🎾🏌️♂️ Range Hitting
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
🎾 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.”
Crabbie in the Middle 🦀🦞
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
Crabbie starts in the lane
Lobsters throw (lob) the ball over the crab’s head to the player opposite
Lobsters can move side to side to create a better angle
Crabbie shuffles, side steps, crosses over to try to catch
If the ball lands cleanly with the opposite lobster → 1 point
If Crabbie catches, they swap positions with the thrower
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
🎾 Wall Rally – Indoor Tennis Activity Sheet
🎾 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:
Football
Fat ball
Mini red tennis ball
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
🎾🎯 Hitting in a Circle
🎯 Hitting in a Circle
A rotational hitting activity where players practise forehands and backhands from a circle.
Perfect for improving consistency, technique, and directional aiming.
🧩 Setup
• 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
🎤 Coach Script / Game Setup
“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!”
🎯 Objective
• Develop clean forehand and backhand technique
• Improve directional hitting
• Encourage repetition, rhythm, and self-paced practice
• Build awareness of aiming for a central target
⏱️ Timing
• 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
🔧 How It Works
Players stand on their dot
They drop-feed or tee-hit the ball toward the middle
Aim for central target (bucket, coach-nets, cones, star shape)
Coaches walk the circle correcting technique
After the timer, coach calls to rotate setup for backhands
🎾 Teaching Points
(Forehand & Backhand)
✔️ Body Position
• Sideways on
• Front foot pointing slightly toward target
✔️ Swing Shape
• Low → High
• Racquet brushes up the back of the ball
• Finish over shoulder (“superhero cape finish”)
✔️ Contact Point
• Hit the ball in line with the front leg
• Encourage spacing — avoid hitting too close to the body
🧸 Feathers (Make It Easier)
• 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
🔺 Progressions (Make It Harder)
• 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
🛡️ Safety Notes
• 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
🏆 End Challenge
“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?”
🎾 Rally Riders
🎾 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
Split Step🎾
🎯 🎾 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.
Volley 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 💪🎾
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.
Siege the Castle 🏰
🎯 A team game focused on hand-eye coordination, aiming, catching, and simple technique cues
⏱️ Duration:
5-7 minutes (including demonstration)
🎤 Coach Script / Game Setup:
"Alright troops! Today, you're going to defend your castle… or try to knock one down! Each team will take turns being the Attackers or the Defenders.
We’re going to play Siege the Castles! 🏰⚔️"
🧱 Game Layout:
Divide players into two teams, attackers and defenders, or you can mix up attackers and defenders on both sides
Use nets or hurdles to create a central "castle wall" between the teams.
Each team has:
A castle zone (behind their own line)
3–5 hitting tees or places to drop-feed or throw from
A supply of foam balls ("cannonballs") and catching nets or cones.
🔁 Gameplay:
Phase 1 – Attackers
Stand behind the row of the hitting tees.
Their job is to:
Hit cannonballs over the wall of the opposing castle from tees, sideways on and low to high.
Score 1 point for every successful ball hit over the wall.
Optional: Catches by attackers = 0 points for that ball.
Phase 2 – Defenders:
Stand on the opposite side of the wall.
Their job is to catch balls using:
Catching nets, or
Big traffic cones (for groups without enough nets), or
Bare hands (for older groups).
Score 1 point per catch.
After catching, place the ball in a bucket and get ready for the next.
After 3–5 minutes or a clear turn sequence, swap roles and repeat.
✅ SCORING SYSTEM (Simple):
Count how many balls the team hit over the wall.
Then count how many were caught.
Total = Points scored for that round.
Ask children their team scores before swapping – this builds ownership and team spirit.
🪶 Feathers (Simplifications for Younger Children):
Reduce wall height for more success.
Let children place balls on the tee and coach assist with swing.
Allow rolling the ball under or through a mini wall if hitting is too difficult.
Use traffic cones for easier catching targets.
⚡️Progressions (For Older or Confident Children):
Swap hitting tees for drop feeds or self-toss before hitting.
Add a “Starfish” hitting technique challenge:
Feet wide, sideways on, racket from behind ear, contact in front, low to high.
Make catching hands only — no nets or cones.
Introduce time limits or hit quotas.
Create a competition mode: best team over two rounds.
