Beginner training plan
Your first lessonIntroduce the basic rules, scoring, court layout, and safety. Teach proper paddle grip, ready position, forehand, backhand, and serving fundamentals. Focus on rallying and making consistent contact with the ball rather than power.
Drills:
Paddle & Ball Control (self-taps)
Partner Catch and Hit
Forehand Crosscourt Rally
Service Target Practice
Ready Position Footwork
Lesson 2-3Build consistency with serves, returns, and groundstrokes while introducing the non-volley zone (kitchen) and the double-bounce rule. Begin basic court positioning and movement.
Drills:
Serve and Return Challenge
Crosscourt Forehand/Backhand Rally
Kitchen Line Dinking Introduction
Side-to-Side Movement Drill
Third Shot Placement Drill
Goals:
Sustain 10+ shot rallies
Consistently serve into the correct service box
Understand basic scoring and court positioning
Lesson 4-10Develop dinking, volleys, third-shot drops, and transition zone play. Introduce doubles strategy, communication, and shot selection. Incorporate game-like scenarios and match play.
Drills:
Dink Ladder Challenge
Volley Reaction Drill
Third Shot Drop Repetitions
Transition Zone Movement Drill
Doubles Communication Games
King/Queen of the Court
Goals:
Move confidently to the kitchen line
Maintain dink rallies of 15+ shots
Execute basic third-shot drops
Understand doubles positioning and teamwork
Lesson 11+Refine technique, improve shot consistency, and introduce advanced strategy. Focus on decision-making, spin serves, offensive and defensive resets, and competitive match play.
Drills:
Advanced Dink Patterns
Reset and Block Drills
Speed-Up and Counterattack Drill
Serve Plus One Strategy
Situational Point Play
Match Simulation
Goals:
Develop a complete all-court game
Improve consistency under pressure
Apply strategy during match play
Build confidence for recreational and tournament competition
