SPORTS SESSION

Sports Session

Sports Session

Sports Session For Children

Tennis has been perceived as a difficult game to learn due to technique emphasis in the past.  Coaches need to recognise that many children will not learn effectively from verbal instructions.  The average person only remembers 7% of what is said to them, for young children this may be considerably less.  With this in mind keep instruction clear and simple when teaching the basic strokes.  Young children will respond best when the coach makes distinctions when instructing - higher or lower; softer or harder; left or right. (Armstrong, 1997)

Demonstration

The value of demonstration - 80% of any skill we learn is through what we see!  Children learn effectively from observing and copying.  Recommend to young students to practice their swing in front of a mirror or window so they match the “feel” of their swing to the shape the coach has demonstrated.

 

Repetition

Studies have shown it takes between 120 - 180 repetitions for the body to become comfortable with a new movement.  Invest time in “grooving” the swing and consider practicing “shadow” shots while players are not directly hitting the ball during lessons. (Balyi, 1998)

 

Placement

Studies have shown that in sports that require both speed and precision (like tennis) it is far better to learn slow, controlled moves and then make them faster; than learn fast uncontrolled moves and them slow them down.  By hitting accurate controlled shots players will also become better at rallying.

 

Modified Equipment

Using modified equipment represents a crucial factor ensuring success for the young beginner achieving success and therefore enjoyment of the game.  Lighter, smaller racquets allow them to develop their swing; low compression tennis balls stop the ball bouncing too fast and high; lower nets increases successful hits; limited court area lets players move more comfortably to the ball.

 These specifications are approximations and can be suited to the individual.  They are however based on detailed research and are an accurate guide. (Abbott, 2002)

Different countries have been using this type of program for many years successfully.  A most important fact emerging from using the Red - Orange - Green progression is that while it obviously helps low skilled players enjoy increased success; it is also a factor in developing elite juniors.  Because players can use good technique [smaller and lighter racquets]; can transition to the net [smaller court area]; and can take the ball on the rise using topspin [lower bouncing balls] they can begin to play like “mini pro's” at a young age.

Another area which can make the coaches court more fun are coaching aids like coloured markers and cones or balls of different shapes and sizes.  Coaching aids will also assist the coach's court management and instruction.  Use coloured or numbered markers to direct students to their position on court, target markers will help students with their placement skills and allow the coach to use simple instructions.

 

Progressive Program

 Planning for young beginners as a special needs group the coach must provide maximum participation for the students whilst increasing the quality of activity ...