Tennis Relay Races🎾

🎬 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

🟢 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 👋🔧