Have attackers and defenders on the same side; NB make sure the are evenly spaced
🎾 Technical Coaching Tips:
Emphasise low-to-high swing path (especially from tee).
Show sideways stance and balance with non-dominant arm raised.
For catchers:
Catch at waist height
Encourage moving feet under the ball
Reinforce two hands for younger kids or "bucket hands" shape.
Seasonal alternatives for 🏰 Siege the Castle:
🎄 Christmas – Siege Santa’s Workshop
The Elves are guarding Santa’s Workshop! The Snowball Fighters (children) launch snowballs (foam balls) over the festive wall to try and sneak in. The Elves catch with buckets or “mittens” (catching nets) to stop the snowballs. Decorate the court with red/green cones and tinsel. 🎁
🐣 Easter – Siege the Bunny Burrow
The Easter Bunny's Burrow is under attack from flying eggs (foam balls)! Defenders try to catch as many eggs as possible before they land in the burrow. Use pastel-coloured balls and call out "golden egg bonus" if a special colour gets hit or caught! 🐇🥚💐
🎃 Halloween – Siege the Haunted House
The ghouls are guarding their haunted mansion! Attackers throw “pumpkin bombs” (orange foam balls) over the spooky fence. Defenders (witches/ghosts) try to catch them in cauldrons (nets or buckets). Add cobwebs or Halloween cones for spooky effect. 🕸️👻🎃
💘 Valentine’s – Siege the Heart Castle
Heart-shaped messages (foam balls) are flying over the wall — can Cupid’s team catch them? Use red/pink balls and decorate the court with paper hearts. Players can “deliver love letters” instead of cannonballs. 💌❤️🏹
👩👧 Mother’s Day – Siege the Garden Gate
Children are flinging flower seeds (foam balls) into Mum’s magical garden! Defenders (Mums or coaches) try to catch them before they land. You can decorate the area with fake flowers or green cones to look like flower beds. 🌸🌼🌿
👨👧 Father’s Day – Siege the Tool Shed
The kids are throwing tools (balls) over the workshop wall! Dads (or coaches) catch the flying “screwdrivers and hammers” before they land in the shed. Playfully theme it around fixing things with Dad. Add boxes or buckets labelled with “tools.” 🛠️🧰👨🔧
SERVING PROGRESSIONS 🎾🎯
Serving progressions 🎾🎯
🧠 Overview
The serve is arguably the most important shot in tennis—and often the most difficult. It’s vital to introduce fundamentals early to build confidence and long-term technique.
Children learn best by imitation, so coaches should demonstrate a forehand or serve at every stage of development, even if simplified.
Good serving technique video: https://youtu.be/0tP2pmXd9Gk?si=iKxPKIPcBQAV3sDu
🧸 Throwing = Serving Foundation
Before a child can serve, they need to learn to throw.
Basic Technique: Start sideways on, with the throwing hand behind the ear.
Progression 1: Introduce hip and shoulder rotation as they throw—use the whole body, not just the arm.
Progression 2: Add targets to encourage distance and accuracy.
💡 Serving Progressions (Starting from Tots)
1. Kiss-Kiss
Children stand sideways, racket in one hand, ball in the other.
They gently "kiss" the ball onto the strings twice:
At knee height
Above the head
This teaches timing and synchronised arm movement.
2. Hammer the Sky
Encourage proper grip: chopper grip, not frying pan.
Children imagine the edge of the racket is a hammer, and they’re hammering a nail into the sky.
Reinforces serving "on edge" to promote correct spin later.
3. Balloons (Indoor Alternative)
Use balloons to slow the action down.
Pop the balloon upward with the non-dominant hand, then “hammer” it with the racket.
Great for developing hand-eye coordination and arm synchronisation.
4. Two Beanbags
Hold one beanbag in each hand.
Toss the first (non-dominant hand) straight up.
Launch the second (dominant hand) from throwing position behind the ear and try to collide them in the air.
Progress to using tennis balls.
5. Slingshot serve
Hold the ball onto the racket and pull back behind your ear.
Release the ball and throw the racket at the same time, projecting the ball
6. Back Scratch & Reach
Child stands sideways on, in “back scratch” position (racket behind their back).
Step 1: Coach holds the racket and guides the swing while tossing the ball.
Step 2: Coach tosses, child swings from back scratch position.
Step 3: Child performs ball toss + swing for a full serving motion.
Note: Focus on technique, not result.
