick Note: What You Need

A remote-controlled ball machine makes solo work much easier because you can start and stop feeds without constantly walking across the court. Loading at least 100 balls also gives you longer practice blocks with fewer interruptions.

The Pongbot Pace S Pro is the ball machine I use for this kind of controlled solo setup, with remote operation helping keep the focus on the stroke rather than resetting the machine.

Practice Your Forehand with a Pongbot Ball Machine

Set up slow, repeatable feeds and build your forehand one step at a time.

See the Pongbot Pace S Pro here.

Adding Footwork

When the stroke feels smooth from one spot, bring in the footwork.
Start in a ready position just behind the service line. Make a small hop, or split step, and land balanced on both feet.

Next, step out with your dominant foot and load onto it as you turn your hips and shoulders and take the racket back. Move a couple of steps along the service line, stop, load onto the outside foot, then make the loop and swing through the ball.

After the shot, push off the outside foot, cross over the inside foot, and shuffle back to your starting position. The sequence is:

Split step.
Move sideways.
Stop and load on the outside foot.
Loop, contact, and finish.
Push off, cross over, and recover.

Player moving sideways along the service line to hit a forehand Walk through this pattern without balls hitting.
Then direct the machine to feed a few steps to the side and practice getting to the ball and recovering after every shot.
Do not rush. Leave plenty of time between balls until the movement and swing start working together.

Once that feels natural, set the machine for deeper feeds.
Progress from halfway between the service line and baseline, then eventually practice from the full baseline. For more ways to structure those sessions, use these ball machine tennis drills.

Wrapping Up

A solid forehand is not built by skipping straight to power. It is built by stacking simple, repeatable pieces in the right order:

Grip: use the semi-western.
Contact and finish: meet the ball in front and finish over the non-dominant shoulder.
Pre-stretch: take the racket back with strings facing down.
Loop: let the racket drop naturally and swing through with rotation.
Footwork: split step, move, load, hit, and recover.

That is the foundation of this forehand tennis lesson. Build it patiently at the service line first, then earn your way back toward the baseline.
The advanced forehand comes later. Right now, clean contact, a relaxed swing, and balanced movement are more than enough.

FAQ

Can I learn a forehand with only a ball machine?

Yes. A ball machine gives you repeatable feeds, which makes it ideal for learning the grip, contact point, follow-through, and footwork without needing a partner.

Where should I begin this forehand tennis lesson?

Begin at the service line with slow feeds that bounce just inside the service box. This reduces the urge to swing too hard and gives you more time to focus on technique.

How many tennis balls should I use for solo forehand practice?

About 100 balls is a useful target. It gives you enough repetitions to develop rhythm without constantly stopping to collect balls.

When should I move back to the baseline?

Move back only after your contact, follow-through, loop, and recovery footwork feel comfortable at the service line. Progress first to halfway between the service line and baseline, then to the full baseline.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

Group Tennis Lessons First: A Smarter Start for Beginners

by Cosmin Miholca | Tennis Coaching | 0 comments

Why Beginner Players Should Avoid Private Tennis Lessons at First

If your child is just getting started in tennis, my advice is simple: do not begin with private tennis lessons as the main training format.

I know that sounds strange, especially when parents are motivated and ready to invest in their child’s development. Sometimes parents even want daily private tennis lessons right away. But for true beginners, that is usually not the best path.

In the early stage, children benefit much more from being in a group environment where they can see other kids their age playing, learning, competing, and enjoying the sport. That social energy matters. In many cases, it matters more than one-on-one instruction.

Why group lessons are better than private tennis lessons for beginners

When children start tennis, they are not just learning strokes. They are learning what the sport feels like.

That is why a group setting is so powerful. Kids see others trying, missing, laughing, improving, and competing. They begin to understand tennis as a game, not as a technical project. That is a huge difference.

With private tennis lessons, a child can become too focused on correction from the very beginning. Every ball is evaluated. Every movement is watched. For some children, especially beginners, that can make tennis feel heavy too early.

In group lessons, the sport feels alive. Children naturally compare, copy, adjust, and get inspired by each other. They start to want the ball. They want to rally. They want to play points. That kind of motivation is hard to manufacture in a one-on-one setting.

If you are a parent trying to decide how to start, a strong formula is this:

At least two group lessons per week
One occasional private lesson to clean up technique or fix specific errors

That balance gives children the social side of learning while still getting individual attention when needed.

