How I Taught My Kids Tennis (Ages 7 & 8) – Lesson #17 | My Daddy / My Coach

Welcome to another exciting lesson on kids tennis! In this article, I’ll share how I taught my daughters, Bianca and Cezara, the fundamentals of tennis when they were just 7 and 8 years old. This lesson is packed with practical tips, fun drills, and a lot of family bonding. Whether you’re a parent looking to introduce your kids to tennis or a coach seeking effective techniques for young players, this guide is for you!

Step 1: Welcome and Intro

In this lesson, we kicked things off with a warm welcome. Both Bianca and Cezara were eager to learn, and their enthusiasm set a positive tone for the day. It’s essential to create a fun and engaging atmosphere when teaching kids tennis, as it keeps them motivated and excited about the game.

Step 2: Our Tennis Warmup Routine

We began our session with a comprehensive warmup routine designed to get our bodies ready for tennis. This included jogging around the court to get our heart rates up, followed by a series of dynamic stretches. Here’s a quick overview of our warmup:

• Jogging: We jogged two laps around the court, focusing on a slow pace to warm up our muscles.
• Heel-to-Toe Walks: This exercise helps with balance and coordination.
• Side Shuffles: Staying low and moving quickly, we shuffled across the court to improve lateral movement.
• High Knees: This drill helps with agility and getting the knees up, crucial for footwork.
• Karaoke Steps: A fun way to work on coordination while moving sideways.

After our warmup, we transitioned to some more focused exercises that would help improve our tennis skills.

Step 3: Footwork Technique Drills for Lateral Movement

Footwork is crucial in tennis, as it allows players to position themselves effectively for each shot. We practiced lateral movement through various drills designed to enhance speed and agility. Here’s what we did:

• Crossover Steps: I tossed balls to the girls, and as they caught them, they practiced stepping out and crossing over to get back into position.
• Forward and Backward Movement: They learned to move forward to hit balls and quickly recover to their original position.

This combination of lateral movement and recovery is essential for developing good habits on the court.

Step 4: Foot Speed and Body Control Drills

Next, we focused on improving foot speed and body control. These drills help players maintain balance and stability while hitting the ball. Here’s a glimpse of what we practiced:

• Ball Tossing: The girls worked on tossing the ball back and forth while shuffling sideways. This drill not only enhances hand-eye coordination but also reinforces the importance of staying light on your feet.
• Neck and Arm Rotations: We included dynamic stretches for the neck and arms to prevent injuries and enhance flexibility.

Step 5: Squishy Balls and More Warmup Drills 🙂

To add a fun twist, we incorporated squishy balls into our routine. These are great for strengthening the forearm muscles and improving grip. The girls squeezed these balls while performing various exercises, making it both effective and entertaining.

Step 6: Shadow Practice – Groundstrokes: Forehand and Backhand (Technique Check)

Once warmed up, we moved on to shadow practice for groundstrokes. This is a crucial step in teaching kids tennis, as it allows them to focus on technique without the pressure of hitting a moving ball. We practiced:

• Forehand Swings: I guided them to ensure their rackets stayed behind the imaginary incoming ball.
• Backhand Swings: We focused on the correct grip and follow-through, emphasizing the importance of body rotation.

Step 7: Forehand and Backhand Groundstroke Practice (Basket-Fed Tennis Drills)

After shadow practice, we moved to basket-fed drills, where I fed balls to the girls, allowing them to apply what they had learned. This is a great way to reinforce technique while also building confidence. Here’s how we structured it:

• Forehand Drills: Each girl aimed to hit a set number of forehands into a designated area.
• Backhand Drills: We repeated the same process for backhands, focusing on accuracy and control.

Step 8: The 7-Ball Drill (Groundstrokes, Movement)

Next, we introduced the 7-ball drill. This exercise not only helps with groundstrokes but also reinforces movement patterns. The goal was to hit seven forehands and seven backhands while moving to different positions on the court.

This drill teaches players to anticipate the ball’s location while maintaining proper footwork.

Step 9: Short & Deep Drill (Groundstrokes, Movement)

In this drill, we alternated between hitting short and deep balls. This practice helps players learn to adjust their positioning based on the type of ball they receive. The key focus was on:

• Short Balls: Players learned to move forward and attack the ball.
• Deep Balls: They practiced backing up and preparing for a more powerful shot.

Step 10: Serve Practice – Introduction

Having covered the groundstrokes, we shifted our focus to serving. This is often one of the most challenging aspects of tennis for kids. We began by discussing the fundamentals of a good serve, including grip and stance.

Step 11: Serve Toss & Backswing Practice

Next, we practiced the toss and backswing. The toss is crucial as it sets up the entire serve. We focused on:

• Tossing the Ball: Ensuring it’s at the right height and in front of the body.
• Backswing Mechanics: Emphasizing a smooth, controlled motion to prepare for the serve.

Step 12: The 4-Step Serve Technique

We then introduced the 4-step technique for serving, which includes:

1. Getting into the ready position.
2. Tossing the ball into the optimal position.
3. Bringing the racket back and preparing to swing.
4. Following through to complete the serve.

This structured approach helps build muscle memory, making it easier for young players to execute their serves.

Step 13: Full Tennis Serve Practice: Flat & Slice (Beginner Technique, Drills)

We practiced both flat and slice serves. The girls learned to differentiate between the two types, understanding when to use each. Here’s how we structured this practice:

• Flat Serve: We focused on power and precision, aiming to hit the ball hard and deep.
• Slice Serve: This serve was about adding spin and placement, making it more challenging for opponents to return.

Step 14: Pisu, Our Cat, Visits Us 🙂

During our practice, we were pleasantly interrupted by Pisu, our cat. It’s always nice to have a little fun and laughter during training sessions, reminding us that tennis is not just about competition but also about enjoying the game.

Step 15: Alternating Slice and Flat Serves: Drills, Beginner Instruction

To solidify their understanding, we did drills alternating between slice and flat serves. This exercise helps players learn to switch between different types of serves based on the game situation.

Step 16: Tennis Drill: Serve-Ready-Hit!

In this drill, we focused on getting the girls to serve and then immediately get ready to hit the next shot. This is crucial for developing a quick response after serving, which is often overlooked in practice.

Step 17: Tie-Break (Competitive Game)

Finally, we ended our lesson with a fun, competitive game to 7 points. This was a great way for the girls to put everything they had learned into action. They kept track of their scores and learned the importance of focus during competition.

FAQ

What age is appropriate to start teaching kids tennis?

Kids can start learning tennis as early as 5 or 6 years old, focusing on basic skills and fun games.

What are some effective drills for kids tennis?

Some effective drills include footwork drills, shadow swings, and basket-fed groundstrokes. These help improve coordination and technique.

How can I make tennis fun for my child?

Incorporate games, challenges, and fun drills that keep them engaged. Make sure to celebrate their progress and achievements!

Where can I find more resources for teaching kids tennis?

You can check out WebTennis24, which offers online lessons, tips, and drills tailored for kids and coaches!

With the right approach, teaching kids tennis can be a rewarding experience for both the coach and the child. Remember to keep it fun and engaging, and you’ll foster a love for the game that lasts a lifetime!