7. Directional Serving
Introduce the concept of serving diagonally from a baseline into a service box.
8. Introduce Chopper Grip
Essential for spin and control.
Introduce early in Titans and Troopers groups.
Reinforces the “on-edge” hammer motion.
9. Lengthen the Action
Start from “back scratch and reach” → progress to full arm extension.
Let the hitting arm dangle, then swing in a throwing motion with a ball toss.
10. Lengthen further: Tossing arm raises straight up, Hitting arm swings back in a smooth pendulum, Contact ball at full reach; focus on rhythm and body coordination, not power.
SERVES AND SHIELDS 🛡️
SERVES AND SHIELDS 🛡️
Focus: Split-step, anticipation, blocking, serving and returning
Ages: Titans or Troopers
Duration: 6–10 mins
🎤 Coach Script / Setup
“Today you are defenders — you’re using your rackets as shields to block incoming balls. Can you protect yourself like a superhero or a knight?”
Space out children across the playing area.
Each child holds a racket in front of them (two hands if possible), standing in split-step position (knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart, alert).
Coaches, parents, or older children act as “servers” (or attackers).
Use foam balls and serve gently toward the children’s bodies (belly height or legs).
Children must react quickly and block the ball using the sweet spot of their racket — no swinging, just controlled blocks.
Encourage a mini jump or hop (split-step) just as the server makes contact with the ball.
🪶 Feathers (for younger / less confident children):
Let children catch the ball with their hands first to practice tracking.
Use larger softballs or balloons for slower movement.
Parents can kneel beside them and help guide racket to ball.
Have them stand closer to the server to reduce ball speed.
⚡️ Progressions (for older / confident children):
Get some of the kids to serve
Decrease the distance between servers and the blockers.
Encourage quicker split-step reactions and back to the ready position.
Add directional blocking — bring servers 360 degrees from all directions
Try team version: Line of blockers vs. 1–2 servers, then rotate.
Last man standing! Last person to get hit wins
Introduce scoring: 1 point for each successful block; swap roles after 1 minute.
IMPORTANT: IF KIDS ARE HITTING, YOU MUST USE SOFT BALLS AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE FULLY SPACED OUT TO MINIMISE RISK OF IMPACT.
Royal Rumble 🥊👑🎾
Adaptations & Feathers:
For Younger Kids (ages 4–6):
Each child has 3 lives.
Give “shields” (rackets held out front) to help defend.
Allow throwing the ball back in if striking is too hard.
Use a tee to drop-feed if struggling with timing.
For Older Kids (ages 7+):
Must hit using backhands only, or serve-only challenges.
Coaches or eliminated kids can hit from a greater distance. From the ring to increase difficultly
Set time limits per round for intensity.
Bonus Feathers:
Let eliminated players earn a “life” back with a challenge (e.g., rally 5 shots with a coach).
🏆 Winning Moment:
Crown the last child “King or Queen of the Court” – give them a fun token like a toy crown or wristband.
Seasonal themed variations for your game “👑 King or Queen of the Court”, designed to keep the gameplay fresh and festive while retaining the structure and key coaching goals:
🎄 **Christmas – “Santa’s Sleigh Dodge” 🛷🎅🎁
🎯 Setup: Kids are elves in Santa’s sleigh loading zone, dodging incoming falling presents (soft balls) from mischievous snowmen (coaches outside the ring).
🎅 Out? You become a helper elf, feeding more “presents” from outside the ring.
🧝♂️ Last elf standing becomes Chief Elf and gets a jingle bell prize!
🐣 **Easter – “Egg Arena!” 🐰🥚
🎯 Setup: Players are dodging falling chocolate eggs (foam balls) launched by the Easter Bunny's helpers.
🥚 Out? They become egg-launchers!
🌟 Bonus: Catch a golden egg (yellow foam ball) to earn an extra life!
🎃 **Halloween – “Pumpkin Panic!” 🎃👻
🎯 Setup: The ring becomes a haunted graveyard!
Kids dodge haunted pumpkins (orange balls) thrown by ghosts outside the ring.
👻 If you’re “haunted,” you become a ghost too!
🧙♀️ Last survivor becomes the Pumpkin Prince/Princess and earns a spooky sticker!
💘 **Valentine’s – “Cupid’s Ring” 💘🏹
🎯 Setup: Kids are in the “Heart Arena,” dodging Cupid’s arrows (soft balls in pink/red).
