Volleys 🎾
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 🏰
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.
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 👋🔧
Tennis 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 👋🔧
Tennis 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
Rainbow Hitting 🌈
🌈 Rainbow Hitting
🎯 Objective: Practise forehands and backhands while moving sideways across the rainbow!
🧠 Focus: movement, timing, accuracy, tracking, confidence
🎭 Story Introduction:
“Welcome to the Rainbow Challenge! 🌈 Your mission is to travel along the rainbow and collect all the colours — but you must use your tennis racket magic to unlock each one with a powerful shot!”
🏗️ Setup:
• Use one side of the court or a hitting area
• Line up 5 different coloured traffic cones (or flat spots) in a wide rainbow arc across the hitting zone (start close to the net for younger groups)
• Mark a starting line in the corner of the court
• Coach stands with balls to drop-feed or racket-feed
🎾 How to Play:
1. Children start at the corner of the rainbow 🌈
2. Coach feeds to Cone 1 (closest), player hits a forehand
3. They shuffle sideways like a crab to the next colour
4. Repeat across all 5 cones, one shot per station
5. Once finished, the child:
o Returns to the back of the queue
o Helps collect balls
o Or hits on a spin machine if you have one! 🎾⚙️
6. After everyone has had a go — switch sides and repeat with backhands
🕺 While waiting: Encourage “dancing feet” and quick reactions
💬 Coach cues: “Stay on your toes!”, “Paint the rainbow!”, “Nice footwork, crab!”
🪶 Feathers (Simplifications):
• Let them walk cone-to-cone slowly if crab shuffle is too tricky
• Coach stands closer and feeds underarm
• Use balloons, beanbags or foam balls for nervous tots
• Let them do just 3 colours instead of all 5
⚡️ Progressions (Challenges):
• Use racket feeds or fast drop-feeds
• Add targets behind the cones (buckets, hoops)
• Challenge: “Can you hit 3 in a row over the net?”
• Combine both forehands & backhands in one rainbow
• Add a reaction challenge: call out random cone colours instead of moving in order
• Time trial: “Who can do all 5 with good technique in 30 seconds?”
🎉 Seasonal Variations:
🎅 Christmas:
Line up Christmas baubles (coloured cones) and “decorate the tree” by hitting each colour. Can you hit the star (gold cone) last?
🐣 Easter:
It’s an Easter Egg Hunt! Hit one egg of each colour and try to get the golden egg at the end.
🎃 Halloween:
Witch’s Potion Ingredients! Each colour is a spooky ingredient: slime, spider legs, eyeballs... Hit them all to complete the potion!
❤️ Valentine’s Day:
Hit the colours of the “Heart Rainbow” to unlock Cupid’s arrow — hit a pink or red cone at the end for a love bonus 💘
👩 Mother’s Day / 👨 Father’s Day:
Decorate Mum’s/Father’s rainbow with special colours — one for hugs, one for laughter, one for helping, etc. Each hit is a thank-you!
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
Jewel Thief 💎
Jewel Thief 💎
🎯 Objective:
To practice teamwork, coordination, catching, colour-matching, and eventually racket control through a fun, competitive "jewel heist" relay game.
🧠 Setup
Jewels: Use round flat cones of different colours. Each team has 4–5 upside-down cones representing "jewels" stored in cases.
Cases: Place the cones at the feet of one player at each end of the activity space.
Teams: Players work in pairs or threes. Space them apart depending on age and skill level. A barrier/net can be used between them if available.
Projectiles:
Foam or mini-red balls.
🕵️ How to Play (Main Game)
One player begins with all the jewels (flat cones).
On the coach’s call (“Go!”), they steal the first jewel and throw it to their teammate.
The teammate catches the jewel and places it into the matching case (by colour).
Repeat this process for all jewels.
Once all jewels are transferred and set, the players switch roles and throw them back to the original player.
First pair to have all jewels returned and correctly placed sits down to signal completion.
Coach or helper can verify correct colour matching.
🧸 Feathers Adaptation (Under 4s)
Use catching nets/ buckets to catch
Parent Involvement: Parents or coaches can kneel in the centre, helping guide them to the right colour or offering encouragement.
⚙️ Progressions
🎾 Throwing/Catching
Begin with gentle underarm throws and progress to overarm as skills improve.
Use nets or buckets for catching instead of hands for variety.