This same idea is explored further in this article on teaching tennis to your child, especially the importance of letting kids learn around other kids first.

What children actually need in the beginning

Beginner players do not need endless correction. They need exposure, repetition, and enjoyment.

They need to hit balls with other children. They need to struggle a little. They need to discover what is hard for them. Only then does coaching become highly meaningful.

For example, once a child has played with others, they can start to recognize real problems:

“I have trouble with topspin on my forehand.”
“I can’t keep the ball in the court.”
“I don’t know how to make my serve curve with slice.”
“My consistency breaks down during rallies.”

That is the moment when a coach can really help. Now the instruction connects to something the child has actually experienced. Instead of abstract technical advice, the lesson solves a real tennis problem.

Used that way, private tennis lessons become much more valuable. They stop being the foundation and become the support.

Why private tennis lessons can be too much, too soon

There is nothing wrong with private tennis lessons in general. They are useful. They can be excellent. But timing matters.

When a player is brand new, too much one-on-one instruction can create a few common issues:

Too much focus on technique before the child understands the game
Less social motivation because there are no peers learning alongside them
Less natural competition, which is a major driver of growth in kids
Higher pressure from constant attention and correction

Children often learn best when they can blend instruction with experimentation. They need some structure, but they also need room to feel the sport.

That is why I would rather see a beginner spend more time in group sessions and use private tennis lessons once or twice a week at most, mainly to improve specific aspects of their game.

Kids should learn tennis through play, not only through instruction

One of the biggest mistakes in junior coaching is delaying games and rallies for too long.

I believe in introducing the game concept as early as possible, even from the first lesson. Yes, technique matters. But technique is not everything. If tennis stops being fun, children lose interest fast.

So even in the first or second lesson, I like to include at least one fun game the child can go play later with friends or family. That matters because it extends the lesson beyond the court. It gives the child something simple and enjoyable that they can repeat on their own.

That games-based approach helps tennis feel like tennis from the beginning.

If this idea resonates with you, this piece on technique versus a games-based approach expands on the same philosophy.

Technique matters, but it should not dominate the early experience

Of course, children need proper fundamentals. I am not saying technique should be ignored.

I am saying it should be taught in a way that keeps the sport enjoyable.

There is a major difference between:

teaching technique as part of learning the game, and
making technique the entire experience

Beginners need enough instruction to build solid habits, but not so much that they become robotic or discouraged. A child can have decent mechanics and still need to play more. In fact, that is often exactly what they need.

Many players, myself included, developed a lot through feel. That does not mean technique is unimportant. It means players also need time to sense the ball, adapt naturally, and build coordination through actual hitting.

The goal is not perfect-looking strokes on day one. The goal is long-term development and love for the sport.

A simple 5-step methodology for developing a tennis player

When I teach, I like to follow a clear order. This progression keeps training practical and prevents players from chasing advanced skills before they are ready.

Technique
Consistency
Placement
Spin
Power

1. Technique

Technique comes first because players need a workable foundation. They need basic grips, swing shapes, spacing, and movement patterns that allow them to strike the ball properly.

But this stage should not take over everything. Give the child enough structure, then let them hit and play.

2. Consistency

Once the basic mechanics are in place, the next job is learning to keep the ball in play. A player who cannot rally has no real base for development.

Consistency teaches control, focus, rhythm, and confidence. It also makes the game enjoyable, because now points and exchanges can actually happen.

3. Placement

After consistency comes the ability to direct the ball.
That means learning to hit:

crosscourt and down the line
side to side
deep and short

This is where tennis starts becoming more tactical. The player is no longer just surviving the rally. They are beginning to shape it.

4. Spin

Only after technique, consistency, and placement are developing well should spin become a bigger focus.

Topspin and slice are important tools, but beginners often try to add them too early without first controlling the ball. Spin works best when it is layered onto a stable foundation.

5. Power

Power comes last.

This is where many players and parents go wrong. They chase big shots too soon. But if you add power before the earlier steps are taken, the player usually loses control.

Real power should grow naturally out of clean technique, stable balance, good timing, and confidence.

Even organizations such as the USTA emphasize building fundamentals before trying to hit bigger and harder. That sequence is not flashy, but it works.

What I would tell parents who want the fastest improvement

If you are serious about your child’s progress, the answer is not more private tennis lessons right away.

The better answer is usually a better environment.

Put your child in a place where they can:

learn with other kids
see real examples at their age and level
compete in a low-pressure way
have fun while improving
get occasional individual correction when needed

That combination tends to create better motivation and better long-term development than a schedule built mostly around private tennis lessons.

And if enjoyment is missing, development usually does not last anyway. That is one reason so many kids lose interest early. This article on why children quit tennis goes deeper into that issue.

The best role for private tennis lessons

I am not against private tennis lessons. I just believe they should be used wisely.

For a beginner, the ideal role of a private lesson is to:

correct technical mistakes
improve a specific stroke
address consistency problems
give personalized feedback that supports what the child is already experiencing in group play

That is very different from using private coaching as the child’s entire tennis world.

When kids first fall in love with tennis through play, rallies, and social learning, then individual coaching becomes much more effective.

Final thought

If your child is new to the game, resist the temptation to over-coach too early.

Start with a group. Let them hit. Let them play. Let them see other kids enjoying tennis. Then use private tennis lessons as a tool to fine-tune technique and solve specific problems.

That path is usually healthier, more enjoyable, and more effective in the long run.

And if you want more structured coaching ideas, drills, and lesson plans, you can explore additional resources at WebTennis24.

kids tennis / serve lesson

F.A.Q.

Are private tennis lessons bad for beginners?

No. Private tennis lessons are not bad. They are just often overused too early. For beginners, group lessons usually provide a better starting point because children learn through social interaction, play, and seeing other kids their age on court.

How many group lessons should a beginner take compared with private lessons?

A practical balance is at least two group lessons for every one private lesson. Group sessions should be the main foundation, while private coaching is used to correct technique and improve specific areas.

When should a child start private tennis lessons?

A child can start private tennis lessons once they are already playing in a group environment and beginning to recognize real challenges in their game, such as forehand topspin, consistency, or serve issues. At that point, individual coaching becomes much more effective.

Should beginners focus on technique first?

Technique should come first, but not in a rigid or joyless way. The best approach is to teach basic technique while also introducing games and rallies early so the player connects the mechanics to real tennis.

What is the correct order for developing tennis skills?

A strong development sequence is: technique, consistency, placement, spin, and then power. This progression helps players build control before trying to add more advanced shot-making or pace.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

Pickleball or Tennis: A Coach’s Perspective

by Cosmin Miholca | Tennis Coaching, Tennis Training | 2 comments

I recently returned to Southern California after 14 years in Europe, and what I witnessed took me completely by surprise: the massive rise of pickleball as a social phenomenon.

Having coached tennis for over 20 years, my first instinct was to reconnect with old friends for a hit.

When I arrived at my favorite local courts, I saw a crowd gathered on the grass with lawn chairs, clearly waiting for something.

As I got closer, I realized the tennis courts were actually empty. The action was happening on “miniature” courts nearby. On each one, four players were engaged in fast-paced doubles. They used solid paddles and a ball that made a distinct popping sound, traveling slower through the air but requiring fast reactions.

The Appeal of the “Smaller” Game

I’ve heard of pickleball, but seeing its popularity in person was eye-opening. Players told me they loved it because it was accessible. For some, tennis had become too physically demanding due to injuries; for others, the steep learning curve of tennis was a barrier.

To me, it looked like “standing table tennis.” The movement is minimal, often just 2 or 3 steps, but the focus on hand-eye coordination is intense. It offers immediate gratification without the years of technical training tennis requires.

Can Tennis Compete?

As a coach, I see the writing on the wall. Tennis will continue to lose players to these “easier” racquet sports because modern society craves fast results and has a shorter attention span.

However, I believe tennis can thrive if it embraces evolution. To stay competitive, we must consider:

Implementing “no-ad” scoring.
One serve per point and “no-let” rules to keep the momentum.
Reduced match length.

While tennis is rooted in deep tradition, it must adapt to a world that is moving faster. We don’t have to lose the soul of the game to make it more accessible.

What do you think? Should tennis modernize its rules to keep up with the changing times, or should it remain a “purist” sport?

Let me know in the comments.

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
Let’s get started!

How to Start Tennis Coaching: Real Lessons After 23 Years

by Cosmin Miholca | Tennis Coaching | 0 comments

What 23 Years of Tennis Coaching Actually Taught Me

If you are thinking about tennis coaching, you probably have one of two feelings. Either you are excited, but overwhelmed, or you have the skills and the passion, yet you are worried you do not “know enough” to coach.

I get that question constantly. People email me asking where to start, what it takes to become a tennis coach, and what coaches actually learn after 20 plus years on court, off court, and now online.