💝 If hit, they become Cupid’s helpers on the outside.
🕊️ Optional twist: players inside have to hold a “love letter” (beanbag) and protect it from being knocked out of their hands!
👩👧👦 **Mother’s Day – “Breakfast Dash!” 🍳☕
🎯 Setup: Children are serving imaginary breakfast to mum – don’t spill it!
Balls = flying croissants or cups of tea thrown by “hungry family members.”
🍞 If you drop it, join the family and start lobbing more breakfast in!
👑 Last one = “Head Chef of the Court!”
👨👦👦 **Father’s Day – “Tool Shed Scramble!” 🔧🧰
🎯 Setup: Kids are dodging falling tools in dad’s messy garage (balls = hammers, spanners, etc.).
🧰 Once hit, they become helpers, tossing more tools in.
🏆 Winner becomes “Super Sidekick” and gets a pretend wrench (trophy)!
🏆 Finishing Ideas
• Play upbeat music to finish
• Let the last round be just for fun — mix up teams or combine everyone for a MEGA sandwich run!
• Award wristbands/stickers to all participants — focus on teamwork, not just winning
🎉 Seasonal Variations
🎄 Christmas Dash – "Santa's Delivery Race"
• Swap beanbags for small wrapped presents or stuffed stockings
• Use cones shaped like Christmas trees 🎄
• Story: “You’re Santa’s elves — deliver the presents without dropping them!”
• Add sleigh bell sound effects or play Christmas music
🎃 Halloween Havoc – "Pumpkin Panic Relay"
• Use orange cones and mini pumpkins (or orange balls)
• Story: “You’re racing through a spooky forest to deliver the magical pumpkins before the witch wakes up!”
• Add cobweb decorations or play spooky music 🎃👻
🥚 Easter Hop – "Egg Hunt Dash"
• Use colourful eggs (plastic or foam) balanced on rackets
• Set out “Easter nests” (hoops) for them to deliver eggs into
• Story: “The Easter Bunny needs your help hiding eggs all over the court!” 🐰
💘 Valentine's Race – "Heart to Heart"
• Replace beanbags with red foam hearts ❤️
• Players pair up for the sandwich race – “Spread the love as a team!”
• Add a “Cupid Challenge” — hit a foam arrow (cone) down the lane with the racket
🌷 Mother’s Day – "Flower Dash"
• Each child delivers a foam flower to a big cone marked “Mum”
• Use soft music and keep it gentle – “Let’s run carefully so we don’t squish the petals!” 💐
• Parents can join in and receive a “thank you flower” at the end
🛠 Father’s Day – "Tool Time Relay"
• Beanbags = “tools,” buckets = “toolboxes”
• Kids pretend they’re racing to fix something — bonus points for sound effects!
• Add a “high five Dad” station before tagging the next player 👋🔧
Relay Races🎾
Relay Races 🎽 – “The Great Tennis Dash!” 🏃♀️🏃♂️🎾💨
🎬 Story Script Intro:
“Welcome to the Great Tennis Dash! 🏁 The tennis track is open, and it’s time for the fastest, most skilful team to race to the summit! But beware — it’s not just about speed… you’ll need balance, teamwork, and racket control to complete each challenge. Are you ready? Let’s GO!”
🧠 Purpose:
• Build agility, balance, coordination
• Reinforce racket skills in motion
• Encourage teamwork and fun competition
🏗 Set-Up:
• Divide children into 2–4 teams lined up behind markers on one side of the court/hall
• Use cones to mark lanes and turning points at the far end
• Each variation uses a different piece of equipment
• Use music or a whistle to start each race
🟢 Relay Options:
🎈 1. Balloon Tapping Race (indoors)
• Each child taps a balloon up in the air using their racket while moving to the far cone and back
• Optional: If it hits the floor — freeze for 3 seconds before continuing!
• Great for light movement and concentration
🥄 2. Egg & Spoon (Beanbag Balance)
• Balance a beanbag on the racket and walk/run to the cone and back
• Emphasise slow, steady hands
• Try rally stance and soft hands
🏑 3. Hockey Dribble Race
• Use a football or foam ball and dribble with racket around a cone and back
• Players must keep the ball under control
• Use both sides of the racket for more challenge
🥪 4. Sandwich Race (Team Balance Challenge)
• Player 1 places beanbag/ball on their racket
• Player 2 sandwiches it by placing their racket on top
• They must run together holding the “sandwich” across the court and back
• Add more runners to the sandwich with each round — soon 4–5 children running together!
