The following skills and abilities are a guide to help our young athletes build the foundation they will need for future development in tennis.
Some of these skills may be challenging for a 5–7-year-old, but they are certainly achievable with time, patience, and practice. I have organized them in progressive stages to make the learning process easier and more enjoyable.
Most importantly, I want the kids to have fun! At this age, we are not trying to rush them into becoming tennis players overnight. We are building coordination, movement, ball skills, confidence, and a love for the game that can serve them for many years to come.
One practice a week is a great start, but it is not enough by itself to develop these skills. The good news is that many of them can easily be practiced at home, in the driveway, yard, or wherever you have a little space. Some activities may require a little help from Mom, Dad, or a grandparent.
The best way to help is simply to watch what we do in class and then have your child practice the same activities at home. A few minutes of fun practice can go a long way. It doesn’t have to feel like another lesson—play games, encourage them, and celebrate their improvement.
If you have questions about any of the skills or would like ideas for practicing at home, please talk with me after practice. I’m happy to help.
Our goal is simple: have fun today while building the skills for a better tennis player tomorrow!
THERE IS NO RUSH TO MASTER THESE SKILLS!
COORDINATION
• 10 1 hand Toss & 2 Hand Catch in pairs.
• 10 1 Hand Toss & 2 Hand Catch in pairs moving Down the Alley (Both Sides)
• 4 -Corner Air Toss Both Directions
BALANCE THE BALL
• Balance the Ball on Racquet and Walk Across the Court
• Balance the Ball on Racquet and Walk Fast across the Court
• Balance the Ball on Racquet and Walk Fast across the Court w/EFG & Palm Up.
• Balance the Ball on Racquet and Walk Fast across the Court w/EFG & Palm Down.
• Balance the Ball on Racquet and Run across the Court w/EFG & Palm Up.
• Balance the Ball on Racquet and Run across the Court w/EFG & Palm Down.
RACQUET JUGGLE
• 7 Bungee Flips with Hand Catch
• 7 Bungee Flips
• 10 Ball Self Rally’s Staying in SB.
• 10 Ball Self Rally’s Staying in SB w/EFG and Palm Up.
• 10 Ball Self Rally’s Staying in SB w/EFG and Palm Down.
• 10 Uppies Staying SB w/EFG and Palm Up.
• 10 Uppies Staying in SB w/EFG and Palm Down.
• 10 Downs w/EFG and Palm Down.
DROP FEEDS
• 3 f/BL 3FH, Place Ball On Ground & Hit into Hula Hoop at Net
• 3 f/BL 3BH, Place Ball On Ground & Hit into Hula Hoop at Net
• (Goalie Rally)
• Place Ball On Ground & Roll/Hit 3 out of 4 FH to Cones at Net f/ BL
• Place Ball On Ground & Roll/Hit 3 out of 4 BH to Cones at Net f/ BL
• 5 each Coach Fed/Rolls FH Stomp the Bug hitting ball back on the ground
◦ Moving to the Side
◦ Skipping forward
◦ RAB
◦ Moving Back
• 5 each Coach Fed/Rolls BH Stomp the Bug hitting ball back on the ground
◦ Moving to the Side
◦ Skipping forward
◦ Moving Back
• 5 each Coach Fed/Drops FH ON w/reasonable Technique.
◦ Moving to the Side
◦ Skipping forward
◦ RAB
◦ Moving Back
• 5 each Coach Fed/Drops BH ON w/reasonable Technique.
◦ Moving to the Side
◦ Skipping forward
◦ Moving Back
DROP & HIT
• 10 FH Drop & Hits into 3 buckets
• 10 FH Drop & Hits into 3 buckets ON (Battle Spots)
• 10 FH Drop & Hits ON
• 10 FH Drop & Hits ON f/Prep to finish
• 10 FH Drop & Hits ON f/Prep to finish in Alternating Directions
RALLY’S
• 10 FH Roll Rally’s f/Close (Goalie Game)
• 10 BH Roll Rally’s f/Close (Goalie Game)
• 10 BH Roll Rally’s f/Close (Goalie Game)
• 10 FH Roll Rally’s f/Mid Court (Goalie Game)
• 10 BH Roll Rally’s f/Mid Court (Goalie Game)
• 10 BH Roll Rally’s f/Mid Court (Goalie Game)
• 10 FH Roll Rally’s f/BL (Goalie Game)
• 10 BH Roll Rally’s f/Mid BL (Goalie Game)
• 10 BH Roll Rally’s f/Mid BL (Goalie Game)
• 10 FH Bump Rally
• 10 BH Bump Rally
• 10 ALT Bump Rally
• 10 FH Bump Rally ON
• 10 BH Bump Rally ON
• 10 ALT Bump Rally ON
• 10 FH Rally’s ON
• 10 BH Rally’s ON
• 10 ALT Rally’s ON
SERVE
• 10 TOSS & CATCH above head with non hitting hand & Palm Open.
• 10 Throwing Motion w/ 10S Ball w/Foot Twist-Elbow Up-Supination & Pronation.
• 10 SERVE TOSS & CATCH w/ Straight arm above head with non hitting hand & Palm Open.
• 10S Ball w/Foot Twist-Elbow Up-Supination & Pronation.
BALANCE
• 10 Balance Toss to Partner on one Foot Across Alley. (Both Feet)
• 10 Balance Toss to Partner on one Foot Across SB (Both Feet)
FOOTWORK
• Walking Dippsy Doodles
◦ Slow Dippsy Doodles
• 10 Dynamic Drop Squats
• Side Skipping
• 2 Backwards Walks/Foreword Run from net
STRENGTH
• Crab Walks Sideline to Sideline
• Bear Walks Sideline to Sideline
• 15 Get Small Get Tall
EFG=Eastern Forehand Grip
SB=Service Box
f/=From
w/=With