- Start by passing the ball back and forth on the ground or court. Introduce forehand and backhand options.
- Have your child practice racquet skills (ups, downs and up-bounce-up’s) to establish and improve control of the racquet face and “feel” for the length of racquet.
- Have your child drop hit balls (with forehands and backhands) to learn how to initiate a rally.
- Hand feed balls with an underhand toss to practice groundstrokes and volleys.
- Establish target goals with drop/hits and feeds. Establish cross court/down-the-line, net clearance and depth targets.
- Start up close and work back. Start drop/hits, rallies and serves up close to the net. Progress back to the baseline with success.
- Emphasize control and consistency (“hit the ball over the net and into the court”).
- Have your child recite “bounce” and “hit” when hitting groundstrokes to establish timing and rhythm.
- Count (1, 2, 3, etc.) to track progress with rallies.
- Make it fun and be supportive
How to Start Your Young Child in Tennis
Published
Ten Things Tennis 