🪶 Feathers – Easier Variations (For Younger Tots):
• Shorten the running distance
• Allow walking only
• Let parents/assistants run alongside
• Use larger items (e.g. foam balls instead of beanbags) for easier balance
• Skip “return run” and tag next player directly
⚡ Progressions – For Older Kids:
• Add timed rounds — which team completes most laps in 2 minutes?
• Add a small jump or obstacle midway through the course
• Make them switch hands on the return run
• Silent Race – no talking allowed or you freeze for 5 seconds
🏆 Finishing Ideas
• Play upbeat music to finish
• Let the last round be just for fun — mix up teams or combine everyone for a MEGA sandwich run!
• Award wristbands/stickers to all participants — focus on teamwork, not just winning
🎉 Seasonal Variations
🎄 Christmas Dash – "Santa's Delivery Race"
• Swap beanbags for small wrapped presents or stuffed stockings
• Use cones shaped like Christmas trees 🎄
• Story: “You’re Santa’s elves — deliver the presents without dropping them!”
• Add sleigh bell sound effects or play Christmas music
🎃 Halloween Havoc – "Pumpkin Panic Relay"
• Use orange cones and mini pumpkins (or orange balls)
• Story: “You’re racing through a spooky forest to deliver the magical pumpkins before the witch wakes up!”
• Add cobweb decorations or play spooky music 🎃👻
🥚 Easter Hop – "Egg Hunt Dash"
• Use colourful eggs (plastic or foam) balanced on rackets
• Set out “Easter nests” (hoops) for them to deliver eggs into
• Story: “The Easter Bunny needs your help hiding eggs all over the court!” 🐰
💘 Valentine's Race – "Heart to Heart"
• Replace beanbags with red foam hearts ❤️
• Players pair up for the sandwich race – “Spread the love as a team!”
• Add a “Cupid Challenge” — hit a foam arrow (cone) down the lane with the racket
🌷 Mother’s Day – "Flower Dash"
• Each child delivers a foam flower to a big cone marked “Mum”
• Use soft music and keep it gentle – “Let’s run carefully so we don’t squish the petals!” 💐
• Parents can join in and receive a “thank you flower” at the end
🛠 Father’s Day – "Tool Time Relay"
• Beanbags = “tools,” buckets = “toolboxes”
• Kids pretend they’re racing to fix something — bonus points for sound effects!
• Add a “high five Dad” station before tagging the next player 👋🔧
Rounders🎾
🏏 Objective:
Score as many runs as possible by hitting the ball and running around bases before the fielders return the ball.
🔧 Equipment:
Tennis racket (used as the bat)
Soft tennis ball or sponge ball
4 bases (cones)
Fielding team and batting team (about 6–8 kids per side)
One coach or player acts as feeder (pitcher)
👥 Teams:
Divide the group into 2 teams: Batting and Fielding
Switch roles after all batters have had a turn (or after 3 outs)
📝 Basic Rules:
1. Batting:
Each batter gets one underarm feed (or two for younger players).
They must hit the ball with the racket and run to at least first base.
If they make it around all 4 bases = 1 full rounder (run)
If they make it to 2nd or 3rd base and get stuck, they stay there. Next batter continues.
2. Running:
You can run on a hit or miss (if ball is in play).
Only one runner per base.
If a batter overtakes another runner, the overtaker is out.
Batters must run in one direction (no backtracking).
3. Fielding:
Fielders try to catch the ball or collect it and return it to the feeder/pitcher.
If they return the ball to the pitcher before the batter reaches the next base, the batter is out.
Catches (on the full) = batter out.
4. Outs:
A batter is out if:
The ball is caught on the full
The ball beats them back to the base i.e. they are stumped
They run backwards or miss a base
✅ Coaching Tips:
Adjust base distances for age groups
Let younger kids have 2 or 3 hits before running
Use a sponge or foam ball for safety
Rotate roles so everyone gets a chance to bat and field
Use hitting tee’s/ coach manually hits the ball.
🎾 Rally in the Alley 🎾
🎾 Rally in the Alley 🎾
A fun and structured rally game for pairs!
