Range Hitting

🎯 Objective:

Develop long, straight hitting with proper contact, balance, and racket path. Good for a quick set up.

🧠 Focus:

• Contact in front
• Low-to-high but controlled swing
• Direction + distance
• Fun “power hitting” without losing technique

🎤 Coach Script / Story Setup:

“Welcome to the Summit Driving Range! ⛳
Your mission is to hit the ball as FAR and as STRAIGHT as possible — just like golfers trying to reach the end of the fairway!

🏗️ Setup:

Works perfectly in:
• A long sports hall
• A tennis court
• A large MUGA

You’ll need:
• 1 line of 5–8 hitting tees spaced widely
• Foam balls
• A long target zone down the hall or court
• Easy set up

🔁 Gameplay:

Stage 1 — Standard Drives

Players start at a tee → coach feeds or they self-feed → they try to hit the ball:
• Straight down the fairway, trying to reach the wall
• Kids try to hit as far as they can while keeping balance
After their hit, they load up another ball and try again.

Coach cues:
• “Contact in front!”
• “Point your belly button to the target!”, use rubber dots to stand on to help with position and spacing
• “Finish facing the fairway!”
• “Long and straight — like a golfer!”

Stage 2 — Power Contest (optional)

Older children compete:
• Longest drive
• Most accurate drive
• Best balance finish

🪶 Feathers (Simplifications):

• Lower tees for easier contact
• Reduce the distance of the fairway
• Mark a wide fairway to boost success
• Allow children to push the ball on the floor rather than swing if struggling

⚡️ Progressions (Harder Challenges):

• Hit with backhands only
• Get parents to drop-feed and let bounce and hit at waist height

• Progress to the child tossing a ball up themselves, letting go, and hitting at waist height.

• Use smaller mini-red balls
• Add a “step into the shot” power mechanic, then do forehand and backhands
• Time-based challenge: “3 balls in 20 seconds, all on the fairway!”

🎾 Technical Coaching Points:

• Sideways stance
• Big stable base
• Contact slightly out in front
• Follow-through to the target
• Racket face flat (not open or closed) at impact
• Keep head still

🎉 Seasonal Themes:

🎄 Christmas — Santa’s Driving Range

Hit “snowballs” down the snowy fairway toward Santa’s sleigh runway. Hard hits reach the North Pole Express!

🐣 Easter — Bunny Long Drive Contest

Hit pastel “eggs” as far as possible down the Easter Meadow. Golden egg targets for bonus points.

🎃 Halloween — Witch’s Broom Range

Hit “pumpkin balls” toward spooky targets. Extra points for hitting the haunted house zone.

💘 Valentine’s — Cupid’s Love Drive

Hit heart-coloured balls toward Cupid’s castle. Land in the pink zone for a “love bonus.”

👩 Mother’s Day / 👨 Father’s Day — Family Drive Range

Hit “thank-you balls” down the fairway toward Mum/Dad’s garden shed or workshop.

🎾 Ups & Downs

Focus: Racket skills, coordination, balance, control
Stage: Phase 1 (after warm-up)
Time: ~5 minutes

🎤 Coach Script / Setup

“Everyone grab a racket and a ball!
We’re going to see how much control you have today with Ups and Downs!
Remember… small touches, soft hands, and still feet!”

Spread children out so they each have safe space around them.

🟡 Activity Breakdown

1️⃣ Balancing the Ball (Starter)

• Children place a ball on the strings.

• Walk around the space keeping the ball balanced.

• Coaching cues:

  • "Flat racket!"

  • "Soft hands!"

  • "Fast feet, slow racket!"

2️⃣ “Ups” – Bouncing the Ball Up on the Strings

• Bounce the ball gently off the racket face.

• Aim for small, repeated hits.

• KEY RULE: Try not to move your feet — build control first.

• Progressions:

  • Turn the racket between each bounce.

  • Tap the ball higher (but still under control).

  • Count how many in a row.

3️⃣ “Downs” – Bouncing the Ball Down to the Floor

• Tap the ball downwards, letting it bounce off the ground.

• Again, keep feet still for control.

• Progressions:

  • Bounce around the body (front, side, back to front).

  • Swap hands while bouncing.

  • Bounce while slowly walking once they show control.

4️⃣ “Up–Bounce–Down–Catch” Challenge

• One hit up

• Let it bounce

• One hit down

• Catch with non-dominant hand

• Repeat rhythmically like a pattern.

5️⃣ Edge Bouncing (Harder)

• Perform Downs using the edge of the racket.

• When confident, perform Ups using the edge too.

  • Great for developing touch and feel.

🪶 Feathers (Simplifications for Younger Children)

• Use larger balls (inflatable, sponge, Big Red Ball).

• Let them bounce using two hands on racket first.

• Use a bigger target like bibs or hula hoops to bounce into.

• Allow one bounce on floor before every Up.

• Start with “statue feet”—if this is too hard, allow walking slowly.

⚡️ Progressions (For Older / Confident Kids)

• Alternate: up, down, up, down continuously.

• Keep taps below shoulder height for precision.

• Edge bounces only.

• Bounce around cones placed in a loop (small controlled steps).

• Perform ups while turning 180° or 360° without losing control.

• Use non-dominant hand for Ups & Downs.

🎾 Technical Coaching Tips

• Flat racket face = stability.

• Encourage soft hands and relaxed wrists.

• Keep ball close to body, not reaching out.

• Keep racket on the move, not static.

• Teach “tap, not hit.”

🎉 Seasonal Alternatives

🎄 Christmas — Snowball Taps

• Use white balls as “snowballs.”

• Children tap the snowball up or down while pretending to decorate a tree.

• Edge bouncing becomes “carving icicles.”

🐣 Easter — Bunny Bounce

• Use pastel balls.

• Ups = “Bunny hops.”

• Downs = “Egg drops.”