Here is my story and the lessons that stuck. Not the theory you find in certification manuals. The real lessons you only get by teaching, failing, adjusting, and helping different kinds of players day after day.

How It Started: “You are going to be a tennis coach”

When I was 12, my father put a racket in my hand and told me: you are going to be a tennis coach.

I did not ask what that meant. I just did what kids do when someone believes in them. Tennis became our daily routine, and my father’s teaching method was simple, even rough. No big technical explanations. Warm up a little, then play matches, again and again. Most days, we played two or three sets. Often, I was beating my brother, even though we were not being taught technique the way you would expect today.

At the time, I did not understand what my father was building. He was training competitiveness, rhythm, and confidence. He was also giving us something that looked like freedom compared to office life. He had a vision that one day we would work outside in fresh air, stay active, and teach people who wanted to learn.
In his mind, that was one of the best jobs you could have.

What I Learned About Coaching Kids: Start in groups, not privates

One of the clearest tennis coaching lessons I learned over the years is about how kids should start. Parents often think: if my child is serious, they need private lessons.

My advice is the opposite.

Do not start tennis lessons with privates.

Start in a group environment where kids see their peers competing, rallying, and enjoying tennis. Group lessons matter because kids learn faster when they feel part of something. They also become more motivated when they are not the only beginner on the court.

Here is my general guideline:

For every private lesson, the player should have at least two group lessons.
Bring them to the coach once or twice when you need specific technical corrections.

That is how you combine the best of both worlds: social learning and real feedback.

My Coaching Philosophy: Teach fun immediately, then build the fundamentals

When I teach beginners, I do not delay fun.

I like to introduce game-based learning and rallies as soon as possible. Even in the first lesson, I include at least one fun game. The goal is not to “avoid technique.” The goal is to prevent the technique from becoming boring and fragile.

Kids do not need lectures. They need experiences that make them want to repeat the movement correctly.

The 5-Step Learning Order: Technique, Consistency, Placement, Spin, Power

As a tennis coach, I developed a simple framework that helps me structure learning. It goes like this:

Technique
Consistency
Placement
Spin
Power

Technique comes first because a player needs a foundation. But technique is not everything. After that, consistency is what keeps improvement alive. Then placement gives the player control. Spin adds variety and a modern tennis identity. Finally, power is built on top of the skills that already work.

Even when I was learning as a teenager, I learned a lot “by feel.” Hitting with friends taught me what it feels like to struggle. That matters. Coaching is easier when you remember what it felt like to be a beginner.

Starting a Coaching Career: I had passion, but I did not know how to coach

By the time I was 14, I was already helping friends learn. But the real “coach moment” came when I was 19.

After high school, I tried to enter a sports college and failed two times. One part of the test was a 100-meter sprint, and I was terrible at sprinting. It hurt to fail, but it forced me into a new path. I studied kinesiology, and while I waited for another attempt, I started coaching tennis.

We approached schools, got permission to announce a tennis program, and recruited kids ages 7 to 12. I had no idea how many kids would show up. I had one indoor court, and it was cold, so we played indoors. About 20 to 25 kids showed up.

My father asked me, “Do you know what you are doing?” I did not. I did something practical instead. I went to the library and borrowed two books. I studied for only a few days, focusing heavily on the first lesson.

And this is a key coaching insight:

The first lesson is the first impression. If you want tennis coaching to “stick,” make the first session fun. Do not talk too much. Do not overload beginners. Prepare two or three beginner-friendly games and let them feel successful quickly.

That experience also taught me something important. Kids will forgive a lot, as long as you respect their energy and make tennis feel safe and enjoyable.

Moving to the USA Changed Everything: Skill opens doors

After studying kinesiology, I moved to the United States. I had coaching experience, but I still did not imagine I would become a full-time tennis coach. I thought I was mainly there to train and enjoy tennis.

Then I played at local clubs, networked, and kept improving. I learned one major lesson that applies to any career:

Every person needs at least one skill they are good at.

Do not settle for “okay.” Being above average or great creates opportunities. In my case, being a strong tennis player helped me connect with wealthy and educated doubles partners. They invited me to lunches and conversations where I could listen and learn about business and life.

That is not only a tennis lesson. It is a coaching lesson too. When coaches are credible, doors open. When coaches genuinely improve players, relationships become long-term.

Certification and the “American way” of coaching

After my early opportunities, I realized I needed to coach professionally in the American way. In Romania, my background was different. Coaching often had a tough, even harsh mentality. Yelling was common. Coaches did not always behave respectfully or gently.