Setup:
Set up as many mini-nets as possible in parallel across the tennis court.
Use court lines or drop-down markers to establish clear baselines.
Position the activity near a corner to use fences/ walls as backstops and sidestops, the idea is to limit disruption of ball flying all over the place; keeping it contained.
👯♂️ Step 1: Friends Mode
Pairs rally together to build control, teamwork, and technique.
➡️ Start by pushing a football to each other from baseline to baseline.
➡️ Focus on controlling and pushing the ball (sideways on using forwards and backwards motion) before progressing to hitting.
Progressions:
Control ➡️ Hit forehands
Control ➡️ Hit backhands
Rally freely with forehands and backhands
Challenge:
🎉 “Bingo!” – Count successful rallies.
Reach 10 hits and shout “Bingo!” then sit down, see who is first pair to sit
Repeat with 15, 20, or 30 hits, alternating forehands and backhands.
⚔️ Step 2: Enemies Mode
Now the pairs compete to win points!
🎯 Objective: Try to push or hit the ball past your partner’s baseline.
Teaching Points:
🦀 Move like a crab: stay facing opponent, recover to middle
🎾 Must Keep the ball on the ground
👌 Unlimited touches to control
🏆 Win the point if your opponent lets the ball pass their baseline.
🔁 Rotate partners regularly – winners move up, others move down
🌈 Over the Rainbow – Journey to the Emerald City (Wizard of Oz Edition)
🌈 Over the Rainbow – Journey to the Emerald City (Wizard of Oz Edition)
🎯 Movement · Racket Skills · Imagination
🧠 Focus: sideways footwork · forehands/backhands · tracking · confidence
🌪️ Story Setup
“Today we’re travelling Over the Rainbow 🌈 into the Emerald City!
To cross each colour of the rainbow, you must unlock it with your magic tennis racket.
But once you arrive in Oz… the portal home closes!
You can only return if you bring the Wizard an emerald 💚.”
🏗️ Setup
• 5 coloured cones arranged in a rainbow arc
• Net or row of cones = barrier between Kansas & Emerald City
• Foam balls = Emeralds 💚
• Catching nets or buckets for the return challenge
• Coach feeds balls from the side
🎾 Stage 1 – Unlock the Rainbow
Child starts at the red cone
Coach feeds → child hits a forehand
Shuffle to the next cone
Repeat for all 5 colours (orange → yellow → green → blue)
Once all colours are hit, the child steps across the barrier into Emerald City
🎉 They’ve completed their journey Over the Rainbow!
✨ Stage 2 – Return from the Emerald City
You now offer the kids TWO magical ways home.
The coach can choose based on group size, energy, or time.
OPTION A — The Emerald Catch Challenge (Jailbreak Style)
Perfect when you want reaction time, catching, and excitement.
Once a player enters Emerald City:
Other children still hitting rainbow shots send emeralds flying over the barrier
The player in Oz must catch ONE emerald:
✅ on the full OR
✅ with one bounceThey may use:
• a catching net
• a bucket
• or hands (harder groups)
Once they catch one emerald, they run to the Wizard and say:
✨ “There’s no place like home!” ✨
The Wizard (coach) opens the portal and they return to the start.
Why this option is great:
• It’s fast
• It’s fun
• Kids love hunting emeralds
• It keeps the whole group active because the hitters are helping too
OPTION B — Emerald Collector Mission (Perpetual Game Loop)
Perfect when you want continuous movement and longer turns.
After unlocking all 5 rainbow colours:
The player must collect 5 emeralds from around Emerald City
(or as many emeralds as they hit — your choice)Emeralds can be collected:
• From a scattered area
• From a helper
• From a bucket or cone zoneOnce they have all their emeralds, they bring them to the Wizard and say:
✨ “There’s no place like home!” ✨
Wizard opens the portal → player returns to Kansas.
Why this option is great:
• Longer activity for each child
• Ideal for large groups
• Works well when you want a non-stop circuit
• Players feel like they’re “gathering treasure”
🪶 Feathers (Simplifications)
• Use fewer colours (3 instead of 5)
• Walk instead of shuffle
• Use underarm slow feeds
• Use balloons or big foam balls
• Wizard hands the emerald directly for very young players
• Barrier can be a floor line instead of a net
⚡ Progressions (Challenges)
• Combine forehands & backhands
• Randomised colour calling
• Add targets behind cones
• Increase distance between colours
• Faster feeds
• Require catching emeralds hands only
• Catch with one bounce only
• Wizard Challenge: catch 2 emeralds before returning
🎾 Technical Coaching Tips
• “Stay sideways as you shuffle!”
