Beginner training plan
Your first lessonIntroduction to Tennis
Objective: Create a comfortable and encouraging environment while introducing basic concepts.
1. Warm-up and Stretching: Brief introduction to dynamic stretches to prevent injury.
2. Equipment Familiarization: Show proper grip (Eastern forehand grip for starters), racket handling, and how to use it efficiently.
3. Court Orientation: Explain court layout—boundaries, service boxes, and basic tennis rules.
4. Basic Forehand Stroke: Demonstrate and practice forehand shots, focusing on footwork, racket position, and follow-through.
5. Ball Control Drills: Simple hand-eye coordination drills (e.g., bouncing a ball on the racket) to improve feel for the racket and ball.
6. Fun Rally: End the lesson with a short rally to make the beginner comfortable hitting the ball and maintaining rhythm.
Emphasis:Enjoyment, building familiarity with the racket, and very basic forehand mechanics.
Lesson 2-3Objective: Establish foundational strokes and understanding of tennis movement.
1. Recap of Forehand Stroke: Begin each lesson with a review to reinforce the forehand technique.
2. Introduction to the Backhand: Teach the backhand stroke (two-handed or one-handed) with a focus on footwork, racket position, and swing.
3. Footwork Basics: Demonstrate basic footwork patterns, including split step and lateral movement.
4. Grip Adjustments: Discuss grip variations (continental grip for volleys and serves).
5. Basic Rallies and Movement: Incorporate short rallies, emphasizing movement to and from the ball.
6. Serve Introduction (Lesson 3): Begin to introduce the basics of serving—proper stance, toss, and contact point.
Emphasis: Consistency with forehand and backhand, understanding footwork, and introducing the serve.
Lesson 4-10Progressing to Game Play
Objective: Develop consistent rallying skills, serve mechanics, and introduce more complex movements.
1. Forehand and Backhand Consistency: Continue working on stroke consistency, adding power and depth to shots.
2. Full Serve Development: Refine the serve, adding concepts of spin and direction.
3. Volley Introduction (Lesson 5-6): Teach volleys, starting with net positioning, technique, and when to use volleys during a point.
4. Baseline vs. Net Play (Lesson 7-8): Teach the difference between baseline and net play, introducing tactics and positioning.
5. Mini Matches: Introduce short matches or point play to develop an understanding of scoring, strategy, and pressure.
6. Introduction to Spins: Show how to apply topspin and backspin on groundstrokes for added control and variety (Lesson 9-10).
Emphasis: Combining technique with movement, shot selection, and strategic thinking in match situations.
