In using these tennis exercises, kids can initially pick up the basics of tennis in a fun and exciting way. Most tennis parents are eager to develop their kids to become the next Agassi or the next Federer. The result is a large amount of pressure is put on the child, whether consciously or even subconsciously.
This pressure amounts over time, affecting both parent and child and can be detrimental to the learning process of tennis. The best start before actual competition is to have a child undergo a series of fun tennis exercises for kids rather than subject them to the more competitive environment of tournament play when kids are first learning how to play tennis.
Below are some of the ideal tennis drills and tennis exercises for kids who are learning tennis.
Tennis Exercises for Kids #1: Relays
To accomplish this drill, divide the kids into different groups. For best results, each group should contain less number of kids (between 4-5 kids). The coach should mark the starting point and the finishing point. Then the kids of each group forms a line where the first student stand just behind the starting line and the rest members of the group stand behind after one another.
The coach then gives a signal for the first student on the line to run towards the finishing point. Once the kid reaches the finishing mark, he executes an exercise listed below or based on the coach instruction. After the exercise execution, the kid turns back and stands at the end of the line of his group. The next kid follows and does the same but must execute different exercise. The drill continues until all the kids are able to perform an exercise.
Tennis Exercises for Kids #2: Children’s Circuit
This tennis drill needs at 20 or less kids. For this drill to be more effective, the number of kids should not exceed 20. For best results, the kids have to perform the drill by pairs. Thus, if there are 20 students, the drill should include 10 circuits.
The coach has to demonstrate the circuit properly and clearly to the kids. For the kids to better understand each circuit exercise, the coach should show every exercise with the use of circuit card and by actual demonstration. It is recommended for every kid to perform every circuit exercise for 30 to 45 seconds. After which, they should be allowed to rest for a minimum of 20-30 minutes every each circuit station.
To complete the drill, the kids should go around the circuit at about two to three time. The coach should see to it that each circuit should consist of different circuit exercises. This for the kids not get bored easily and at the same time allows them to learn different tennis exercises for kids.
Furthermore, the coach should also choose the tennis exercises for kids (listed below) that suits best for each kid. Like for instance, if the coach notices that the kid needs to improve his balance, and then the coach should let the kids perform the balance exercise. As much as possible, exercises that require less materials and equipments should be chosen. Most importantly, the exercises should best suit the kid’s abilities and capabilities and they should not create any stress to the kids’ muscles, tendons and bones.
Tennis Exercises for Kids #3: Circle Running
In this drill, the kids are arranged in such a way that they form a circle. See to it that they are distanced 1 m from one another and they should be facing towards each other. The coach stays in the middle of the circle. The coach then calls somebody to execute the drill. To make the drill more entertaining, the coach can use unique descriptions instead calling the kids by their names. Examples of these are wearing red t-shirt, wearing blue and white shoes, the tallest kids, etc. The described kid then have to run the outside circle and then goes to the middle to perform one of the tennis exercises for kids listed below.
Tennis Exercises for Kids #4: Jump Rope
In this drill, the kids need a jump rope at around three meters or longer if there are many kids. Two of the kids will be assigned to hold and spin the jump rope while the rest of the kids stand in the middle between the two rope holders. As the two holders start to spin the rope, the kids in the middle should jump timely so that they won’t be caught by the rope.
Any student who is caught by the rope is considered “out” and has to re-do any of the tennis exercise for kids as prescribed by the coach. This student also has to replace one of the holders for him to be able to perform the exercise. The drill continues until such time that only one kid is left.
Examples of Fun Tennis Exercises for Kids:
Tennis Exercises for Kids #5: Sit ups
Let the kids lie on their back on the floor and perform the usual sit up exercise. Have their hands clasp together behind their head. Then let them bend their knees so their knees are perpendicular with the ceiling. Elbows should be pointing sideways and chin touching their chest. For kids to maintain this posture, a tennis ball can be placed between the chin and the chest. To make this exercise less stressful for kids’ muscles, tendons and bones, have someone hold their feet (which lie flat on the floor). Lastly, let each kid do the sit up at an angle of 30 degrees.
Tennis Exercises for Kids #6: Ball catching
This is one of the tennis exercises for kids that are ideal because it does not create great stress to their young muscles, bones and tendons. This drill can be performed with a partner between or alone. If performed by pairs, the two kids simply face each and begin the ball throwing and catching exercise. Different variations can be made in this drill. One variation is to increase the distance between the kids after several throws. Another variation is to roll the ball instead of throwing it. In the event that only one kid is available to perform this exercise, the kid can perform the exercise in front of a wall.
Tennis Exercises for Kids #7: Wall jump
To accomplish this exercise, the kids have to position themselves beside a wall. Give a white chalk to each student. This chalk will be used by them to mark their highest jump. To start this exercise, let the kids get into a squat position first. Then from this position, let them jump as high as possible and tell them to mark the wall when they are airborne. This is one of the tennis exercises for kids that will help them develop their athletic ability.
Tennis Exercises for Kids #8: Stride jumps
Similar to the other tennis exercises for kids, stride jumps is an exercise that does not need a lot of equipment. This exercise is also very simple to execute which is ideal for kids. All the kids have to do is to jump. While they are up in the air, they try to spread their feet and arms sideways.
Tennis Exercises for Kids #9: Stride
This is another ideal exercise for kids where the kids just have to stand straight as the starting position. Then they slowly spread their arm and legs sideways without the need to jump.
Tennis Exercises for Kids #10: Skipping on the spot
Same as the other tennis exercise for kids, this exercise can be accomplished without the need of any equipment. The kids just have to skip on place. To give variations to this exercise, the kids can skip from one point to another instead of just skipping on place.
Tennis Exercises for Kids #11: Balance exercise
This tennis exercise is ideal for kids to develop their balance. To complete this drill, small cushions are needed. Each group needs four cushions. The weight of the cushion should not be too heavy for the performing kids. First, divide the kids into several groups. Same as the other tennis exercises for kids, the smaller number of kids per group the more effective the drill will be.
The coach has also has to make starting and finishing points. Upon the signal from the coach, the first kid of each group has to put the cushion in his head. The next kid then help the first kid and place the two cushions on the first kid’s underarm and between his knees. The first kid on one hand has to make sure keep the cushions are in place while walking towards the finishing line.
Once he reaches the finishing point, he turns back towards the starting point. The next student follows when the first kid reaches the starting point. If any of the cushions fall, the kid has to start again. The drill continues until all the kids are able to perform the drill.
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