• “Brush the ball — not too big a swing.”
• “Eyes on each colour before you move.”
• “Make each hit count — unlock the rainbow!”
• “Catch with soft hands, eyes behind the ball.”
🎉 Seasonal Variations (Wizard of Oz Style)
🎄 Christmas — Over the Snowbow to Santa’s Workshop
Emeralds = snowballs
Magic phrase: “Merry Christmas!”
🐣 Easter — Eggbow Adventure
Emeralds = eggs
Magic phrase: “Happy Easter!”
🎃 Halloween — Witch’s Rainbow
Emeralds = glowing pumpkin orbs
Magic phrase: “Open the portal, Witch!”
❤️ Valentine’s — Heart Rainbow
Emeralds = heart tokens
Magic phrase: “Cupid, send me home!”
PACMAN 🎮
PACMAN 🎮 – Balance & Court Awareness Game
Duration: 5–10 mins
Age group: 3–10 yrs (adapt as needed)
📝 Setup & Description:
This fun game helps children develop balance, footwork, and spatial awareness using the tennis court lines.
Each child starts with a beanbag balanced on their racket.
They must walk only along the court lines — baseline, service lines, tramlines, etc.
The goal is to keep the beanbag balanced while continuously moving, staying on the lines, and not bumping into others.
If they meet another player head-on, they must turn around or swap paths.
Introduce the coach as “Professor RacketHands” — walk behind children banging two rackets like cymbals. The professor must also stay on the lines.
If the Professor catches up or the child drops the beanbag, they’re “out” or return to the start.
🪶 Feathers (Simplified):
Children can stop briefly to rebalance the beanbag.
Coach walks slower as Professor RacketHands; NB some of the children wont like it so judge the age etc
Allow children to walk without racket — simply carry beanbag and follow lines.
Instead of elimination, if caught, just “restart.”
⚡️ Progressions (Advanced):
Use balls instead of beanbags for more balance challenge.
Introduce friendly sabotage: players can try to gently knock off others’ beanbags if they meet.
Make it a last one standing challenge — if you drop it or get tagged, you're out.
Add more professors (assistant coaches or parents) to increase pressure.
Try fast-walk or tiptoe only rounds.
🟡 Pac-Man – Seasonal Variations
(Original Game Concept: Kids dribble their balls through a maze while avoiding “Ghosts” played by coaches or parents)
🎃 Halloween – Pumpkin-Pac
Children are mini pumpkins trying to escape spooky ghosts (coaches in costume or with masks). Decorate the maze with cobwebs or mini skeleton cones. They must escape while collecting “pumpkin seeds” (beanbags). 👻🎃
🐣 Easter – Eggy-Pac
Children are Easter eggs being chased by sneaky foxes or rabbits. The maze is filled with pastel-coloured cones, and the eggs have to dribble their ball (the yolk!) to safety — collecting “chocolate drops” (mini cones) along the way. 🐰🥚🍫
🎄 Christmas – Santa-Pac
Players are Santa’s elves delivering presents through the North Pole maze. Coaches are Grinches trying to catch them. Kids collect “gift tags” (small cones/beanbags) while navigating snowy obstacles (white cones). 🎅❄️🎁
💘 Valentine’s – Heart-Pac
Children are hearts running through a maze of love! They dribble their balls through rosy red and pink cones while avoiding Cupid’s arrows (gentle coach interference). Every time they make it across, they drop a heart token in the love jar. 💘🏹
👩 Mother’s Day / 👨 Father’s Day – Flower-Pac
Children are flowers in bloom trying to avoid rain clouds (coaches). The aim is to collect sunlight tokens (yellow beanbags) while dribbling around watering can cones and back to their parent’s flowerpot. 🌼☀️
Mission Impossible🎾🎯
Overview
A fast-paced, fun-packed team game that combines agility, dodging, teamwork, and throwing accuracy. Kids take on the role of stealthy “agents” trying to complete their mission without getting “caught” (hit by a soft ball).