• Up–down–catch becomes “Catch the Golden Egg.”

🎃 Halloween — Pumpkin Pops

• Orange balls = mini pumpkins.

• Ups become “pumpkin pops.”

• Downs become “squash the pumpkin!”

• Edge work = “witch wand bounces.”

💘 Valentine’s — Heart Drops

• Pink/red balls = hearts.

• Ups = “send some love!”

• Downs = “landing love notes.”

 Over the Fence

A fun movement-and-control game focused on dribbling, guiding, and lifting objects over an obstacle.

⏱️ Duration: Flexible — repeat as long as engagement stays high

🎤 Coach Script / Setup

“Right team! Your job is to move your ball all the way across the court and get it over the fence!
Tap it like hockey, keep it under control, and when you get to the cones, lift it over the wall using your racket. Then run back and try again!”

🧱 Game Layout

• Create a long working channel using
  • a row of cones (the “fence”)
  OR a mini net (optional)

• All balls start at the baseline

• Children work individually, each with:
  • A racket
  • A starting ball (foam ball, light ball, balloon, etc.)

• Coaches or parents recycle balls back to the start.

🔁 Gameplay – Stages

Stage 1 — Tap & Travel

• Children tap the ball (“hockey dribble”) along the floor.

• Keep ball close, small controlled taps.

Stage 2 — Lift Over the Fence

When they reach the row of cones:

• Slide racket under the ball

• Gently lift and flip it over the cones

• Ball must land on the far side

• Children run back to start and continue with a new ball

🪶 Feathers (Simplifications)

Perfect for younger Tots or less confident players:

• Use bigger, lighter balls (utility balls, beach balls, balloons) for slower movement

• Use scarves instead of balls: drag or float the scarf to the fence and lift it over

• Lower the fence (shorter cones or flat markers)

• Allow children to pick up and drop over instead of lifting with the racket

• Let a coach assist the lift motion

• Shorten the distance they must dribble

• Work parent–child pairs: one guides, one lifts

⚡ Progressions (For Titans / Troopers)

• Use smaller, firmer balls for more control challenge

• Add direction changes before reaching the fence

• Ball must be tapped through a series of gates before the lift

• Lift only with racket — no hands

• Add a time challenge (“How many can you lift in 60 seconds?”)

• Use balloons outdoors only on still, humid days

• After lifting, child must catch the ball on the other side

• Add a second fence for double lift

🎾 Technical Coaching Tips

• “Soft taps — keep the ball close.”

• Encourage side-on body position for the lift

• Racket slides under the ball, not pushing from the side

• Follow through upwards for a smooth lift

• Bend knees and use legs, not just arms

• Eyes on the ball before lifting

‍ ‍Crabbie in the Middle 🦀🦞

A fun interception + lob accuracy game teaching footwork, throwing/hitting height, and spatial awareness.

🌟 Story / Theme

“The crabs are stuck in their sandy channel…
but around them are the sneaky lobsters, trying to lob the ball over their heads!”

Crabbies shuffle side-to-side trying to catch.
Lobsters must move cleverly to find space.

🎯 Objective

• Teach kids how to lob (high throw)
• Develop side-step & crossover movement for crabs
• Improve decision-making (find space vs. force throw)
• Build rally skills in progressions
• Encourage teamwork and tactical thinking

🧩 Setup

Crab Channel

• Two parallel lines of cones → long “lane” across length of space
• Crabbies must stay inside

Lobster Spots

• One player on each end of the crab lane
• Larger groups: 2–3 lobsters per side rotating throws
• Lobsters start free to move side-to-side along their line

Equipment

• Start with footballs or large soft balls
• Later → soft tennis balls, mini reds
• Crabbies progress to mini nets → then rackets

▶️ How to Play

1. Crabbie starts in the lane

2. Lobsters throw (lob) the ball over the crab’s head to the player opposite

3. Lobsters can move side to side to create a better angle

4. Crabbie shuffles, side steps, crosses over to try to catch

5. If the ball lands cleanly with the opposite lobster → 1 point

6. If Crabbie catches, they swap positions with the thrower

7. New round begins immediately

🔺 Progressions

1️⃣ Crabbie Uses a Mini Net

• Lobsters still lob high
• Crabbie tries to catch using a hand-held mini net
• Great for tracking and soft hands

2️⃣ Crabbie Uses a Racket to Catch

• Racket held like a crab claw
• Must secure the ball on the strings
• Slower balls recommended

3️⃣ Lobsters Must STAY Where They Receive the Ball

• Once a lobster catches/receives the ball, they cannot move
• Forces variety:
 – short lobs
 – long lobs
 – angled lobs
 – throwing from awkward distances

4️⃣ Hitting Version (Advanced Troopers/Titans)

• Lobsters use rackets to hit gentle lobs
• Crabbie uses mini net or racket to catch
• Keep all hitters on one side for safety if rackets are used

🪶 Feathers (Make It Easier)

• Use bigger balls
• Bring throwers closer
• Allow the crab to catch after bounce
• Make the crab channel wider
• Let lobsters take a small step forward before throwing

🔥 Challenges (Harder)

• Two balls in play
• Lobsters must alternate: high lob → low skim → high lob
• Crabbie must stay low entire round
• Timed challenge: “Crab has 20 seconds to survive!”
• Lobsters score double if they lob without moving

🛡️ Safety Notes

• Always use soft balls
• When using rackets:
 – Keep both lobsters on the same side of the channel
 – Large spacing
• Crabbie must stay inside their lane
• No throwing at faces — all lobs must be up & over

‍ ‍🐶 Doggy Day Care

A themed movement & coordination game where children look after “dogs” (tennis balls) and guide them safely to their kennels.

🌟 Story / Theme

“Today you’re all dog handlers at the Doggy Day Care Centre!
Your job is to take the dogs (tennis balls) out of their pen, take them for a little walk, and put them safely to bed in the right kennel!”

