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.

‍ ‍🎯 Hitting in a Circle

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

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Perfect for improving consistency, technique, and directional aiming.

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🧩 Setup

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

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🎤 Coach Script / Game Setup

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

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🎯 Objective

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

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⏱️ Timing

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

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🔧 How It Works

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1. Players stand on their dot

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

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

4. Coaches walk the circle correcting technique

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

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🎾 Teaching Points

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(Forehand & Backhand)

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✔️ Body Position

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• Sideways on
• Front foot pointing slightly toward target

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✔️ Swing Shape

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

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✔️ Contact Point

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

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🧸 Feathers (Make It Easier)

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

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🔺 Progressions (Make It Harder)

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

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🛡️ Safety Notes

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

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🏆 End Challenge

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

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‍ ‍🎯 🎾 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.

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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.

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

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‍ ‍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

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🧸 Volley progressions

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·       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

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·       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.

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·       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.

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·       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

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

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

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

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

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

Coach sets up three stations:

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

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

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

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

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

‍ 🟧 General Layout:

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

• Each zone runs horizontally across the court or hall.

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

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

🔢 Stations:

1️⃣ Strong Man

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

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

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

• For older players, vary to backhands and serves

2️⃣ Chip the Bucket

• Multiple small buckets/tubs grouped ahead.

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

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

• Label this as “Chipping Zone”

• For older players, vary to backhands and serves

3️⃣ Carnival Putters

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

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

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

4️⃣ Coconut Shy

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

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

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

‍ ‍🎯 Sweet Spot – Aiming for the Middle

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

👨‍🏫 Coach Introduction

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

🔄 Activity Breakdown

1️⃣ Flip the Pancake

• Each child has a racket and a beanbag.

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

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

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

2️⃣ Catch the Pancake – Parent Involvement

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

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

• Encourage wide stance and readiness.

• Coach walks around helping with stance and control.

3️⃣ Balloon Control

• Move to balloons (ideal indoors).

• Keep balloon in the air using the racket only.

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

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

4️⃣ Sweet Spot Challenges

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

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

• Adds variation in movement and tracking for kids.

• Try left and right throws for lateral footwork.

🪶 Feathers (Simplifications)

• Use catching nets instead of rackets

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

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

• Parents stand closer and throw slower.

⚡ Progressions (Extensions)

• Use smaller beanbags or foam balls for advanced groups.

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

• Try alternating forehand and backhand catches.

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

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‍ ‍Serving progressions 🎾🎯

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🧠 Overview

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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.

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Children learn best by imitation, so coaches should demonstrate a forehand or serve at every stage of development, even if simplified.

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Good serving technique video: https://youtu.be/0tP2pmXd9Gk?si=iKxPKIPcBQAV3sDu

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‍ ‍🧸 Throwing = Serving Foundation

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Before a child can serve, they need to learn to throw.

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• 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.

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‍ ‍💡 Serving Progressions (Starting from Tots)

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1. Kiss-Kiss

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• Children stand sideways, racket in one hand, ball in the other.

• They gently "kiss" the ball onto the strings twice:

  1. At knee height

  2. Above the head

• This teaches timing and synchronised arm movement.

2. Hammer the Sky

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• 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.

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‍ ‍3. Balloons (Indoor Alternative)

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• 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.

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4. Two Beanbags

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• 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.

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5. Slingshot serve

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• 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

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‍ ‍6. Back Scratch & Reach

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• 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.

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7. Directional Serving

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• Introduce the concept of serving diagonally from a baseline into a service box.

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‍ ‍8. Introduce Chopper Grip

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• Essential for spin and control.

• Introduce early in Titans and Troopers groups.

• Reinforces the “on-edge” hammer motion.

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‍ ‍9. Lengthen the Action

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• 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.

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🌈 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

1. Child starts at the red cone

2. Coach feeds → child hits a forehand

3. Shuffle to the next cone

4. Repeat for all 5 colours (orange → yellow → green → blue)

5. 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 bounce

• They 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 zone

• Once 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!”

