Tennis For Tots - How To Get Your Little Ones Started in the Sport

Teaching your kids how to play tennis can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only will they learn a new skill, but they'll also get to enjoy some quality time with you on the court. Here are 7 simple steps to get started.

Use An Appropriate Racket

When choosing a racket for your child, it's important to consider their age, height, and strength. For younger children, it's best to choose a racket that is lightweight and easy to swing. As they get older and more experienced, they can move on to a heavier racket. For children under the age of 8, we recommend a 17-21 inch racket. For children who are 8 to 12 years old, we recommend a 23-25 inch racket.

Use The Right Balls

Tennis balls come in different sizes, depending on the age and skill level of the player. For children aged 3-8, a red or orange ball should be used. These balls are softer and have a lower bounce than regular tennis balls, making them easier to hit. For children aged 9-10, a green dot ball can be used. These balls have a slightly higher bounce than red or orange balls and are a good transition between beginner and intermediate level play. Regular tennis balls can be used by children aged 11 and up.

Use Tennis Shoes

Another important piece of equipment you'll need to get for your child is a good pair of tennis shoes. Look for shoes that have good lateral support and breathability. They should also have a non-marking sole so that they can be used on any type of court surface. And don't forget to buy socks! Thick socks will help prevent blisters and keep their feet dry during hot days.

Start With The Basics

Before you start playing, it's important to go over the basics such as the grip and stance. Practicing with shadow swings is also a must when teaching a child to play. Our kids lesson plans are available for your use.

Incorporate Games And Drills

Games and drills are a great way to teach kids how to play tennis while also keeping them engaged. There are many different games and drills that you can use depending on the age and skill level of your child. For example, younger children might enjoy playing "catch" with a balloon or beach ball instead of a tennis ball. Older children might enjoy playing mini-tennis where they hit the ball back and forth over a low net. 

Be Patient

It's important to be patient when teaching kids how to play tennis. They will likely not pick up the game as quickly as adults do, and that's okay! Every child learns differently and at their own pace. Don't try to push them too hard or they'll quickly become discouraged. Instead, let them progress at their own speed and give them lots of positive reinforcement along the way.

Have Fun

The most important thing is to have fun while you're playing tennis with your kids. Remember, this is supposed to be a fun activity for all of you so try not to get too competitive. If things start getting too serious, take a break and come back when everyone is ready to have fun again.

Tennis can be a fun and rewarding sport for kids to learn. It teaches them important skills such as hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship. To get started, it's important to first go over the basics of the game with your children. You'll also need to provide them with the appropriate equipment, which includes a racket, tennis balls, and tennis shoes. Games and drills are a great way to teach kids how to play tennis while keeping them engaged. Finally, be patient and have fun while playing!

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