Upgrade from overarm throws.
🏸 Racket Control
Catch and return on the racket strings – players try to trap the ball instead of catching with hands.
Challenge: trap on the backhand side or one hand only.
Can use hitting tee’s for those who were struggling
🚀 Advanced Progressions
Slingshot serve or forehand rally to send the jewels back.
Use serves/ backhands (make sure
Competitive:
First to collect and return all wins.
Add a third round to repeat forward and back again.
Add a central “helper” (coach/parent) who acts as a gem inspector or black market fence, transferring jewels between players to add layers of teamwork.
👻 Seasonal Variations
🎃 Halloween – “Spooky Jewel Heist”
Jewels are haunted! Use glow-in-the-dark cones or cover them with tissue/ghost stickers.
Coaches wave scarves or throw flying discs (ghosts!) trying to distract players.
Add a “Haunted Tower” in the middle that must not be knocked over during throws!
🎄 Christmas – “Elf Express”
Jewels become Christmas baubles or presents.
Players wear Santa hats or elf ears.
Add sleigh bells to players’ shoes or rackets for festive noise.
The transfer is helping Santa pack the sleigh with colour-matched presents.
🐣 Easter – “Bunny Jewel Drop”
Jewels are Easter eggs!
Add mini bunny ears to rackets or use plastic egg cases.
Players hop instead of run; introduce “burrows” (hoops) they must jump in before throwing.
Use pastel-coloured beanbags/balls and ask them to find the correct “nest.”
🎾 Rally Progressions
Rally Progressions – Teaching Guide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr68ma64o6w
These exercises typically make up the middle portion of a session and can be combined with other rotations such as hitting off tees or coach-fed hitting.
One of the key challenges for young children in Tennis Tots and Tennis Titans is being able to hold a consistent rally over the net. Most children in this age group will find this extremely difficult, even when working with a coach. It’s essential, therefore, to build this skill gradually by simplifying the challenge and slowing things down using props, clear structure, and parental involvement.
Also see the separate game: “Rally in the Alley” for another alternate rally-based exercise.
🛠️ Set-Up – Mini Nets Using Adjustable Hurdles
Use your adjustable hurdles as mini nets. We usually:
Start with the highest rung, allowing children to rally both under and over the bar
Position players either side (coach/parent one side, child on the other)
🌱 FEATHERS (Simplified Variations)
For Tots and less confident Titans:
⚽ Football Pushes Under the Hurdle: Great starting point. Encourage children to roll or push an inflatable ball under the bar using hands or feet.
🎈 Balloon Rally Over the Hurdle (Indoors Only): Balloons slow the pace significantly and make rallying achievable, even for walking-age tots.
🪄 Bounce & Catch: Use an inflatable ball or soft foam ball. Player catches after bounce, then gently rolls or throws back under/over.
🎯 Target Rally with Parents: Focus on cooperation. Place a marker or cone to aim for instead of over a net.
⚡ PROGRESSIONS
🔁 Intermediate Rally Building:
👐 Start with throw & catch over the hurdle using inflatable or foam ball
🔁 Add rhythm: “Throw – bounce – catch – throw – bounce – catch”
🧺 Rally 3+ times before dropping the ball
🔄 Encourage turn-taking: child hits, parent returns, repeat
🏸 Racket Introductions:
👟 Begin with parent and child rallying under the hurdle
🧱 Allow child to control first: catch or volley to settle ball before sending it back
🎾 Start with tee-hits or drop-feeds transitioning into light rallies
↔️ Try back-and-forth rallies using inflatable or foam balls
🧲 Use two drop-down markers to define boundaries/footwork zones
🚀 Progressions for Older or Confident Children:
🎾 Swap from inflatable ball to mini red foam ball
🥎 Begin over the hurdle using low-to-high swing after bounce
↪️ Add serve to start the rally
🔄 Alternate between forehand and backhand
🎽 Create a points-based challenge: e.g. “3 rallies = 1 point”
Encourage children to use topspin and correct hitting technique, accelerating racket paths up the ball.
💡 Coaching Tips:
Demonstrate each variation with energy and exaggeration
Use parents to model correct feeding, rhythm and encouragement
Use cues like “bounce, catch,” or “swing up, let it fly”
Keep sessions positive, even when rallies fail – the process is the progress!