Kids LOVE this theme — simple, imaginative and perfect for indoor sessions.

🎯 Objective

• Improve racket control (leading, pushing, guiding)
• Build agility and spatial awareness
• Develop colour matching skills
• Encourage turn-taking, responsibility, and teamwork

🧩 Setup

1. Dog Pen (Start Area)

• Create a circle of traffic cones
• Place a mix of coloured tennis balls inside (these are the “dogs”)

2. Walking Track

• Make a larger circle using flat circular cones
• This is where children “walk” their dogs using their rackets like leads

3. Dog Kennels (Finish Area)

• Place upturned plastic tubs, each with a coloured cone or marker
• The colour MUST match one of the dog colours
• Spread kennels around the edge of the space

Environment Notes

• Works best indoors (balls stay controllable)
• If outside → use harder balls so they don’t get stuck on grass

🎤 Coach Script / How to Play

“Welcome to Doggy Day Care!
Inside this pen we have lots of dogs waiting for a walk.
One at a time, you’ll choose a dog, take it for a gentle walk around the circle…
…and then put it safely to bed in the matching kennel!”

▶️ How It Runs

1. Children line up or stand ready around the pen

2. One at a time, each child:
    • Steps into the pen
    • Chooses a coloured tennis ball (“dog”)
    • Uses their racket as a lead to guide it around the circular track/ or they can get behind and push the doggies using their rackets
    • Finishes by placing the dog into the matching coloured kennel

3. Return to the start

4. Next child goes

5. Continue until all dogs are walked and put to bed

🐾 Teaching Points

• Racket out in front → gentle guiding
• Slow, small touches → don’t let the dog escape
• Watch the ball while moving
• Keep control on corners
• Big finish: drop the dog gently into the correct tub

🪶 Feathers (Make It Easier)

• Use bigger balls (foam or playground balls)
• Shorten the walking track
• Allow children to use two hands on the racket
• Partner or parent walks beside the child
• Remove colour-matching and let them choose any kennel

🔺 Progressions (Harder)

• Two dogs at once (two balls!)
• Must walk the dog twice before bedtime
• Add mini obstacles (cones to weave around)
• Timed challenge: “How many dogs can your team walk in 2 minutes?”
• Carry a second ball under their arm (multi-tasking “dog trainer mode”)

‍ ‍❄️ Snowball Fight

A fast, fun, safe throwing game using soft balls only.

🎤 Coach Script / Intro

“Has anyone here ever played in the snow before?
When it snows, what can we have? A snowball fight! ❄️
Today we’re doing our own safe version using soft snowballs only!”

🎯 Objective

• Develop throwing accuracy
• Build quick reactions (catching, dodging, blocking)
• Encourage teamwork and cooperation
• Safe distance throwing practice

🧩 Setup

• Use two long rows of cones to divide the space into two sides
• Distance should be close enough for balls to reach but far enough to avoid face hits
• One bucket of soft balls only (foam balls, sponge balls, “fat balls”)
• Decide teams:
 – Small group → Kids vs Parents
 – Large group → Kids vs Kids

❄️ How to Play

1. Each team starts on their side behind the cone line

2. Balls are scattered evenly

3. On the coach’s whistle, both teams:
    • Pick up balls
    • Throw them over the cone line at the other team
    • Players can catch and throw back
    • Players may duck behind cones for cover

4. No crossing the cone boundary

5. Play in short rounds (45–60 seconds)

🧊 Winning Options

Choose based on age group:

• Most balls on the other team's side at the whistle
• Hit tally (coach keeps count of snowballs that land on players’ legs/body)
• First team to 10 successful hits

🪶 Feathers (Make It Easier)

• Use larger, slower foam balls
• Shorten the distance between cone lines
• Players can roll or bounce snowballs instead of throwing
• Allow parents/coaches to help younger players

🔥 Progressions (Harder)

• Players must throw with their non-dominant hand
• Add movement lanes behind cones to force footwork
• “Catch = extra point” rule
• Timed rounds with increasing distance
• Introduce two-ball “snowstorm mode”

🛡️ Safety Notes

• Soft balls only
• No aiming at faces (coach emphasises “below the shoulders”)
• Keep safe spacing behind cones
• Stop immediately if someone wanders across the cone line
• Encourage safe throwing, not maximum power

‍ ‍🎾 Wall Rally – Indoor Tennis Activity Sheet

A brilliant indoor skill-builder where every child finds a wall space and works through a series of fun challenges to develop touch, control, timing and rally rhythm.

🧩 Setup

• Each child finds a safe, clear section of wall
• 1 ball per player (start with football or large soft ball)
• 1 racket per player (used later in the activity)
• Ensure clear space behind and to the side of each child

⭐ Warm-Up Phase (No Racket)

1️⃣ Roll & Stop – 1 minute

• Roll the football along the floor into the wall
• Ball rolls back → child stops it with two hands
• Focus: soft hands, ready position, bending knees

2️⃣ Toss–Bounce–Catch – 1 minute

• Toss the ball gently against the wall
• Let it bounce once on the floor
• Catch with two hands
• Focus: timing, judging bounce, hand–eye coordination

🎾 Racket Phase

3️⃣ Push Control (Racket Only)

• Start with ball on the ground
• Gently push or “nudge” the ball into the wall
• Let it come back → use 1–2 control touches before pushing again
• Goal: control + accuracy, not power

4️⃣ Groundstroke Rally (Bounce Hit)

• Hit ball into the wall → let it bounce → hit again
• Optional: allow 1–2 control bounces/taps between each hit
• Goal: rally to 10 hits

🔺 Progressions

Ball Progressions

Move through these as they succeed:

1. Football

2. Fat ball

3. Mini red tennis ball

4. Orange ball

Skill Progressions

• Volleys only against the wall
• Groundstroke → volley pattern
• Serve → groundstroke
• Rally to 10, then 15, then 20
• Aim for specific targets on the wall (use markers, cones or tape)

