How to Coach Youth Tennis

People in ancient Greece played a game similar to modern day tennis called "sphairistike." In the U.S., most youth tennis players play on a hard-court surface as opposed to clay or grass. Youth tennis gives young people the opportunity to learn about and experience this popular sport for themselves. A good coach will help players learn the sport and, just as importantly, learn to enjoy it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Put Together Youth Tennis Practice Sessions

1. Write out a specific plan for each practice with details of how much time is used for warm-ups, running and other aspects of practice.
2. Start each practice with up to 10 minutes of dynamic stretches to prepare the players for practice.
3. Run sprints to work on player conditioning for the youth tennis season.
4. Show beginners the proper way to hold the tennis racket. The racket should be a natural extension of the arm with the fingers and thumb wrapped around the grip.
5. Practice ground strokes to continue warming up for the practice. Players can face each other on the court to hit ground strokes back and forth, starting at the service line and working back to the baseline.
6. Work on specific shot types. Teach players forehand and backhand strokes with topspin and backspin. Focus one shot on each practice for novice players.
7. Practice serves. Two players can practice serves on the same court at the same time.
8. Watch players and take advantage of opportunities to give quick help to each player.

Coach Youth Tennis Teams at Events

9. Arrive early for the tennis match to make sure everyone is ready to play.
10. Encourage students to relax, have fun and use the techniques worked on during practice.
11. Obey the rules for coaches during the tennis matches. You may not be allowed to work with a player during a match.
12. Make notes of areas each player needs to work on for the next match. During upcoming practices, help each player improve on game weaknesses.
13. Point out positive aspects of each player's match to encourage your players.

Tips & Warnings

• Always start practice on time to get players used to arriving for tennis events on time.
• Players needing extra help should get it before or after practice to allow the coach to focus on helping the entire team.

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