Adjust the net height, ball type, and distance depending on the group’s age and confidence
Further progressions for Titans and Troopers : https://youtu.be/qS5E904i5D4?si=Ivzk553d-9BZFDzF
King of the Ring 👑🥊
King of the Ring 👑🥊
🎾 A fun tennis-themed elimination game with a boxing-ring twist!
🧠 Purpose:
Develop quick reactions and footwork
Improve hand-eye coordination
Encourage strategic dodging and racket control
Add fun competition to end the session
🎤 Story Script Intro:
"Welcome to the ultimate tennis showdown! 🎤
Today, you’ll step into the ring as a young champion — but only one will be crowned King or Queen of the Ring! 💥
To survive, you’ll need ninja-fast reflexes, crab-like movement, and a warrior’s focus. Step up, champs — the ring awaits!" 🦀🥊👑
🏟️ Setup:
Create a square ring using cones or mini tennis nets (or use a service box area)
Place all players inside the ring (no rackets at first)
Coaches/assistants line the outside with a supply of foam balls, tennis balls, or soft balls
Designate a safe "eliminated zone" outside the ring
👟 How to Play:
Start the match: All kids stand in the ring.
Dodge time: Coaches gently toss, roll, or drop-feed soft balls into the ring, aiming to tag players (below waist height).
Elimination:
If a player is hit → they are out and move outside the ring.
Once outside, they grab a racket and join the coach’s team, helping to eliminate others by drop-feeding, tapping, or rolling balls into the ring.
Last player standing = the King/Queen of the Ring! 🎉
🪶 Feathers (Easier for Younger Players):
Each child starts with 3 lives before they’re out
Use rackets as shields to block balls
Let them catch the ball instead of dodge
Encourage parents to join in and protect the kids
Use only foam balls for super soft impact
⚡ Progressions (For Older Kids):
Must dodge AND keep moving sideways like a crab
Add racket hits from outside (drop-feed volleys or bounce feeds)
Challenge rounds:
Round 1: Dodge only
Round 2: Racket shields only
Round 3: Bounce + hit back if you’re inside
Add a time limit for each round (e.g., 1 minute max)
🎄 Seasonal Variations:
Halloween: "Haunted Ring" – dodge ghost balls or pumpkins 👻🎃
Christmas: "Snowball Ring" – white balls only, “freeze” when hit ❄️
Easter: "Egg Drop Ring" – dodge bouncing eggs 🥚
Valentine’s: "Heart Hit" – soft pink balls shaped like hearts 💘
Summer Beach Ring: Use beachballs and dodging becomes slow-mo 🏖️
Mum/Dad Challenge: Coaches become parents, and kids try to survive parent volleys 💪👨👩👧
🏆 Finishing Touches:
Crown the winner with a paper crown or wristband
Everyone gets a cheer and optional “comeback match”
Add music to pump up the drama 🎵🎤
King of the Court
🎯 Objective:
Stay on the “king” side of the court by winning quick points against challengers.
🔧 Setup:
Use half or full court depending on numbers/space.
One side is the “King’s” side (or Queen’s side!) – this is where the reigning player stands.
Other players line up on the challenger side.
🕹️ How to Play:
1. Coach feeds a ball to the challenger.
2. Challenger hits the ball into play against the king/queen.
3. If the challenger wins, they become the new king and move to the king’s side.
4. If the king/queen wins, they stay and the next challenger steps in.
5. Play 1-point rallies – no second chances or lets.
6. Keep a running total of who holds the court the longest or most wins.
🏆 Optional Scoring:
1 point for each successful defence (king holds position).
1 point for each successful takeover (challenger becomes king).
Great for tournaments: play 3-minute rounds or to 10 points.
🐣 Easier Variants for Younger Children:
Let younger players bounce the ball before hitting.
Allow multiple hits before returning over the net (e.g. trap and hit).
Use larger balls (e.g. red sponge balls or even a foam football).
Let players serve instead of feeding for extra engagement.
Use mini-court with throw-and-catch rules before rallying.
Jailbreak Version 2 (without catches)
Jailbreak version 2 (without catches)
https://youtu.be/2Q_S_7QZooM?si=tJctFXXTmGiuOGoQ
📍 A fun net-based game focused on control, pressure, and team play
⏱ Duration: 8–10 mins
🧒 Age: 5–12 (adaptable with Feathers & Progressions)
🧱 Set-Up
· Use one side of the tennis court (or small space split by mini net).