🪶 Feathers (Make It Easier)

• Use a bigger/slower ball
• Allow multiple bounces
• Stand closer to the wall
• Use a parent/coach to help with ball control
• Start with stationary drop feeds instead of rolling/bouncing

🔥 Challenges (Harder)

• Rally must be continuous (no control touches)
• Move sideways between hits
• Hit from further back
• Alternate forehand/backhand each hit
• Serve → volley → groundstroke → catch

🎯 Coaching Points

✔ Low-to-high swing shape
✔ Sideways body position
✔ Early preparation
✔ Soft hands on control touches
✔ Watch the ball after rebound

If you'd like, I can also produce a visual diagram (no text) showing:
• Children spaced along a wall
• Rolling → toss → push → hit sequences
• Different ball types
• Rally pathway

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‍ ‍🎯 Hitting in a Circle

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A rotational hitting activity where players practise forehands and backhands from a circle.

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Perfect for improving consistency, technique, and directional aiming.

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🧩 Setup

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• Place hitting tees evenly spaced in a large circle around the room/court perimeter (safe spacing between players)
• To the right of each tee, place a rubber dot — this is the hitting position
• In the centre, choose one of the following:
 – Lots of small tubs as target
 – Coaches holding mini-nets in a star shape for kids to aim at
 – Build towers to hit down—see also https://www.summit-tennis.com/games-and-activities/coaches-tower
• Each player has a racket and stands on the dot
• Place a few balls at each tee
• Coaches move around the outside giving technical help

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🎤 Coach Script / Game Setup

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“Today we’re working on hitting in a big circle! Everyone has their own tee and their own dot. Your job is to hit your ball into the middle — that’s your target zone.
After a few minutes, I’ll shout ‘STOP and COLLECT!’ and we’ll switch to backhands.
Let’s see who can hit with great technique and accuracy!”

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🎯 Objective

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• Develop clean forehand and backhand technique
• Improve directional hitting
• Encourage repetition, rhythm, and self-paced practice
• Build awareness of aiming for a central target

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⏱️ Timing

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• 3–6 minutes forehands
• Coach call: “Collect balls — switch to backhands!”
• Move all dots to the right side of the tees for backhand alignment
• 3–6 minutes backhands

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🔧 How It Works

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1. Players stand on their dot

2. They drop-feed or tee-hit the ball toward the middle

3. Aim for central target (bucket, coach-nets, cones, star shape)

4. Coaches walk the circle correcting technique

5. After the timer, coach calls to rotate setup for backhands

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🎾 Teaching Points

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(Forehand & Backhand)

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✔️ Body Position

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• Sideways on
• Front foot pointing slightly toward target

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✔️ Swing Shape

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• Low → High
• Racquet brushes up the back of the ball
• Finish over shoulder (“superhero cape finish”)

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✔️ Contact Point

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• Hit the ball in line with the front leg
• Encourage spacing — avoid hitting too close to the body

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🧸 Feathers (Make It Easier)

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• Add a second marker behind the tee for struggling players →
 “Point your racket at this back marker to set your shoulder turn.”
• Use larger/softer balls (foam or sponge)
• Allow extra bounces or let the ball settle on the tee
• Coach/parent stands behind and supports drop feeds
• Reduce distance to the target by bringing the central cone/bucket closer

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🔺 Progressions (Make It Harder)

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• Parent / coach drop feed for live timing
• Hit two balls then collect → increases tempo and footwork
• Add a moving target (coach slowly walking with a handheld net)
• Challenge: hit 3 in a row into the middle
• Alternate forehand/backhand at each tee

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🛡️ Safety Notes

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• Ensure tees are spaced widely so players cannot swing into each other
• Players must only swing on their dot
• Coaches monitor the circle continuously
• Balls should be collected only when coach calls

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🏆 End Challenge

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“10 balls each — how many can you get into the middle zone?”
or
“Can your whole group hit 20 into the centre before the timer runs out?”

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🎾 Rally Riders

A dynamic partner challenge where players move in sync — side-stepping across the court while rallying together.

🌟 Story / Theme

You and your partner are Rally Riders, racing across the tennis plains! Keep the engine running (your rally) and travel from one side of the court to the other without breaking down. 🏍💨

🎯 Objective

Develop coordination, teamwork, footwork rhythm, spacing, and rally control while moving laterally.

🧩 Setup

• Use one tramline width
• Players in pairs, facing each other 2–3 metres apart
• One ball per pair (beanbag/football optional)
• Cones at each end for start/finish
• Emphasise moving together and keeping level as they side-step

🔺 Main Progressions

1️⃣ Warm-Up Pass (no racket)

Side-step together while underarm passing. Bounce-catch → direct passes.

2️⃣ Racket & Throw Combo

One throws, one hits after a bounce; swap roles on the return. Focus on timing, spacing, and staying in sync.

3️⃣ Double Racket Rally

Both with rackets, rally while moving across. Soft touches + communication. First team to finish wins 🏁

4️⃣ Pole Rally Challenge

Partners hold one mini-hurdle pole between them. Rally over the pole.
➡ Helps rhythm, spacing, teamwork.

5️⃣ Hoop Control Rally

Partners hold a hoop together and rally through it.
➡ They can tilt the hoop slightly to make control easier.

6️⃣ Advanced: Volley Riders

Volleys only, moving together — with pole, hoop, or no connector. Full challenge mode 🚀

🪶 Feathers (make it easier)

• Use slower or larger balls
• Allow extra bounces
• Reduce distance
• Start stationary before moving
• Parent/coach can act as partner
• Players may adjust the pole/hoop angle to help rally success

🔥 Extra Challenges (harder)

• There-and-back twice (timed)
• Call “hit!” / “bounce!” in rhythm
• Use non-dominant hand
• Add weaving obstacles

🎉 Seasonal Alternatives

🎅 Christmas Riders – “Ho-Ho-Go!” with red/green balls
🐣 Easter Riders – Bunny hops + egg ball
🎃 Halloween Haul – Ghost Riders with a pumpkin ball
💘 Valentine’s Volley – Don’t drop the heart
☀️ Summer Adventure – Rally through a “lifebuoy” hoop

Kissing Frogs 🐸💋🐸

A bouncy, silly adventure game through the lily pads – with a cheeky twist!

🌱 Story / Theme:

The frogs have lost their way across the lily pond! Help them hop from lily pad to lily pad — and when they meet a friend on another pad, they must share a kiss to complete their journey! 🐸💋🐸
But beware! Flying fish, jellyfish, turtles, and now flatfish are causing chaos in the pond…

🎾 Equipment:

• 1 racket per player (placed on the floor as lily pads)

• Beanbags (starter frogs)

• Foam balls (frog mode activated!)

• Scarves (jellyfish 🪸)

• Frisbees or foam discs (flying fish 🐟)

• Flat marker circles (flatfish 🐠 – “drop-down” zones)

• Footballs or basketballs (rolling turtles 🐢)

• Cones to mark out lily pad zone

🧩 Setup:

• Space out rackets randomly across the play area (strings facing up = lily pads).

• Add a few flatfish marker circles between pads — these are “slippery spots” frogs can bounce on but not stay too long!

• Place a bucket of beanbags or foam balls at the start line.

• Mark out a wide boundary for obstacles to fly/roll across.

🎮 How to Play – Phase by Phase:

🌟 Phase 1: Lily Pad Toss

1.        Players start at the edge of the pond.

2.        They throw beanbags (frogs) onto as many lily pads (rackets) as possible.

3.        Challenge: Can you get one frog on every lily pad?

🐸 Phase 2: Frog Hopping (Hands First, Then Racket!)

1.        Players now use foam balls — they must first bounce the frog using their hands from pad to pad.

2.        Once confident, they switch to using their racket to bounce the frog across.

3.        If the frog misses or falls off, restart from the beginning or previous pad.

4.        Focus: Light touch, steady rhythm, and accuracy.

💋 Phase 3: Frog Kissing Race

1.        Players must bounce their frog onto every lily pad — but to win, their frog must also “kiss” (touch) another player’s frog during the route!

2.        Once the frog has kissed and visited all lily pads, race to the finish line.

3.        First player to complete the journey with a kiss wins!

🔁 Progressions:

Use rubber dots, as smaller lily pads; children have to travel on these to launch their frogs from

1.        Stepping stones (rubber dots) children have to travel on these to launch their frogs from

2.        Flying Fish (Scarf Toss) – Coaches or players toss scarves slowly from side to side. Frogs must avoid getting “hit.”

3.        Flatfish Drop Zones – Players must bounce through the flatfish circles without stopping (too slippery to stay on!).

4.        Jellyfish Stretch – If a scarf touches the frog, players must freeze and “unstick” it slowly.

5.        Rolling Turtles (Football obstacle) – Coaches roll balls across the pond to knock frogs off lily pads.

6.        Speed Mode – Add a timer! Who can complete all lily pads (and a frog kiss) the fastest?

7.        Multi-Kiss – Players must kiss two or more different frogs before finishing.

8.        Partner Frogs – Players work in pairs, guiding the same frog between them to each lily pad, taking turns bouncing.

🪶 Feathers

• Little tots use beanbags and drop them on the lily pads, first before progressing to balls

(Skill Focus):

• Agility: Moving between pads while avoiding distractions

• Balance & Control: Light bounces with hands and racket

• Coordination: Timing throws, catches, and frog bounces

• Teamwork: Partner progressions and “frog kisses”

• Decision Making: Choosing safe pads or paths under pressure

‍ ‍🧭 Game Layout:

• Children line up on one side of the court/hall (start line).
• Coach stands about 10–12 metres away with back turned.
• Coach wears scarves/tails tucked into waistband.
• Each child holds a racket.
• Space marked with cones:

• Start line

• Grandmother Zone where coach stands.

🔶 Stage 1 – Demonstration & Practice (1 minute)

Purpose: Teach sneaking + freezing before adding competition.

🟡 What to Practise

• Quiet tip-toe movement
• Racket held up
• FREEZE in ready position when coach turns (racket in front of body, wide stance, hips facing forward)
• Balance: feet apart, knees bent

🟡 Quick “Go / Freeze” Drill

Coach calls “Go!” → kids walk
Coach calls “Freeze!” → coach spins
Kids freeze like statues.

🔶 Stage 2 – Main Game (Grandmother’s Footsteps)

1. Coach turns back to children.

2. Coach calls “Go!” — children sneak forward.

3. Coach spins quickly — “FREEZE!”

4. If a player moves → back to the start line.

5. First child to reach the coach and grab the scarf tail wins.

6. Reset and repeat 2–3 rounds.

🧮 SCORING SYSTEM (Optional)

• First child to snatch the tail = Winner
• Play multiple rounds so more kids succeed
• High-five the “Best Freezers” each round

🪶 Feathers (Simplifications for Younger Children)

• Coach turns around more slowly
• Walking only — no running or fast sneaking
• Coach counts “1…2…3… TURN!” to give warning
• Children start closer to coach
• Use a longer scarf tail to make success easier
• Assistant coach helps spot movers
• Allow multiple winners before resetting

⚡️ Progressions (For Older or Confident Children)

• Sudden, unpredictable turns
• Add fake turns (coach flinches without turning fully)
• Children must freeze in perfect ready position
• Use tennis-specific footwork:

• Side steps

• Split step

• Crossover step
  • Add two coaches — one turning, one spotting
  • Add multiple tails (2–3) so several players can win
  • Add a “Safe Zone” halfway; if spotted inside it, only step back one cone
  • Add bonus tail worth 2 points

Let the children be the Grandmother! Warning: you may have an issue with timing if they all want to have a go, you may get around it by saying the winner of the last round can be the grandmother.  

