Developing 5-7 year old Tennis Players

     Marc is developing strong tennis skills as a five year old. The red ball makes it easier to rally.
At this stage of development I teach hitting on the mini nets or using the service box areas. It's also a good idea to let players use regular tennis balls in their training. This way they can transition to full court with a feel for the ball. In general though, little racquets need to hit with lighter balls due to strength and stability issues. They can shape the ball easier when rallying.
     Another thing to keep in mind when training very young players is to keep it fun. Give them fun targets to shoot for: baskets, cones, pick-up tubes, boxes, cans etc. Perhaps set a goal, if they hit ten targets they get ten points. The points then can be converted to prizes, a tennis ball, a t-shirt, a hat, a sticker, anything that keeps it fun and challenging. Technique is great but it needs to be snuck in there with competing for something. This way a coach is helping the student achieve their goals which is what a coach is all about. It is an outcome based approach using a game format.