In the US, that approach does not work the same way. So I pursued certification. At around 27, I became certified.

Certification helped, but the biggest change still came from mentors and daily teaching experience. For me, one of the most valuable steps was this: learn by volunteering.

How to learn tennis coaching faster: volunteer and shadow great coaches

When I wanted to learn the best coaching style around me, I did not sit and wait. I went to a large tennis club and spoke to an established coach.

I asked to watch him teach and offer assistance with junior groups. I volunteered at first, and later he offered to pay me because he saw I was dependable and serious.

If you are starting in tennis coaching, volunteering is the shortcut.

Find the best coach in your area.
Ask if they need help or if you can observe.
Show up early, be respectful, and learn their communication style.
Pay attention to how they explain, demonstrate, feed balls, and manage energy.

Money is useful later. Early on, time and attention are worth more.

What truly makes a great tennis coach: people, knowledge, and adaptability

After 23 years coaching on court, off court, and online, my list of what matters most is consistent:

1) Be a people person

You can be the best technician in the world and still fail if you cannot connect with students.

Smile when students arrive.
Make them feel welcome immediately.
Dress well and smell nice.
Respect people’s time and families.
Avoid gossip.
Learn the right balance of talking. Too much is bad, too little is also bad.

People trust coaches who feel safe, respected, and organized.

2) Know your stuff, then keep studying

Read, research, and practice. Early on, you focus on explaining and demonstrating technique. Later, you teach footwork, tactics, strategy, and the mental side of tennis.

But also test what you teach. If you cannot execute a shot yourself, you will struggle to diagnose your students.

3) You do not have to be a superstar, but you should be a tennis player

Being a good player helps a lot, but it does not have to mean you are top-tier professionally. Knowing how shots feel, where they break down, and what “struggle” looks like makes you a better coach.

4) Structure your lessons and adapt to the individual

One of the biggest coaching mistakes beginners make is teaching everyone the same way and at the same pace.

Players are unique. Some kids are naturally athletic. Some have strong hand-eye coordination from other sports. Some have never played sports much at all, and they struggle simply with contact and timing.

A great tennis coaching approach adapts the method, pace, and drills. You can still follow a structured path, but you must adjust the delivery.

Why coaching became online for me (and why groups still matter)

Eventually, I moved back to Romania and built a platform to share drills and coaching structure online. Coaching one-on-one or in small groups is great, but online allows you to reach more players and coaches at scale.

I still believe in group structure, though. Even with groups, I do not like too many players. I prefer small groups, because coaching details get lost when the group is too large.

Essential tips to start with tennis coaching today

Start in groups, for kids, whenever possible.
Introduce games early so beginners feel success from day one.
Use a clear progression: technique, consistency, placement, spin, power.
Volunteer to learn by shadowing a stronger coach.
Do not wait until you feel prepared. You will never feel fully ready. Improvement happens on the court, with students.
Adapt your pace to each learner’s coordination and athletic base.

FAQ

Do I need certification to start tennis coaching?

Certification is helpful, especially if you want to coach in clubs that require it. But you can still start learning by volunteering, assisting, shadowing, and teaching informal group sessions while you pursue credentials. The key is gaining real teaching experience, not only studying.

What should I do for my first lesson with beginner kids?

Keep it fun and simple. Prepare two or three beginner games, introduce a basic rally concept quickly, and avoid overwhelming technical talk. Focus on confidence first, then build technique and consistency gradually.

Is it better to coach kids privately or in groups?

In most cases, groups work better for beginners because kids learn by seeing peers and staying motivated. A good approach is group lessons first, and then private sessions occasionally to correct specific technique issues.

How do I structure progress as a tennis coach?

Use a foundation order: technique, consistency, placement, spin, and power. Within that structure, adapt drills and pacing to the student’s coordination and athletic background.

Do I need to be an excellent tennis player to teach well?

You should be able to execute the skills you teach, and you should understand the struggle of learning. You do not need to be a top professional, but you need enough playing experience to demonstrate and troubleshoot effectively.

Closing thoughts: start anyway

If you are serious about tennis coaching, here is the truth I learned the hard way: you will never feel fully prepared. There is always more to learn.

So start with what you have. Volunteer. Teach small groups. Use games. Study and adapt. Let your students’ needs guide your coaching process.

That is how you become good. Not by waiting for confidence. By earning it, one lesson at a time.

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Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Ready to improve your tennis further?
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