🎾 Technical Coaching Tips

• “Freeze BIG — freeze STRONG!”
• “Racket up in the air, still and quiet.”
• “Eyes forward, feet apart, knees ready.”
• Praise balance and sharp reaction stops
• Keep rounds short → high engagement

🌈 Seasonal Alternatives

🎄 Christmas – Sneaky Elves

Coach = Santa 🎅
Kids = Elves sneaking up to grab Santa’s present sack tail.
Add Christmas cones, tinsel tail, festive music.

🐣 Easter – Bunny Footsteps

Coach = Easter Bunny 🐇
Kids sneak up to snatch the golden egg tail.
Use pastel cones and call freezes “Egg Freeze!”

🎃 Halloween – Ghost Hunter

Coach = Ghost/Witch 👻🧙
Kids creep through the haunted hall to grab the pumpkin tail.
Use orange cones, cobweb props, spooky music.

💘 Valentine’s – Cupid’s Footsteps

Kids sneak to steal the heart tail from Cupid.
Red/pink cones, call the freezes “LOVE FREEZE!” ❤️

👩‍👧 Mother’s Day – Garden Fairies

Coach = Mum Fairy 🌸
Kids sneak through the magic garden to grab the flower tail.

👨‍👧 Father’s Day – Super Dad Smash

Coach = Super Dad 🦸‍♂️
Kids tip-toe to steal the cape tail.
Use cones as “buildings” in a mini city.

‍ ‍🍝 Meatball Madness

It's a wild day in the tennis kitchen! One child is the Meatball Chef 👨‍🍳, the other is the Wrap Maker 🌯 — together, they’ll collect ingredients and build the perfect wrap! The more ingredients you add, the more points you earn!

🧺 Equipment Needed:

• 🟠 Soft balls = “Meatballs”
• 🎾 2 tennis rackets per pair = “Tongs”
• 🔵 Flat circle cones = “Wraps”
• 🧀 Yellow cones/beanbags = “Cheese”
• 🥕 Green cones/beanbags = “Vegetables”
• 🧣 Scarves = “Sauce”
• 🪣 Tub or bucket = “delivery bags”

👯 How to Play (in pairs):

1. 👨‍🍳 Player 1: Meatball Chef:
   • Uses two rackets like tongs to grab a meatball
   • Carefully carries it through the kitchen zone
   • Optional: can also pick up any other ingredients using racket tongs: cheese 🧀 veggies 🥕 Sauce 🧣 (marked by cones with drop-down lines), collecting them as they go
   • Delivers all to the Wrap Maker

2. 🌯 Player 2: Wrap Maker:
   • Takes a flat circle “wrap”
   • Folds it over the ingredients
   • Adds a scarf sauce on top 🧣
   • Places the finished wrap in the tub 🪣

3. 🔁 Swap roles after a few wraps — teamwork is key!

🏆 Scoring: optional (better for Titans)

• +1️⃣ point for each completed wrap
• +1️⃣ bonus for cheese 🧀
• +1️⃣ bonus for veggies 🥕
• +1️⃣ bonus for sauce 🧣
• ✅ Most complete wraps = the winning kitchen team!

🧠 Skill Focus:

• Racket control 🎾
• Teamwork 🤝
• Balance and movement 🏃‍♀️
• Role play and sequencing 🎭

🪶 Feathers (Support for Younger Players):

• Don’t pair them up; have some children be the chefs and others make the wraps, but don’t have it structured.

👫 Parents guide each step — helping collect ingredients
• Let children use one racket and their hand if needed
• Make ingredient stations closer together
• Use beanbags instead of balls for easier control

🛠 Progressions & Fun Variations:

1. Spinning Sauce: Wrap maker spins once before placing the scarf

2. Obstacle Kitchen: Add cones or nets to dodge around

3. Timed Service: Complete as many wraps as possible in 3 minutes!

4. Creative Combo: Add silly combo names for each ingredient wrap (“The Crunchy Veggie Melt!”)

‍ ‍🎯 🎾 Split Step – Tennis Tots/Titans Teaching Guide

Movement is integral to Tennis, and while some movements are natural, the Split Step is something that generally needs to be taught. It is effectively a change of direction while maintaining balance. Although usually taught when coming to the net as a transition from linear to sideways movement, the split step is actually used continuously throughout a rally.

Demonstrate: Children will learn from watching the coaches, so please demonstrate at every level. https://youtu.be/Q5Hrn8y-nJA?si=FfkDG36W_DH2anSi

‍ ‍Technique: The split step is very simple to perform. Essentially, with hands in a ready position (holding the racket at waist height in a neutral position), the player will perform a slight jump in the air and land with both feet wider than shoulder-width apart, knees bent, facing their target. A good split step is timed so it lands as the opponent makes contact with the ball over the other side of the net, effectively ready to spring off in any direction needed to react to your opponent.

🧸 Split step progressions

·       Dot and brackets: Get the children to run on the spot (drop down dot) and set up two brackets (drop down lines either side). Kids run on spot and when the coach calls “split” they perform a split step in the air, landing each foot on two outside lines (brackets).

·       Rugby throws; perform rugby tosses with a partner, letting the ball bounce in front before catching at waist height, the catcher focusing on the split step when it leaves the partner's hand.

·       Hitting tee’s. Simplify the hitting to focus on the split step. Get children to move towards the tee, perform a split step, and then hit a forehand/backhand.

·       Progress to coach hitting balls and children performing a split each time contact is made with the coach's racket.  

·       Play “Shields and Serves” (see separate activity sheet) where children are encouraged to use rackets and split steps to protect themselves against incoming fire.