🎯 Target practice game to develop aim, coordination, and correct swing mechanics

⏱️ Duration:
5–8 minutes

🎤 Coach Script / Setup

“Okay troops! Your mission today is to take down the enemy soldiers — but not with swords or water balloons… with your best tennis shots! These rackets have lined up and they're daring you to knock them down! Let’s see if you’ve got the accuracy and the power!”

🧱 Game Setup

• Soldiers = Spare rackets placed upright (handle/butt on ground, strings facing forward)

  • Place 3–6 rackets across from each child

  • If short on rackets, stack traffic cones and round cones into tall unstable towers to simulate soldiers

• Hitting Zone = Tees or Drop Feeds

  • Children take turns hitting balls low to high from a hitting tee or drop feed

• Distance between hitter and soldier wall depends on age/ability

• Parents can help pick up and reset soldiers between turns

🔁 Gameplay

1.       Children line up at their hitting station (tee or feeder).

2.       One ball at a time – aim to knock over a “soldier” (racket or cone tower).

3.       Hitters use forehand technique (low to high) first.

4.       When soldiers fall, parents/coaches reset them quickly.

5.       After a few rounds, progress to backhand or self-feed.

🪶 Feathers (Simplify for Younger Children)

• Let them throw the ball underarm to start

• Reduce distance to soldiers

• Use larger balls for more success

• Place ball in child’s hand and guide their swing together

• Let parents support hand placement and help reset soldiers

⚡ Progressions (Older or Confident Children)

• Drop Feed: Children toss the ball and hit it themselves instead of from a tee

• Backhand Challenge: Have children switch to backhand side and adjust footwork

• Hit from movement: Add a side step or small shuffle before contact

• Scoring: 1 point per soldier knocked down, track team scores for competition

• Timed Challenge: Knock down all soldiers in 30 seconds

🎾 Technical Coaching Tips

• Emphasise low-to-high swing

• Sideways stance for both forehand and backhand

• Encourage early preparation – racket back and eyes on the ball

• Use “split step then hit” cue if child is rushing

• Praise accuracy over power – “aim not smash!”

Seasonal variations for the "Racket Soldiers" game — keeping the same gameplay (children hitting down upright rackets or cone towers), but changing the theme and props slightly to match the season:

🎄 Christmas – Knock Down the Naughty Elves

Santa’s workshop is under siege from mischievous elves who are standing upright (rackets or cone towers). Children must use their tennis balls to knock them down before they cause more trouble! Parents can help set the elves back up quickly. Optional: place little elf hats (paper cut-outs or visuals) on the top of cones/rackets for effect. 🎅🎄🎁

🎃 Halloween – Smash the Skeletons

Skeleton soldiers (white rackets or cone towers) are guarding the haunted tennis court! Kids must smash them down using tennis balls. Spooky music and “BOO!” sounds encouraged. For added fun, use glow sticks or spooky stickers on the targets. 👻🕸️💀

🐣 Easter – Topple the Chocolate Bunnies

Giant chocolate bunnies (cone towers with round cones as ears or decorated rackets) have popped up on court! Kids must gently knock them down to collect their Easter treats. Optional: place a chocolate wrapper or Easter sticker on each “bunny” to collect after it’s hit. 🐰🍫🌸

💘 Valentine’s – Cupid’s Target Practice

Cupid has lined up heart-shaped towers (use pink/red rackets or cones with heart stickers). Children aim their balls to knock them down as practice for spreading love across the land! Add red or pink beanbags as “love letters” to deliver after each successful hit. 💘🎾💌

💐 Mother’s Day – Knock Down the Flower Pots

Beautiful flower displays (cone towers or upright rackets) are blocking the tennis garden — children must gently knock them over so the flowers can be rearranged. Use round cones in pink, purple, and yellow to resemble petals. 🪻🌼🌷

👔 Father’s Day – Tip Over the Toolboxes

The tennis court has been turned into Dad’s workshop! The upright rackets or cones are now “toolboxes” standing in the way. Knock them down with tennis balls and rebuild them quickly! Add fun stickers of tools (spanners, screwdrivers) to the towers. 🧰🔧🎾

‍ Rally Progressions – Teaching Guide
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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

‍🪶 FEATHERS (Under 3s / Beginner Tots):

• Children begin up close.

