Ways to Make Your Program Fun

A program is only as fun as you make it. Juniors in the three to ten age range do not enjoy standing in line for three minutes or longer waiting to hit two balls and then go to the end of the line. Players can learn mechanics and work on their motor skills by playing fun games and using teaching aids such as foam balls, the serving doctor and hula hoops. Instructors also play a huge part in making it fun for players. Instructors have to be full of energy when teaching this age group. They are ultimately the one who is responsible for the player deciding whether they like tennis or not.

Using teaching aids to help teach your students is important for the success of your program. Kids will enjoy aids such as the hula hoop, the serving doctor or simply laughing at you because you are wearing a funny hat. The equipment is a vital part of the kids having fun and laughing. Also, with all the equipment spread out on your courts, parents will appreciate your efforts in going to all lengths to make sure their child is getting 100% from you as the instructor.

Kids love to get praise whether it is a “high five” or receiving prizes. Positive reinforcement is the key to instructing children and prizes are a great way to accomplish this. Prizes add spice to the program and keep the children interested and motivated. Recognition really is essential in making your program a success. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the look on a player’s face when receiving a prize for their achievement. The student will be excited to go home and tell their parents they won a prize! Some prizes can include candy (no gum!), colorful pencils, stickers, t-shirts, trophies, certificates, coloring books for younger children and a new racket.

A lot of drills are only as fun as the instructor makes them. For this age group, the instructors have to be energetic, vocal, and patient. They also need to love kids and give a lot of “high-fives!” Children respond well with instructors who can make them smile, laugh and have a great time. Instructors will make a huge impression on children. We all remember certain school teachers that stood out from the rest whether it was good or bad. The key is that we remember! We do not want the students to remember the sport of tennis as being a bad experience because their instructor was not nice. If an instructor’s attitude is bad it might have a long term affect on the players’ participation in tennis. Make sure all instructors are energetic, look players in the eye, smile, laugh, give “high-fives” and offer plenty of positive reinforcement!

Equipment, recognizing players’ achievements and quality instructors are all extremely important for the success of your program. Say good bye to the days of players standing in line, hitting four balls and having the instructor say nothing or something in a boring tone. The use of fun equipment, giving out tons of prizes and an energetic instructor will be beneficial to your program and will hopefully inspire players to make tennis the sport of a lifetime!

David Minihan, director of tennis, is author of acclaimed book Coaching Your Tennis Champion (Mansion Grove House). He is in his 10th year operating Westwood Tennis Center in Norman, Okla. His junior programming reaches hundreds of students each year and has prepared several for collegiate play.