· Split the playing side into three distinct zones using cones or lines:
o 🎯 Hitting Zone – where players take their turn
o 🕐 Queuing Zone – safe waiting space out of hitting line
o 🚧 Jail Zone – an area off to the side (can be marked with cones)
· Coach is on the opposite side of the net, feeding balls to each hitter.
🎮 How to Play
1. Each child takes their turn in the Hitting Zone.
2. They are fed 3 shots by the coach (e.g., 2 groundstrokes, 1 volley).
3. The goal is to land at least 2 out of 3 shotsin the court (adjust for age).
4. ✅ If they succeed, they are safe and rejoin the queue.
5. ❌ If they fail, they go to the Jail Zone and wait.
🦸 Jailbreak Rule
· If a player in the queue gets all 3 shots in (or meets your criteria), the coach shouts “JAILBREAK!” 🔓
· Everyone in the jail is freed and runs back to the queue.
· But there’s a twist: as they run, the coach tries to gently hit them with foam balls (or softies).
· Anyone hit must go back to jail for one more round.
🪶 Feathers (Simplifications for younger or new players)
· Use hitting tee’s
· Only one shot required instead of three.
· Don’t enforce the “in” rule too strictly — count good effort or technique.
· Instead of hitting over the net, roll or bounce the ball for them to strike.
· Skip the jailbreak throwback stage — just let them run back freely.
⚡️ Progressions (Older/more advanced kids)
· Make players change grip for each shot (forehand, backhand, volley).
· Add a target zone (e.g., hit into a hoop or behind a marker).
· Jailbreak only triggered if player hits all 3 shots into specific targets.
· Add a timed challenge: how many jailbreaks in 5 minutes?
· Jailbreak return: coach uses real tennis balls and must hit legs (controlled, fun “dodgeball” element).
💬 Coaching Tips
· Keep the energy high — use drama!
“Oh no! We’ve lost another one to the jail!”
“Can anyone save them? This is our last hope!”
· Use a “shield” racket when kids are being “chased” by coach balls — optional defensive layer.
Jailbreak Version 1
Jailbreak version 1 (with catches)
https://youtu.be/1mw1pGBGohA?si=XuD0DlCau3g53TY7
🧱 Basic Rules:
1. Players line up on one side of the net (the Free Zone).
2. The coach feeds balls (or players use hitting tees), and players take turns trying to hit the ball over the net.
3. If the ball goes over, the player goes to the back of the line.
4. If the ball misses or hits the net, the player runs to the other side – Jail.
5. In Jail, players try to catch incoming balls. If they catch a ball cleanly, they swap with the player who hit it, and that player now goes to Jail.
🧰 Equipment Needed:
· Tennis balls (red/orange foam balls ideal for younger kids)
· Rackets
· Markers/cones for queues
· Hitting tees (optional – to assist with consistent contact)
· Catching nets (optional – for younger players or added challenge)
🔁 Optional Adaptations & Advanced Rules:
🔹 Catching Nets
· In Jail, players can use small handheld nets or pop-up scoopers to catch balls.
· Hitting tee’s for lower ability
· Great for younger players or themed versions of the game (e.g. “Crab Jailbreak”).
🔹 One Hand, One Bounce (for Jail players)
· Players in jail must catch with one hand only, and they can let the ball bounce once before catching.
· Encourages agility and anticipation.
🔹 Hitter “Lives”
· Each player starts with 3 lives.
· Lose a life if you:
o Miss your shot,
o Hit out or into the net,
o Get caught by someone in Jail.
· Lose all 3 = automatic trip to Jail!
· This encourages accuracy and awareness of Jail players.
🔹 Double Jail
· Use both ends of the court for Jail zones.
· Great for larger groups – players hit from the middle zone and Jail surrounds both ends.
🔹 Timed Rounds
· Set a timer (e.g. 3–5 mins) and try to get as many jailbreaks as possible.
· Can play team vs team and count successful swaps.
🔹 Challenge Catch
· Add a bonus rule: if a Jail player catches a volley (no bounce), they free two players or earn a “power-up” (e.g. skip a turn in Jail next round).
💡 Coaching Tips:
· Keep things fun and fast-moving.
· Adjust difficulty based on ability – use foam balls, lower nets, or slower feeds if needed.
· Encourage players to cheer for jailbreaks and stay involved even in Jail.
