| The Kids are Alright | | | | accuracy, have them take one giant step back from |
| Progressive tennis is a special program that teaches | | | | the net and try again. Also, once players have the |
| young children between the ages of 4 and 9 to play | | | | hang of the overhead stroke, try throwing a few |
| the game quickly, efficiently and with success. In | | | | higher feeds to teach them to extend their reach. |
| progressive tennis, the court size, balls and racquet's | | | | First forehand, now backhand |
| are scaled down to an appropriate size for young kids, | | | | Once kids have gotten the hang of the forehand |
| and the proper execution of the fundamentals of the | | | | stroke, try teaching the backhand stroke with the |
| game is emphasized. The following progressive tennis | | | | following progressive tennis drills. First, demonstrate the |
| drills are a great way to turn your kids into lifelong | | | | motion of the racquet using a very short backswing. |
| tennis players while having a great deal of fun along | | | | Some kids may find it easier to use a shortened grip |
| the way. | | | | at first. Once your players understand the motion |
| When selecting progressive tennis drills, make sure to | | | | involved for ground strokes, the drills can begin. |
| go for drills that aren't too complicated for young | | | | First, have kids stand three feet from the net again |
| learners and contain variations for players that are | | | | and one by one give them a drop feed to hit using |
| more inherently skilled than others. Plus it will give kids a | | | | their backhand stroke. Once they've mastered their |
| chance to track their progression throughout the | | | | returns, try giving a short toss feed, followed by a feed |
| season. Remember that these skills are not easy for | | | | from your racquet. Another variation for progressing |
| some players, so always end each practice with a | | | | players is to start approaching the ball with a few |
| simple volley back and forth. Make sure to partner up | | | | steps, followed by a short run once the steps have |
| kids with similar skill sets, and coaches can play with | | | | become too easy. |
| the lesser-skilled players. | | | | Remember that these are very young kids you're |
| Forehand for Kids | | | | dealing with, so they will require lots of patience and |
| The first series of progressive tennis drills focuses on | | | | praise for a job well done. Any criticism given at this |
| overhead strokes. To begin, have the kids stand in a | | | | point must be done in a light manner. At this stage in |
| line facing the coach with their racquet's raised to their | | | | the game, kids progress at varying levels, so make |
| shoulders. Teach kids the proper point of contact for | | | | sure that each own player understands that they |
| the ball, and gradually introduce a bigger swing before | | | | should only be concerned with beating their personal |
| proceeding to any actual hitting. | | | | bests. Allow each child to set their own goals, such as |
| To start off, have your players stand approximately | | | | ten volleys in a row or being able to hit the ball across |
| three feet from the net. Lob a ball towards the player | | | | the court, and write these goals out on large sheets of |
| and have them hit it using the point of contact | | | | paper. Once goals are achieved, children will enjoy |
| demonstrated before the drill. As players gain | | | | crossing their goals off the list. |