·       Volleys, this is an obvious example where a split step is needed

·       Full court feeding focusing on splitting on contact from your opponent

Integration: Once the split step lesson has been taught, coaches should continue to encourage split steps throughout children's tennis progressions.

‍ ‍

Volleys 🎾‍ ‍

🎯 🎾 Volleys – Tennis Tots/Titans Teaching Guide‍ ‍

Volleys are less important at the Tots/Titans stage, but it's good to introduce them early in tennis. The idea of a volley is to finish the point off at the net. The technique is very different from normal forehands and backhands.

‍ ‍

Demonstrate: Children will learn from watching the coaches, so please demonstrate a forehand at every level

‍ ‍

‍ ‍Technique: As players approach the net, they do not have time for big swings, so the technique involves keeping the racket head up, creating a V shape, and hitting from high to low. The same grip is used on both volleys (chopper grip), and the hand is turned for backhand. Footwork is crucial in volleying, enabling the body to turn for both forehand and backhand shots, and to attempt to impact the ball at shoulder height whenever possible. For a right-hander, when performing a forehand volley, the left foot wants to move towards the ball and turn the shoulders in the process; for a backhand volley, the right foot steps across.  https://youtu.be/b2mHhUeeSvc?si=QIqHEoFzY2GAcfzu

‍ ‍

🧸 Volley progressions

‍ ‍

·       High fives: pair the children up with parents/ other kids; put drop-down lines in front of the child to give them a starting point and get them to step forward and high-five. Encourage back-of-hand high-fives

‍ ‍

·       Cone hands. Use round cones (one of each colour) and put two fingers through the middle and hold the thumb on the outside. Get parents to have matching coloured cones, and the child matches the colour and high-fives parents' cones like cymbals. Encourage children to step forward across the body by holding the corresponding colour for the child to step across and tag the parent's cone.

‍ ‍

·       Lollipop volleys: Get children close to the net and to hold the racket up like a lollipop. Feed the ball a bit short so the child has to reach forward and hit down.

‍ ‍

·       Progress to kids standing further back by putting down lines for the child to recover to, then stepping forward with the correct leg and punching high to low down into the court

‍ ‍

·       Progress to hitting a groundstroke first, then moving forward and hitting a volley.

‍ ‍

·       Split step: introduce the idea of split step before volleying for balance

‍ ‍

·       Smashes: always good to throw in some smashes, which are essentially serves without the ball toss.

‍ ‍

Tug of War

🎯 Objective:
To pull the opposing team across a center line using a rope. Great for teamwork, strength, coordination, and energy release.

🔧 Setup:

• Use a long rope (soft grip if possible).

• Mark a clear center line on the ground using cones, chalk, or tape.

• Tie a scarf to the centre of the rope as a marker

• Add two win lines about 1.5–2 meters each side of the center.

🕹️ How to Play:

• Divide into two equal teams in numbers and strength.

• Line them up holding the rope evenly on either side of the center line.

• On the signal “3…2…1…GO!” both teams pull.

• First team to pull the scarf  past the win marker wins the round.

• Can be played best of 3.

🛟 Safety Tips:

• Ensure all players hold with two hands and never wrap the rope around hands or body.

• Use shoes with grip.

• Encourage a low stance and bent knees.

• One coach should always supervise closely to pause if needed.

🐣 Easier Variants for Younger Children:

• Use a lightweight rope or resistance band.

• Play 1v1 or 2v2 using cones to mark a zone.

• Introduce a Teddy Tug: tie a teddy or plush toy to the center of the rope for themed fun.

• Try “Friendly Tug”: no winners, just teams pulling the rope back and forth across a midline to build coordination and laughter.

🎾 Tennis Obstacle Course Challenge! 🏁⚽

A high-energy, skill-building circuit that brings tennis and movement together in the most exciting way!

Kids must dribble large footballs with control using their tennis rackets, manoeuvring through a series of fun and challenging stations before hitting the ball over the net. Perfect for developing coordination, balance, and racket skills!

🔶 Station 1: Double Cone Circles

Navigate around two tall traffic cones, dribbling the ball in a figure-of-eight pattern. Once both circles are complete, race to the net and hit the ball over with forehand/backhand or serve

🔶 Station 2: Slalom Weave

Dribble in and out through a classic cone slalom. Stay tight and controlled—then line up and strike the ball over the net when you reach the end with forehand/backhand or serve

🔶 Station 3: Wiggly Tunnel

Enter the cone tunnel! Stick carefully to the wiggly lines between the cones, making sure the ball stays within the path. Finish strong with a shot over the net with forehand/backhand or serve

👨‍🏫 Coach Tips:

• Coaches stand on the opposite side of the net to collect and recycle footballs.

• For younger players: allow hands or multiple touches to help with ball control.

• For older players: at the end of the course, they must reach into the ball tub and hit a forehand, backhand, or serve over the net to score!

🏗️ Additional Station Ideas:

• 🔁 Hurdle Zone – Go over one, under the next! Great for agility.

• 🌲 Broken Forest – A wide spread of random cones the player must dribble through with quick reactions.

• High rail – use two parallel hurdles to create a high rail to push footballs across

🎯 Target Zone – Place hoops, cones, or bins on the opposite side of the net for kids to aim at with their shot!

 Make it competitive 🏁 -Award points for success and declare winners, or you can split the kids into teams.

🏒 Story / Theme:
Two teams face off in a fast-paced hockey-style game — but with 🎾 tennis rackets and ⚽ balls instead of sticks and pucks! Pass, block, and score goals while keeping it safe.

🎯 Equipment:
• 🥅 4 small goals (2 per team, placed at opposite ends or sides)
• ⚽ 1 football
• 🎾 1 racket per player
• 🟧 Cones to mark safe play areas and boundaries

🎮 How to Play:

1. 🔵🔴 Split players into two teams (use bibs)

2. 🥅 Set up two mini goals per team, spaced apart to encourage passing.