• A coach or parent helps guide their racket to gently hit a ball off the tee.

• The child aims to knock any part of the tower over.

• Celebrate every success with a dramatic coach reaction:
  “Hey! That was my tower! How dare you!” 😂

🎾 MAIN GAME (Coach’s Towers):

• Kids line up on floor dots and take turns hitting forehands from the tee.

• Each tries to knock down the coach’s tower across the court.

• Coaches act outraged, shouting in jest:
  “Nooo! Not my tower!” 🗣️
  “That’s the best tower in Sussex!”

• After a few minutes, move dots to the other side to focus on backhands.

• Encourage:

  • Side-on stance

  • Low-to-high swing path

  • Contact in front

🚀 PROGRESSIONS:

• Remove the tee: try drop feeds or parent feeds.

• Use cones as bonus targets or assign points to each tower.

• Introduce "power up" balls like red foam balls for higher reward.

• For older children:
  Try live feeds + one shot only per go — knock it or miss it!

👻 SEASONAL ALTERNATIVES:

🎃 Halloween – Haunted Tower Edition

• Each tower becomes a ghost’s haunted house 🏚️

• Top them with scarves, googly eyes, or balloons as ghost heads 👻

• When children knock them down, coaches wail:
  “Noooo! The ghost is free!”

• Add “Monster Mode”: Coaches throw ghost scarves at players between turns!

🎅 Christmas – Santa’s Stack

• Towers = gift stacks or chimney piles 🎁🎄

• Kids help Santa knock down the stuck presents before Christmas Eve

• Add jingle bells or decorate towers with wrapping paper!

🐣 Easter – Egg Tower Smash

• Towers = egg crates or nesting towers

• Children must “rescue the chick” by knocking down the egg towers 🐥

• Add small Easter eggs or chicks on top.

💘 Valentine’s – Love Tower Toss

• Towers represent love letters stacked in a post box 💌

• Add heart stickers or balloons — when they’re knocked over, coaches cry:
  “Not my Valentine’s mail!”

🎯 Hitting Through the Hoops

Focus: Forehand technique, target accuracy, adaptability
Duration: 8–12 minutes (including setup and demonstration)

🎤 Coach Script / Setup:

"Today we're going to practise hitting through hoops — just like archers aiming at a target! 🎯 We're working on our forehand swing and control."

1. Sit the children down and demonstrate the correct swing technique and aim.

2. Parents stand in front of the children holding hoops at varying heights, distances, and angles.

3. Children hit foam balls off tees, aiming to pass the ball cleanly through the hoop.

🧱 Equipment Needed:

• Hitting tees

• Foam balls

• Hoops (held by parents)

• Optional: cones to mark out waiting and hitting spots

🎾 Forehand Technique Focus:

• Sideways on: Turn your body so your shoulder faces the target.

• Strings to the ball: Make sure the racket face is pointing where you want the ball to go.

• Low to High: Let the wrist drop and swing upwards for lift and spin.

• Finish over the shoulder: End with your racket up and across.

🪶 Feathers (Simplify for Younger Children):

• Throw balls and footballs instead of hitting

• Let children focus just on swing shape without worrying about aiming through the hoop.

• Parents can help load balls onto tees while keeping distance.

• Stand closer to the hoop for easier success.

• Use balloons instead of balls for easier, slower targets.

⚡️ Progressions (Older / Confident Children):

• Parents hold hoops further away or higher/lower to challenge hitting angles.

• Children drop-feed themselves instead of using a tee.

• Introduce a “wall rally” station — hit against the wall to maintain control.

• Balloon rallies: pair up and rally balloon with forehand over a net or mini barrier.

• Create a 4-station free-flow circuit with varied hoop setups and hitting challenges.

✅ Coach Tips:

• Remind parents to keep one arm extended while holding hoops and stay well back from the tee.

• Watch out for over-rotation — remind children to stay sideways on.

• Use cues like:

  • “Lift the pancake” (for low-to-high swing)

  • “Eyes on the target”

  • “Finish like a rainbow over your shoulder”e ball, 2 points for hitting the target.

