Ten-pin Tennis 🎾 🤾♂️🎳💥
Set-up
Create a traffic grid using cones: two horizontal lines of cones at either end of the space and two vertical lines in between, forming three alleys. Note put a line of round cones at the end of the alley to stop and hit from.
Place all the spare rackets (butt end up) at the far end of each alley to act as skittles.
o Tip: You can swap rackets for tees or upright foam targets for variety.
How to Play
1. Coaches demonstrate with an inflatable ball.
2. Player starts at the baseline and dribbles the ball hockey-style with their racket, keeping inside one alley.
3. When they reach the end, they bowl:
o Pick up the ball.
o Drop it, let it bounce once, and hit it towards the skittles.
o Aim to knock down as many as possible.
Note, younger Tots may want to hit it along the ground or carry the ball and roll/ throw the ball at the skittles.
4. After bowling, the player runs back to collect another ball and repeats in the same or a different alley, or carry their ball back to the start of the alley.
5. Alternate between forehands and backhands each turn.
Coaching Tips
· Emphasise control over speed when dribbling.
· Show correct grip for both forehand and backhand bowling shots.
· Encourage aiming for specific skittles rather than just the whole group.
Variations & Challenges
1. One Alley Each: Allocate one alley per team and see which team can clear all skittles first.
2. Timed Challenge: Players have 60 seconds to knock down as many skittles as possible.
3. Mixed Bowling Styles: Forehand only, backhand only, or alternate after every attempt.
4. Obstacle Alley: Add mini hurdles, cones, or zig-zag gates to dribble around before bowling.
5. Target Bonus: Place a bigger target or hoop behind the skittles—hit it for bonus points.
6. Moving Skittles: Have another player slowly walk a foam skittle across the alley for extra challenge.
7. Reverse Run: After bowling, players have to dribble the ball backwards to the start.