Beginner training plan
Your first lesson • Assess the player’s athletic background and experience.
• Introduce the court, basic rules, and how to hold the racquet.
• Teach ready position, basic forehand, and hand-eye coordination drills.
• Keep it light and fun to build confidence and enjoyment.
Lesson 2-3
• Reinforce forehand technique and introduce the backhand.
• Begin simple rally drills to develop consistency.
• Teach proper footwork and movement around the court.
• Introduce basic serving motion and scoring.
Lesson 4-10 • Develop consistency in both forehand and backhand strokes.
• Introduce volleys and overheads.
• Improve serving technique and accuracy.
• Begin to play short games/points with guidance.
• Work on court positioning, basic strategy, and point construction.
Lesson 11+ • Focus on refining technique and adding topspin.
• Improve consistency under pressure (drills and match play).
• Practice match scenarios, including tiebreakers and game management.
• Continue building confidence, fitness, and mental toughness.
• Encourage tournament or league play for experience.
Youth players
Working with kidsWhen working with kids, I adapt my lessons by focusing on making tennis fun, engaging, and easy to understand. I use age-appropriate equipment like smaller racquets and low-compression balls, and I break the court into smaller areas to match their size and skill level. I keep instructions simple, using clear demonstrations and encouraging repetition through games and activities that build coordination and confidence.
I prioritize short, varied drills to match their attention spans and always create a positive, supportive environment. Rather than focusing heavily on technique early on, I aim to build a love for the game, encourage movement, and make sure each session ends with a sense of accomplishment and excitement to come back.
