Basic Racket Head Skills
Basic Racket Head Skills
Children will learn basic grip and control of the tennis racket using a bean bag to make challenges more age appropriate
Activity 1:
Tennis Racket Grip
5 mins
Method:
Each child should be given a tennis racket
Explain and demonstrate the grip you wish the children to use
Children should copy the demonstration
Go around each child and ensure they are using the grip you have shown
When children can hold it correctly, give them a ball each and progress to racket skills
Teaching Points:
1.Start by holding the racket handle with your non-dominant hand, ensuring that the base knuckle of your index finger rests against the third bevel of the grip.
2.Wrap your fingers around the handle, maintaining a relaxed grip, allowing for flexibility and control.
3.Position your thumb comfortably against the back bevel of the grip, creating a V-shape between your thumb and index finger.
4.Maintain a slight space between your fingers and the palm of your hand, promoting flexibility and preventing a tight grip.
5.Ensure that the racket handle rests diagonally across your palm, allowing for easy maneuverability.
6.With your dominant hand, place it on the handle so that the base knuckle of your index finger aligns with the third bevel of the grip.
7.Wrap your fingers around the handle, interlocking them with the spaces between your non-dominant hand fingers.
8.Keep a relaxed grip with both hands, allowing for quick adjustments and responsiveness during play.
9.Check that the V-shape formed by the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand mirrors the V-shape of your non-dominant hand.
10.Practice your grip to ensure comfort and familiarity, adjusting as needed to find the optimal balance between control and flexibility.
Equipment:
Tennis Racket
Basic Racket Head Skills - Bean Bag
Activity 2:
10 mins
Method:
Teaching Points:
Equipment:
Activity 3:
Traffic Lights
10 mins
Method:
Teaching Points:
Equipment:
