What should I teach first in tennis?

What Should I Teach First in Tennis?

Tennis is a great sport for all ages, providing hours of fun and exercise. But starting out can be intimidating, especially if you’re trying to figure out what to teach first. Fortunately, there are a few key basics that every player should learn first, no matter their age or skill level.

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Grips

One of the most important things to teach first is the different types of grips. Having the correct grip is essential for executing shots correctly and efficiently. The four most common grips are the continental grip, eastern forehand grip, western forehand grip, and semi-western forehand grip.

Continental Grip: The continental grip is used for serves, volleys, and overheads. It’s the most versatile grip and is the best grip to start with because it will also provide a strong foundation for the other grips.

Eastern Forehand Grip: The eastern forehand grip is used when hitting forehands. It’s best for players who want to hit with more power and spin.

Western Forehand Grip: The western forehand grip is used for hitting forehands with more control. It’s best for players who want to hit with more accuracy and consistency.

Semi-Western Forehand Grip: The semi-western forehand grip is used for hitting forehands with a combination of power and control. It’s best for players who want to hit with a balance of both power and control.

Stance

The stance is another important element to teach first. It’s important to have a proper stance in order to generate power and reach the ball.

• The feet should be shoulder-width apart and aligned in the direction of the target.
• The knees should be slightly bent and the weight should be evenly distributed on both feet.
• The hips should be slightly forward and the back should be straight.
• The shoulders should be relaxed and slightly raised.
• The arms should be relaxed and slightly bent.

Forehand

The forehand is an essential shot and should be taught first. To hit a forehand, the player should start with the correct grip and stance.

• The racquet should be brought back by rotating the shoulder and the arm.
• The racquet should then be brought forward and up to meet the ball.
• The wrist should snap forward at the moment of contact with the ball.
• The movement should be fluid and continuous.

Backhand

The backhand is another essential shot and should be taught after the forehand. To hit a backhand, the player should start with the correct grip and stance.

• The racquet should be brought back by rotating the shoulder and the arm.
• The racquet should then be brought forward and up to meet the ball.
• The wrist should roll over the ball at the moment of contact.
• The movement should be fluid and continuous.

Serves

Teaching proper serves is essential for playing a successful game of tennis. To hit a serve, the player should start with the correct grip and stance.

• The racquet should be held in the continental grip.
• The body should be aligned in the direction of the target.
• The racquet should be brought back and then forward to meet the ball.
• The wrist should snap forward at the moment of contact with the ball.
• The movement should be fluid and continuous.

Volleys

Volleys are an important part of the game and should be taught after the forehand and backhand. To hit a volley, the player should start with the correct grip and stance.

• The racquet should be held in the continental grip.
• The racquet should be brought forward and up to meet the ball.
• The wrist should snap forward at the moment of contact with the ball.
• The movement should be fluid and continuous.

Overheads

Overheads are a powerful shot and should be taught after the serve and volley. To hit an overhead, the player should start with the correct grip and stance.

• The racquet should be held in the continental grip.
• The racquet should be brought up and over the head to meet the ball.
• The wrist should snap forward at the moment of contact with the ball.
• The movement should be fluid and continuous.

Footwork

Footwork is an important part of the game and should be taught after the forehand, backhand, serve, volley, and overhead. Footwork involves the proper use of the feet to move around the court.

• The feet should be light, quick, and agile.
• The feet should move in the direction of the ball.
• The player should stay low and balanced throughout the entire movement.
• The player should move quickly and efficiently.

Scoring and Strategy

Scoring and strategy are important components of the game and should be taught after the basics. Scoring involves keeping track of the score and understanding the different types of points. Strategy involves making the right decisions in order to win the point.

• The player should be familiar with the different types of points (e.g. love, 15, 30, 40, and game).
• The player should understand the different strategies for winning points (e.g. serve and volley, hit to the open court, attack the net).
• The player should understand the different types of shots (e.g. forehand, backhand, serve, volley, overhead).
• The player should understand the importance of mental toughness and the ability to stay focused.

Etiquette

Etiquette is an important part of the game and should be taught after the basics. Etiquette involves understanding and following the rules of the game.

• The player should be familiar with the basic rules of the game (e.g. no coaching during play, no swearing, etc.).
• The player should understand the importance of sportsmanship (e.g. shaking hands after a match, offering congratulations, etc.).
• The player should understand the importance of respect (e.g. not arguing with line calls, not taking too long between points, etc.).
• The player should understand the importance of safety (e.g. not hitting the ball at someone’s head, not hitting the ball into the net, etc.).

Conclusion

Tennis is a great sport for all ages and skill levels. Knowing what to teach first is essential for getting the most out of the game. The basics of grips, stance, forehand, backhand, serve, volley, overhead, footwork, scoring and strategy, and etiquette are all important components of the game and should be taught first. With these basics in place, the player will have a strong foundation for a lifetime of tennis enjoyment.