Space Hop 🌌🎾
Space Hop 🌌🎾
🎾 Best for small groups (3–6 kids per coach). For larger groups, split into separate “galaxies”. Similar concept to Fruit Salad.
🛰 Story Script (Set the Scene!)
"Welcome to Space Hop Mission Control! 👩🚀👨🚀
You're each standing on your very own planet (coloured dot) and preparing to blast off. You'll take turns launching tennis balls into space (groundstrokes) and watch out — meteors might strike at any moment! Keep your helmets on (cone hats), stay alert, and don’t float away in zero gravity!"
🧠 Purpose
• Develop forehand and backhand groundstrokes
• Improve footwork, alertness, and reaction time
• Add imagination and engagement through themed play
🏗 Set-Up
• Line up children sideways on dots (planets), parallel to the net
• Coach stands at one end feeding drop feeds (use forehand/backhand depending on side)
• First child in line hits repeatedly — others bounce on toes until it’s their turn
• Coach uses commands to cue changes
🔁 How It Works
• One child at the front hits as many balls as possible while others bounce on their dots
• When coach calls "Space Hop!" 🚀 → everyone moves up one planet and new child becomes hitter
• If anyone stops bouncing (or whenever coach decides) → "Meteor Strike!" ☄️ → coach rolls a ball down the line and they must jump over it
• Call "Meteor Shower!" 🌧 → all kids must dash to the fence and back to their dot without getting tagged by coach’s throws
• Say "Zero Gravity!" 🌕 → kids must spin around once on their dot and continue bouncing
• Add silly extras: wear traffic cones as space helmets 🪖 (upside down), or name the planets (Mars, Venus, Jupiter...)
🪶 Feathers (Easier Variations)
• Shorten distance of feed
• Use foam balls
• Let parents assist on dots or near the net
• Allow underarm throws instead of racquet hits
• Skip meteor elements for very young groups
⚡ Progressions (Older / Confident Players)
• Add targets to hit (like hoops or cones) with rewards, like a shield from the next meteor strike (don’t have to run)
• Score how many balls are hit in a row
• Coach switches ends for backhands
• Add a spinning serve or bounce-hit before space hop
• Have two kids hitting alternately on two sides
🏆 Finishing Ideas
• Final round = “Meteor Mayhem!” — Coach rolls lots of balls while kids dodge back to their dots
• Award space wristbands, star stickers 🌟, or medals
• Take a group photo with cones on heads = Space Crew Shot 📸🛸
Seasonal Variations
🎃 Halloween Hop
Dots = Pumpkins
Rename "Space Hop" to “Pumpkin Pop” – kids line up behind pumpkins to smash spooky balls.
“Meteor Strike” = Witch’s Curse – kids dodge flying broomsticks (rolled balls).
“Meteor Shower” = Ghost Chase – kids must run to the graveyard (fence) and back without being tagged by ghosts (coaches rolling balls).
“Zero Gravity” = Zombie Spin – kids spin like dizzy zombies before returning to position.
👻 Kids wear witch hats or masks made from round cones.
🎄 Christmas Comet
Dots = Presents or sleigh stops
Rename "Space Hop" to “Santa Serve”
“Meteor Strike” = Snowball Fight – dodge snowballs rolled by coaches.
“Meteor Shower” = Sleigh Dash – run to North Pole and back.
“Zero Gravity” = Elf Spins – spin around like dizzy elves.
🎅 Hats = Santa hats, elf ears, or round cones decorated as snow caps.
🐣 Easter Orbit
Dots = Easter Eggs
Rename "Space Hop" to “Egg Blast”
“Meteor Strike” = Bunny Hop – dodge carrots (balls) while hopping on the spot.
“Meteor Shower” = Egg Hunt Dash – run to the fence and back to “find” their egg.
“Zero Gravity” = Chick Spin – kids flap their arms and spin like little chicks.
🐰 Hats = Bunny ears or round cones with egg stickers.
💘 Valentine Volley
Dots = Love Hearts
Rename "Space Hop" to “Heart Shot”
“Meteor Strike” = Cupid’s Arrow – dodge heart-shaped balls
“Meteor Shower” = Love Sprint – run to give a “heart” (high five) to a parent and back.
“Zero Gravity” = Spin of Love – spin with arms open.
❤️ Hats = Cone helmets with hearts on top.