3. 🏑 Players use tennis rackets to push or tap the ball hockey-style (no swinging).

4. ⏱️ 3-second rule: Players must pass within 3 seconds of receiving — encourage quick decision-making and team play.

5. 🛡️ Defenders may intercept or block shots but no tackling or physical contact.

6. 🔁 Play starts from the centre after every goal.

7. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Teams may assign positions (attackers, defenders, goalkeepers).

🚀 Progressions:

1. ⏱ Timed Possession: Pass within 3 seconds.

2. 🗺️ Zones: Mark attack, midfield, and defence zones — rotate roles.

3. 🎯 Multiple Balls: Add a second ball to increase speed and chaos.

4. ⚡ One-Touch Passing: Ball must be played instantly on contact.

🎲 Variations:
• 🔄 Score Anywhere: Any goal counts — encourages switching sides.
• 📏 Goal Size Change: Make goals smaller for older kids.
• ✨ Double Points: Bonus points for 3+ consecutive passes before scoring.

🎯 Tennis Golf
⏱️ Duration: 10–15 minutes: This game would usually run through two or maybe three phases, as is a circuit.

🏗️ Setup & Intro:
Organise children into lines or circles depending on space. Gather everyone together to explain the stations and demonstrate how swing path and racket trajectory change based on the type of shot.

Coach sets up three stations:

🏌️‍♂️ Drivers
• Use hitting tees to practise forehands.
• Aim to hit with control and distance along the full length of the hall.
• Emphasise low-to-high swing and follow-through.

🏹 Chippers
• For younger kids: hit off a tee or be drop-fed by parents.
• For confident children: self drop-feed.
• Goal: hit the ball high and land it into buckets placed at varying distances.
• Focus on arc, control, and soft hands.

⛳ Putters
• Use soft balls to roll along the ground into upturned plastic tubs.
• Children perform forward-and-backward racket movements, keeping the ball rolling smoothly (not bouncing).
• Emphasise racket face control and touch.

⚡ Progressions (Advanced):
• Introduce topspin technique at all three stations.
• Encourage confident players to control ball height and spin, especially at the Chipper and Putter stations.

🎾 Technical Focus:
• Swing path (low to high)
• Racket angle and face control
• Topspin development
• Control over power

‍ 🟧 General Layout:

• Divide the space into four activity zones using cones as boundaries.

• Each zone runs horizontally across the court or hall.

• Kids move station-to-station, ideally in a clockwise or zig-zag pattern.

• Coaches/parents stationed to help with resetting targets and giving technical tips.

🔢 Stations:

1️⃣ Strong Man

• Kids hit from a tee (or drop feed) toward the far wall, aiming for distance.

• Older kids can hit with more power, younger ones can hit closer.

• Use cones to mark out zones they reach for bonus challenges.

• For older players, vary to backhands and serves

2️⃣ Chip the Bucket

• Multiple small buckets/tubs grouped ahead.

• Players chip the ball using a forehand motion (from tee or drop-feed).

• Emphasis on height and accuracy to land balls in the tubs.

• Label this as “Chipping Zone”

• For older players, vary to backhands and serves

3️⃣ Carnival Putters

• A straight putting lane with drop-down lines players must stay behind.

• Kids gently roll the ball along the floor aiming into upturned tubs.

• Focus on pace control, and keeping the ball on the ground and not too hard or the ball will bounce in and out again.

4️⃣ Coconut Shy

• Players throw beanbags at balls placed on tees, aiming to knock them off.

• Use cones to mark a throwing line they must stay behind.

• Optional: Add silly targets like cone towers or “coconuts” for extra fun.

‍ ‍🎯 Sweet Spot – Aiming for the Middle

Objective:
To help children develop hand-eye coordination, balance, and racket awareness by focusing on hitting or catching in the sweet spot — the centre of the racket. 

👨‍🏫 Coach Introduction

Sit the children down and introduce the concept of the sweet spot.
🗣️ “This is the middle of the racket — the place where the ball or beanbag feels best when it hits. If you miss the sweet spot, it feels wobbly or bouncy. So today we are going to practise using just the middle.”

🔄 Activity Breakdown

1️⃣ Flip the Pancake

• Each child has a racket and a beanbag.

• Stand in a wide stance (feet apart), knees slightly bent.

• “Sizzle” the pancake (shake it gently), then flip it into the air and catch it — repeat 10x.

• Focus: catch in the sweet spot, keep the racket still and balanced.

2️⃣ Catch the Pancake – Parent Involvement

• Parents throw beanbags softly toward their child’s racket.

• Kids try to catch them using their sweet spot (not hands).

• Encourage wide stance and readiness.

• Coach walks around helping with stance and control.

3️⃣ Balloon Control

• Move to balloons (ideal indoors).

• Keep balloon in the air using the racket only.

• Try to keep it up for as long as possible using the middle of the racket.

• Coach Tip: Use commands like “Ready!” or “Freeze!” to regain focus mid-activity.

4️⃣ Sweet Spot Challenges

• Parents throw cones like frisbees (flat traffic cones).

• Kids must track them and catch them on the racket.

• Adds variation in movement and tracking for kids.

• Try left and right throws for lateral footwork.

🪶 Feathers (Simplifications)

• Use catching nets instead of rackets

• Use scarfs instead of bean bags (to really slow down)

• Let children use two hands to hold the racket for better control.

• Parents stand closer and throw slower.

⚡ Progressions (Extensions)

• Use smaller beanbags or foam balls for advanced groups.

• Encourage gentle rallying with parents (hit balloon or ball back and forth, staying in sweet spot).

• Try alternating forehand and backhand catches.

• Introduce scoring: “Can you catch 3 in a row in the sweet spot?” ‍ ‍