Set up 🎯
• Divide into 3 teams:
o 🟥 Team A – Throwers (left side)
o 🟦 Team B – Throwers (right side)
o 🟩 Team C – Runners (start at one end and attempt the mission)
• 📍 Place beanbags at the far end of the playing area.
• 🚫 Throwing zones are marked with cones — throwers must stay behind these when throwing.
• 🧱 Set up obstacles (cones, mini nets, boxes, etc.) across the playing surface for runners to use as cover.
🧰 Equipment Needed
• 🎾 Soft balls (e.g. foam tennis balls)
• 🪣 Rubber tubs for throwing/collecting
• 🟨 Beanbags (for runners to collect)
• 🟠 Cones/markers (to mark throw zones and runner paths)
• 🧱 Optional: mini nets, benches, or ball tubs as cover
🏃♂️ How to Play
Team C (Runners) tries to collect as many 🟨 beanbags as possible, moving across the zone (right to left).
They 🕵️♀️ dodge, dash, or hide behind obstacles to avoid being hit.
If a runner is hit, they must 🚶 return to the start and try again.
Once they reach the beanbags, they become 🛡️ immune on their return (must use the outside route).
Teams A & B (Throwers) try to hit runners with soft balls and inflatable footballs:
o 🎯 Must throw from behind the line.
o 🔁 Can retrieve loose balls, but must get back behind cones before throwing again.
IMPORTANT: COACHES NEED TO ADJUDICATE TO ENSURE FAIRNESS, CALL OUT WHEN CHILDREN HAVE BEEN HIT AND NEED TO RETURN TO THE START. REWARD HONESTY BY GIVING EXTRA LIVES TO CHILDREN WHO RETURN TO THE START WHEN HIT.
📜 Rules Recap
• ❌ Only runners may be on the central surface.
• 🛡️ Runners are safe when returning via the outside after grabbing a beanbag.
• 🚫 Throwers must not block runners.
• 🔄 Rotate every 5 mins or after a full round.
• 🏆 Track beanbags collected — team with most wins!
🧠 Variations
• ⏱️ Add a time limit for runners.
• 🕵️♂️ Add a “spy” runner who gets 2 lives.
• 🛡️ Younger kids can use rackets as shields (remove if misused!).
🎓 Coach Tips
• 🎭 Encourage creative movement — crawling, diving, sneaking, etc.
• 📣 Cheer on brave or sneaky moves.
• ✅ Safety first: soft throws only, below the waist.
Million Ball Match 🎾
Million Ball Match
Two teams compete to clear their side of the court by throwing or hitting as many softballs over the net as possible. The team with fewer balls on their side when time is up wins!
🛠️ Setup:
Create a mini-court using cones or mini-nets.
Place a net across the middle (or cones/line as a divider if indoors).
Use soft foam balls (20–50 balls, depending on numbers).
Split players into two teams, one on each side.
Place balls evenly across both sides or in a pile in the middle to start.
🎯 How to Play:
On the whistle, players throw or hit softballs over the net to the other team’s side.
They can use rackets (forehands/backhands/ serves), throw with their hands, or roll.
Coaches/parents help monitor and encourage from the outside.
After a set time (e.g. 2–3 minutes), blow the whistle to stop.
Teams sit down and count the balls on their own side. The team with fewer balls wins the round!
🐣Feathers For Younger Children (ages 3–6):
✅ Throw only – no rackets needed to start.
✅ Allow rolling under the net for success.
✅ Play in short bursts (30 seconds to 1 minute).
🛡️ Add “Shield Zone” – a safe zone where 1 child can hold a racket and block.
👑 “Crown” the Most Helpful Teammate (not just winners).
🧗 Progressions For Older Children (ages 7+):
🎾 Must use rackets only to hit balls.
🎯 Designated hitters – assign 1–2 strikers per team, others feed.
🚫 No stepping in front of the service line.
🔁 Add a “reverse round”: each team must clear specific colour balls only.
🕒 Add a countdown timer for fast-paced final 30 seconds.
🧩 Introduce a “golden football” worth –2 points if it’s on your side at the end.
📦 Create a net trap: any ball caught on the net stays and counts as a penalty.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the children are not too close to one another. If they are close to hitting one another, take their rackets off them and revert to throwing.
🧹 Clean-up Crew: After each round, get kids to collect balls into a tub to reset – great for teamwork and structure. At points to incentivise cleanup