Hitting at Waist Height 🎯

Time: 5 minutes
Equipment: Tees / Rackets / Balls / Targets (cones, tubs, etc.)

🧸 Activity Instructions

Set up hitting tees across the space and place targets (like cones or tubs) in the centre. Each child begins by placing a ball on a tee and practices hitting it low to high with their racket.

🟢 Key teaching points:

• Start in a ready position

• Turn sideways to the ball

• Swing from low to high

• Encourage control and follow-through

🪶 Feathers (simplify for younger children):

• Use balloons or beanbags on the tees to slow things down

• Use shorter rackets for more control

• Allow children to use their hands to guide the swing at first

• Coach or parent can gently help move their arms through the swing

⚡ Progressions (for older or more advanced children):

1. Drop Feeds by Parents

   • Parents gently drop the ball in front of the child at waist height.

   • Encourage kids to move into position and strike the ball from low to high.

2. Height Variations

   • Parents begin mixing up their throws:

     • High – child must adjust and wait for ball to drop to waist height.

     • Low – child must bend knees and stay under the ball.

     • Short – child steps in and reaches forward.

     • Wide – child moves laterally with small steps.

3. Backhand Practice

   • Switch to backhand side and apply the same throw variations

   • Emphasise footwork and early preparation

4. Introduce Scoring

   • Add a scoring system: 1 point for hitting the ball, 2 points for hitting the target.

Grand Tour!🎾

A fun multi-skill tennis circuit that combines hitting, throwing, drop-feeding, and putting – encouraging children to explore different techniques and body movements while working toward a common target.

⏱️ Duration:
10–15 minutes

🎤 Coach Script / Introduction

"Okay travellers! ✈️ Today you're going on a trip Around the World! 🌍
You’ll need your luggage – that’s your racket and a little bucket of balls – and you’ll travel from country to country (station to station), trying to land your balls in the centre of the world. That’s our target zone!"

🧭 Setup & Station Descriptions

• Lay out a large circle (or oval) around a central target zone with 2–3 upturned buckets.

• Create 5–7 stations around the edge of the circle. Examples include:

  1. Hitting Tee Station – Hit forehands off a tee toward the target buckets.

  2. Throwing Station – Gently underarm or overarm throw into the buckets.

  3. Drop-Feed Station – A parent or partner gently drops a ball for the child to hit.

  4. Self Drop Station – Children drop the ball themselves and hit.

  5. Putting Station – Use a tennis racket to gently roll the ball into sideways traffic cones or tubs.

• Give each child a mini bucket or tub (their suitcase) with 3–5 balls inside.

• Children move clockwise around the world trying each station.

🔁 Gameplay Instructions

1. Start at a station with their luggage (plastic tub)

2. Complete the activity at the station (1–2 balls max).

3. Collect missed balls near the station and carry on (leave balls that reach the middle).

4. Travel with racket and luggage to the next station.

5. End by picking up cones and tees with the children to reinforce responsibility.

🎯 Technical Coaching Tips

• Tee stations: Focus on low to high swing and sideways stance.

• Throwing stations: Teach underarm technique, balance, and follow-through.

• Drop feed stations: Cue “watch the bounce, then swing”.

• Putting station: Use forward-and-backward push like a golf putt, not a slap.

• Highlight how the height of the hit affects whether the ball drops into the bucket.

🪶 Feathers (Simplifications for Younger Children)

• Use larger buckets in the middle.

• Allow children to sit down and roll balls underarm instead of hitting.

• Use balloons or large foam balls for throwing.

• Let them use their hands to drop balls directly into buckets if needed.

• Assign an adult helper at each station to give clear instructions.

⚡ Progressions (For Older or Advanced Children)

• Reduce the size of the buckets or switch to cones on their side.

• Enforce topspin hitting on tee and drop-feed stations.

• Add a challenge: hit 2 out of 3 balls into the bucket before moving on.

• Encourage use of backhand at one or more stations.

• Add a timer per station to build urgency and pace.

