Good tennis drills for kids should feel like games, not long lessons. Short activities help young players build hand-eye coordination, footwork, balance, and confidence while keeping them moving and smiling.
Start with a court and ball that match the child’s age and ability. Foam or red balls bounce lower and move more slowly than standard yellow balls, making it easier for beginners to rally. Use simple goals—such as hitting three balls in a row—then make the challenge harder as skills improve.
How to Make Kids’ Tennis Drills Work
Keep instructions brief and let children try the skill quickly. For younger players, aim for drills that last a few minutes before you switch activities. Praise effort and good movement, not just balls that land in. A missed shot is useful feedback, not a reason to stop the game.
Use a smaller court when needed. A service box can be a good starting space for a beginner, while a larger court gives more confident players room to move. Choose a lighter, age-appropriate racquet, and leave enough space between players to swing safely.
Fun Tennis Drills for Kids
1. Ball Bounce and Catch
Builds: Hand-eye coordination and control.
Give each child a ball and racquet. Have them drop the ball, let it bounce once, and catch it with their free hand. Next, they can bounce it on the strings and catch it, then try two or three controlled racquet bounces before catching.
Make it a personal challenge: “Can you do one more bounce than last time?” For a partner version, players take turns bouncing the ball to each other, allowing one bounce before the catch. This is a useful warm-up before asking a beginner to hit a moving ball.
2. Traffic Lights
Builds: Listening, balance, and quick footwork.
Players begin on a line with racquets in hand. Call “green” to have them move forward with small steps, “yellow” to slow down and stay balanced, and “red” to stop in an athletic ready position. Add “back” or “sideways” once they understand the basic calls.
Keep the movements short and controlled. The goal is to stop without stumbling, not to sprint as fast as possible. This drill helps kids practise getting ready between shots.
3. Hit the Island
Builds: Direction and basic groundstrokes.
Place a few flat cones or targets inside the service boxes. From a short distance, feed or gently toss balls for the child to hit toward an “island.” Start with forehands, then try backhands. Use low-compression balls so players have time to set their feet and swing.
Give a point for aiming toward a target rather than demanding perfect accuracy. As control improves, make the islands smaller or move the player farther back. Remind them to finish the swing toward the target instead of trying to hit as hard as possible.
4. Coach Says: Ready, Split, Move
Builds: Ready position and first-step movement.
Stand opposite the player with a few balls. Ask them to start in a ready position: knees slightly bent, racquet in front, and eyes on the feeder. Say “split,” then toss a ball gently to the forehand or backhand side. The child takes a small split step and moves to meet it.
Begin with predictable feeds. Once the player is comfortable, vary the direction but keep the ball within easy reach. The split step should be small and timed just before the opponent’s shot or the feeder’s toss, rather than becoming a jump that delays the next move.
5. Rally Across the River
Builds: Rally skills, height, and consistency.
Use cones or court lines to mark a “river” in the middle of a mini-court. Players rally cooperatively, trying to send the ball over the river and into the other player’s side. Start close to the net with a red or foam ball, and allow the ball to bounce once.
Count consecutive shots rather than winners. If two players are at different levels, the stronger player can use a softer feed or aim toward the middle to keep the rally going. When they can manage several exchanges, widen the court or move a step back.
6. Clean Your Room
Builds: Movement, ball tracking, and shot preparation.
Divide a small court with a net or a line and place several soft balls on each side. On “go,” players hit or roll the balls across to the other side. After a short round, stop and count how many balls are on each side. Use soft balls and clear rules: players must hit from behind a line and never run through someone’s swing.
This energetic game works well between more focused activities. To add a tennis skill, require players to use a forehand for one round and a backhand for the next.
7. Serve and Score
Builds: Serving rhythm and aiming.
For new players, begin with an underhand serve or a gentle drop-hit from near the service line. Set a large target in the service box, such as a pair of cones, and let each child try five serves. Move farther back only when the player can send the ball forward with a balanced finish.
Keep the focus on a repeatable routine: get set, look at the target, and swing smoothly. A child who can start a point reliably will enjoy match play more than one who is pushed to use a full overhead serve too soon.
8. Three-Shot Challenge
Builds: Patience and point patterns.
Feed an easy ball and challenge the player to make three controlled shots before trying to hit a winner. For example, they might rally cross-court twice, then aim down the line on the third shot. Beginners can count any three successful hits; experienced kids can practise changing direction only when balanced.
This game introduces a helpful match habit: build the point before going for a risky shot. If a child is stretched or off balance, encourage a safe, higher shot back toward the middle.
Adjusting Drills by Age and Skill
| Player | Useful setup | Good goal |
|---|---|---|
| New or younger player | Foam or red ball; service-box space | Track the ball and make contact |
| Developing player | Red or orange ball; short court | Rally a few shots with control |
| More experienced player | Orange or green ball; larger court | Choose direction and recover after a shot |
These are starting points, not strict age rules. A child’s comfort, strength, and ability to control the ball matter more than the number on a birthday cake. If the ball keeps getting away from them, shorten the distance or use a slower ball. If they are making easy contact, add movement or a target.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a tennis drill last for kids?
Many children do best with a few minutes per activity, followed by a change of task or a short water break. Keep the session moving, and repeat a drill later if the child is enjoying it.
What is the best tennis drill for a beginner?
Ball Bounce and Catch is a simple starting point because it teaches ball tracking and control without the pressure of a rally. Follow it with gentle feeds from close to the net.
How can I help a child who gets frustrated when they miss?
Make the target larger, move closer, or switch to a slower ball so success feels reachable. Set effort-based goals, such as getting into position or making a smooth swing, instead of counting only successful shots.
Do kids need a full-size court to practise?
No. A service box or marked mini-court is often easier for beginners. A smaller space gives children more chances to reach the ball and practise a rally.
Final Thoughts
The best tennis drills for kids combine a clear skill with a playful challenge. Start close, use a suitable ball, and build from catching and controlled contact toward rallies, serving, and simple point patterns. When children leave the court feeling capable and eager to play again, the session has done its job.
