How I Taught My Kids Tennis: A Journey of Fun and Learning

Hey there! I’m Cosmin, and today I want to share my experience on how I taught my kids tennis, focusing on my lovely daughter Bianca, who just turned seven.
As a parent and an experienced tennis coach, I’ve found that teaching your own children can be both rewarding and challenging.
In this blog, I’ll take you through the process and share some effective drills that worked for us.

Understanding the Fundamentals

When it comes to teaching tennis, I believe that every stroke development should follow a specific sequence:

1. Technique: This is where it all begins. Learning the proper technique is crucial.
2. Consistency: Once the technique is in place, the next step is to ensure consistency in strokes.
3. Placement: This is what we focused on during our lesson. It’s about controlling where the ball goes.
4. Spin: Mastering topspin and slice adds variety to their game.
5. Power: Finally, we work on hitting the ball with power.

Drills for Groundstroke Placement

During our lesson, we concentrated on groundstroke placement. I set up targets and had Bianca hit forehands and backhands while aiming for those targets. Here’s how we did it:

• First, I explained the difference between hitting cross-court and down-the-line. For cross-court shots, she aimed for the outside of the ball, while for down-the-line shots, she focused on the inside.
• We did several drills, always emphasizing footwork and proper swing technique (watch the video above for visual details).

We used yellow balls with a green dot, which are slightly heavier and faster, making it a bit more challenging for Bianca. The idea was to push her limits while ensuring she had fun.

Learning the Slice Serve

Next up was the slice serve. To warm up, we practiced tossing the ball and making shadow swings. I guided Bianca to brush the ball from left to right to create that desired spin.
Here’s what we focused on:

• Proper toss placement at 1 o’clock to ensure she could brush the ball effectively.
• Using her body positioning to help generate power and spin.
• Finally, we aimed for targets on the court to improve accuracy.

Understanding the benefits of the slice serve is essential. It helps the ball drop quickly and makes it harder for opponents to return. After some practice, Bianca was able to serve with confidence and control.

Practicing the Volley

In the final segment of our lesson, we focused on volleys. I had Bianca practice shadow volleys, emphasizing footwork and racket positioning. Here’s how we approached it:

• We practiced split steps to prepare for incoming shots.
• For each volley, I reminded her to keep her racket in front and to step into the shot.
• We combined forehand and backhand volleys to build her confidence at the net.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Teaching Bianca tennis has been a joy. I’ve learned that patience, encouragement, and making the lessons fun are key to keeping her engaged. Remember, it’s not just about the drills; it’s about fostering a love for the game.

If you’re a parent looking to introduce your kids to tennis, I encourage you to take it step by step. Start with the basics, focus on fun, and gradually incorporate more technical elements. For more resources, check out WebTennis24 for drills, tips, and lessons.

F.A.Q.

What age is best to start teaching kids tennis?

While kids can start as young as three or four, I believe ages five to six are ideal for introducing them to the fundamentals of tennis.

How can I keep my child engaged during lessons?

Make the lessons fun by incorporating games and challenges. Celebrate small victories to keep their spirits high!

Are there specific drills for younger children?

Yes! Simple drills focusing on hand-eye coordination and basic strokes can be beneficial. You can also check out 11 Tennis Drills Coaches Love for great ideas.