Hitting Stations 🎯

Purpose: Maximise hitting repetition and technique development through multiple live-feed stations while minimising queues and keeping children engaged.

🧠 Coaching Focus:

• Promote low-to-high swing path for topspin

• Contact at waist height out in front

• Footwork to adjust position and balance

• Eyes on the ball and recovery after each shot

🏗️ Set-Up Instructions:

1. Divide the space into multiple stations, all designed for hitting — ideally arranged to hit towards the middle of the space or safely away from each other.

2. Each station should have:

   • A feeder/ feeders (assistant coach, parent, or older child)

   • Nets or barriers for target and containment

   • Soft balls for most stations (mini red or foam)

3. Suggested Stations:

   • 🎾 Forehand feed – with assistant or parent feeding

   • 🔁 Backhand feed

   • 🦞 Lenny the Lobster (ball machine)

   • 🎯 Target hitting (e.g., aim at cones or hoops)

   • 🌀 Spin machine or self-fed tees

   • ✋ Throw & hit (throw then strike)

   • ☄️ Serve station  with soft balls

4. Position spin machines and hitting tees around the edge for children waiting or rotating.

🔁 Rotation Flow:

• Children hit 5 shots per turn (e.g. 5 forehands)

• Then rotate clockwise or as directed by the coach

• On the second circuit, switch shot type (e.g. 5 backhands)

✅ Try to give each child two turns per station
✅ Keep queues short — 2 children max per station

🛟 Safety First:

• Always hit away from others (position feeders and targets carefully)

• Use soft foam balls or mini red balls for most stations

• Use smaller hard balls for Lenny the Lobster only

  • Do not use mini red balls in Lenny – it causes belt wear

• Ensure children know to only retrieve balls when play is paused, and not walk in front of Lenny, or put their hands in Lenny. Please note that if using the remote on Lenny and pausing it, the wheels keep spinning, which is dangerous. Please turn it off at the power when not using it for any length of time.

🧩 Staffing Tips:

• Assign at least one coach to walk between stations, offering technical feedback

• Let parents feed underarm or from bounce — ideal for lower-pressure learning

• Encourage all helpers to praise effort and reinforce coaching points

🌟 Optional Add-Ons:

• ⏱️ Timed stations with whistle rotations (1–2 mins each)

• 🏆 Add fun challenges like “hit the cone” or “how many in the hoop?”

• 📸 Take videos of a few great shots for fun feedback at the end

Backhands 🎾

🎯 🎾 Backhands – Tennis Tots/Titans Teaching Guide

The backhand is usually the second shot children will learn, and sometimes is best taught as forehand from the other side, i.e. same principles: Sideways on to the ball, low to high, finish over the opposite shoulder. The hitting hand should go above the non-hitting (often they get this the wrong way around)

Demonstrate: Children will learn from watching the coaches, so please demonstrate a backhand at every level. Please see the video for good forehand and backhand technique: https://youtu.be/oOsmGn2_piE?si=tdTf6v6pINvWlD8q         

🧸 One hand or two?

Two... At Tots or Titans age, we would encourage two hands on the racket for a backhand with the hitting hand on the bottom. If a child is keen to hit with one hand then this should be encouraged to at least try, but it will take a lot longer to learn. Good 1 had backhand technique video:  https://youtu.be/L3ZzViOphWc?si=zjpKB7ztGLg2m0LM    

Backhand progressions starting in Tots

·       Hitting on tees. Even if the tots have advanced past hitting on tees on forehand, it may be useful to return to tees for backhand, to have a stationary target.

·       Technique is to simply drop the racket head (wrist) below the ball, and lift over the shoulder after contact. Make sure racket race is not too open on takeback, and swing doesn’t get too big, dominant hand above non-dominant on grip

·       Drop feeding; usually parent-led; players can drop feed themselves, but it can be a bit awkward with the second hand on the racket

·       Spin machines: great for getting feel of brushing up the ball

·       Left-handed forehands: If it isn’t too confusing, you can introduce some left-handed forehands to encourage the dominance of the left hand

·       Slow the balls down as much as possible to give the child time to perform the correct technique; use footballs, big foam, mini-red.

·       Once the child has started hitting backhand mix between forehand and backhand fees to get the feel of grip changes and body rotations.

·       Start to work on accuracy, aiming both cross-court and down the line.

🎯 Around the Cone – 5–10 mins

Theme: Movement, shot repetition, and coordination.
Ideal Age: 5–9 years

🧠 Objective

• Improve forehand/backhand technique
• Introduce dynamic sideways movement
• Build coordination and rhythm
• Reinforce turn-taking and focus while waiting

🎬 Story/Intro Script

“Today we’re going to hit some awesome shots and move around the cone like sideways-stepping crabs! Can you shuffle fast like a crab on the beach and still stay ready for the next ball? Let’s see your crab feet in action!”

🏗 Set-Up

• Line up 2–3 children near the baseline on one side of the court
• Place a large cone around 2–3 steps to the left or right of hitting spot (based on hand being practised)
• Coach or parent stands ready to drop-feed or racket-feed a forehand (or backhand)
• A second coach or parent supports movement or collects balls
• A few “Spin Machines” (e.g., spin tees or drop-serve stations) available for kids waiting in queue

🔁 How to Play

1. Child steps forward to hitting spot

2. Coach/parent feeds a ball to their forehand (or backhand)

3. After the hit, child sidesteps (crab-style) around the cone placed to the side

4. Once around the cone, child joins the back of the queue

5. Waiting children can warm up on spin machines or practise racket taps

🪶 Feathers – Easier Variations

• Use slower balloon or foam ball feed for younger children
• Shorten the crab movement (1 sidestep instead of 3)
• Let parents stand with child to help guide racket movement
• Remove cone entirely for very young children—just focus on hitting and returning

⚡ Progressions – Older Kids / More Challenge

• Add a second cone (zig-zag movement) before they rejoin queue
• Make it a combo hit: forehand, sidestep, then backhand before going around the cone
• Feed at faster tempo
• Add a scoring system (e.g., 1 point for every clean hit)
• Silent round: no talking while playing or moving!

🎉 Seasonal Variations

🌸 Spring / Easter:
• “Hop around the Easter Egg” – place an egg cut-out or pastel cone to sidestep around
• Use bunny ears or hop once before hitting

🎃 Halloween:
• “Creep around the Cauldron” – decorate the cone with spooky theme, tiptoe around like ghosts

🎄 Christmas:
• “Slide around the Snowman” – decorate cone with paper snowman; play to festive music

❤️ Valentine’s Day:
• “Sway around the Heart” – use heart-shaped markers or red cones

👑 Royal Jubilee / National Theme:
• “March around the Crown” – royal-themed cone, pretend you’re guarding the palace

🎾 Forehands – Tennis Tots Teaching Guide

The forehand is often the first shot a child learns in tennis. It's easier than the serve and forms the foundation for many other strokes. Developing strong, fun forehands at this stage builds confidence and enjoyment early on.

👀 Demonstrate!

Children learn by watching. Please demonstrate a forehand at every level – kids mirror what they see!

🛠️ Hitting Tees – Technique Focus

Hitting tees are essential for younger children. They keep the ball still and allow consistent contact at the right height.

• 🧒 Use for ages walking to 4 years old

• 🎂 Ages 4–5 can begin live feeding (drop feeds, coach feeds, and basic rallying)

• 🔄 Rotate children through stations to reduce waiting and increase reps

🧍‍♂️ Key Technical Points:

• 📏 Sideways-on stance

• 🌈 Low to high swing path – like brushing a rainbow

• 🎯 Contact in the middle of the strings

• 🤝 Shake-hands grip at bottom of racket

• ✋ One or two hands – let them explore!

• 🟢 Use spots on the floor for foot placement

🪶 Feathers (Beginner/Younger Tots)

• 🎯 Stationary balls on tees

• 🤝 One-to-one parent support

• ✋ Gently guide racket hand

• 🎉 Celebrate ANY contact – big reactions build confidence!

⚡ Progressions (Older/Advanced Tots)

• 🔽 Drop feeds by coach or parent

• 🌀 Try brushing for topspin with “spin machines” (foam balls on string, etc.)

