PLAY - The Key To Success

What is the best type of training to do with kids?

Play!

Organised correctly this teaches kids how to run, change direction, move laterally, jump and land etc.

Although they develop quickly at a young age (pre-pubescent), they have "Critical Periods" of development.

For example, kids between the ages of 7 and 10 are more able to develop speed qualities.

This doesn't mean you should try and train an 8 year-old like a 100 meter sprinter, but you can train qualities like reaction time and repetitive movement.

The same goes for other qualities like strength and coordination - they all have windows of opportunities when they are best developed.

All kids learn by playing and discovering.

So to work on reaction and quickness, try have them perform a mirror drill.

A mirror drill has one partner mirror the movements of the other partner.

They are both working on the critical tennis skills of reaction and quickness, but they both have fun.

I normally stand and correct any inefficient movement, so both play and teaching occurs.

Remember I said not to bother with high intensity sprints (the anaerobic system is not highly developed and there is a lack of muscular efficiency and young kids can pass out due to the low tolerance of the anaerobic system), have them try tag or relay races or set up obstacle courses.

They find this much more fun and the child has more control over how hard they work.

Other great games are ultimate Frisbee and capture the flag.

The other great thing about these games is that they improve decision making which is becoming highly developed at this stage.



STRENGTH

Use body weight activities, medicine balls, light resistance tubing, Swiss balls and low boxes to step on and off as part of the training program.

Look at this time as a fantastic opportunity to not only gain some strength, but body control and preparation them for the next stage of training when they are a bit older.

The fun part of strength training at this age is using pretty much anything that exposes them to weight bearing activities.

So do races or activities that require crawling, climbing, dragging, pulling each other, pushing each other, tug-o-war, jumping, and throwing medicine balls for distance, accuracy, and touch.

These are a super foundation for future development.

So to get your kids tennis training on the right tracks!

Let them do what comes natural to them!

Now you know how play can help your game go here for more info