• ✋ Encourage one-handed hitting if ready

• 🔄 Add a loop in backswing for rhythm

• 🎯 Focus on target hitting

• 🤝 Start cooperative rallying over mini nets

• 🎾 Confident parents/coaches feed to different zones

🧰 Equipment Checklist

• 🏷️ Tennis tees

• 🏸 Rackets (17”, 19”, 21”, 23” recommended)

• 🎾 Foam balls (thick + thin), mini red balls

• 🟡 Floor spots

• 🌀 Spin machines / suspended balls (optional)

• 🏗️ Hoops, cones, mini nets

🎤 Final Coach Note

This section is free-flowing – you’ll often have a wide range of ability levels. Some kids will still be on tees, others might be rallying or even volleying.
✅ Use the parents – coach them on how to challenge their own child.
✅ Aim to interact with every child – offer simple, specific praise or guidance.
✅ Keep it positive and high energy!

🎾 Inside the Box – Target Practice & Scoring Game

Time: 4–8 minutes
Theme: Learning how to aim at the correct area, understand how points are constructed, and learn touch and control.

📖 Story Script:

“Do you know how tennis players score points? That’s right — by hitting the ball into the box on the other side of the court! Today, we’re going to practise doing just that. Can you aim carefully and hit your target like a real tennis pro?”

🧠 Purpose:

• Learn how tennis scoring works

• Practise aim and control (both forehand and backhand)

• Reinforce “target awareness” with simple visuals

• Create a fun 1-to-1 dynamic between child and parent

🏗 Set-Up:

• Coach shows the children how to draw a line with a drop-down line, dots, (or cones if nothing else). NB if you have enough big hoops, you can use them, but you are limited by how far they can move back, as the hoops are small.

• Coach demonstrates how a tennis point is scored (ball must land in the court/box)

• Each child pairs up with a parent/assistant

• Using drop-down lines, cones, hoops, or markers, each pair creates a target box in front of the parent (3–4 racket lengths wide is fine)

• The child stands opposite and attempts to hit/throw the ball/beanbag into the box. Coach demonstrates a maximum of three variants (depending on age: see feathers and progressions) with the assistant or a player, and then sends parents away to build a box and start practising

🎯 How to Play:

1. Parent and child find a space and draw their own box (based on the coach's demonstration)

2. The child hits forehands/ backhands/ throws (coach decides based on group and age: see feathers and progressions)

3. The parent stands ready to catch the ball after one bounce

   • If the ball lands inside the box: The child takes one step back = Harder challenge

   • If it misses the box: They stay where they are, and the child tries again

🏆 How far back can the child move back before the time is up?

🪶 Feathers (Simplified for Younger Children):

• Throw beanbags into the box (underarm)

• Throw and catch, toss a football, landing in the box

• Use hitting tees to hit in the box

• Use a larger box or hoop as a target

• Let the child drop-hit instead of hitting from a feed

• Use balloons or foam balls for easier control

• Allow the child to stand closer and roll or gently tap the ball

• Parent can “trap and roll” instead of catch if easier

⚡ Progressions (Older/Mixed Ages):

• Alternate between forehands and backhands

• Try hitting the left or right corners of the box

• Add a bonus point if the ball bounces inside the box and is caught cleanly

• Use scoring: 1 point per box hit, 5 hits = level up

• Try a serve variation: underarm serve into the box, then overarm or throw the ball to start a rally

• Use a mini-red ball, and rally with the parent/ child in the box.

• Play points where the ball has to bounce into the box once and two bounces on your side, then progress to just one bounce your side, then volleys with no bounces

🌈 Seasonal Variations:

• 🎄 Christmas: Draw a present 🎁 inside the box and say “deliver the gift!”🐣 Easter: Drop cones/eggs in the target box and say, “Can you crack the Easter egg?”

• 💝 Valentine’s: Use heart-shaped targets – “hit the love zone!”

• 🎃 Halloween: “Can you scare the ghost hiding in the box?”🌸 Mother’s Day / Father’s Day: “Deliver your ball into the Mum/Dad zone for a surprise hug!”