Tiny Steps, Big Swings: Coaching Tennis

Guiding children under 10 in tennis is like building a brand-new structure from the ground up: you need a clear plan, the right environment, and step-by-step execution. When I first started as an ITF-certified Play Tennis coach—I was eager to share drills and exercises. But it quickly became clear that the psychology of learning is vital—especially for younger players whose focus can shift in a moment. This post outlines some of my key learnings.

It’s kind of like when we’re teaching kids to tie their shoes: we want them to see the steps and then try them out. The same principle applies on the tennis court. Rather than explaining the grip or footwork in a detailed speech, we demonstrate with short, clear actions. Show vs. tell becomes a game-changer when working with young learners who thrive on visual cues.

Fun should always be at the heart of our lessons for under-10 players. It’s crucial that kids get to experience the thrill of playing tennis right from the very first session, rather than being bogged down by too much technique. We can think of it as giving them a quick, hands-on preview so they see the basics in action. By emphasizing play early on, we can show them that tennis is accessible and exciting, laying the groundwork for deeper skill development later. This approach motivates the kids to continue playing Tennis much longer.

We also know children can lose interest quickly if drills aren’t engaging. That’s why we should plan activities that blend competition (like mini-tournaments or timed challenges) with cooperation (like partner drills or team-based targeting games). This balance keeps the energy high and ensures they feel both challenged and supported.

Safety is equally important. An unsafe environment not only poses a risk to the child’s health but can also disrupt the entire class. Think of it as rushing into a big, untested change without any safeguards: we’d open the door to problems that can derail everyone’s progress. So, we should ensure proper net coverage, clear any clutter around the court, and keep an eye on the intensity of drills. This way, kids can remain confident in their abilities and we can teach more effectively.

Planning our sessions is key. We should not just show up with tennis balls and hope for the best. A successful lesson plan might include:

• A quick warm-up and icebreaker (like a playful run around the court).
• A main skill focus, such as basic forehand or backhand techniques demonstrated visually.
• Adjusted drills allowing kids to practice in pairs, reinforcing both skills and social engagement.
• Properly supervised play to maintain safety and reduce the risk of injury.
• A playful wrap-up that gives them a sense of achievement and motivation to come back.

We should also remember some players might be left-handed. It’s almost like mirroring our instructions for those who need a slightly different approach. Showing them the correct grip and movement can save everyone a lot of confusion later on.

A lot of these learnings are also from training my son who is a tennis enthusiast and plays relentlessly in various clubs, and from following many professional tennis coaches. There’s much to observe, learn and adopt. I wouldn’t be where I am without the incredible guidance of the coaches at the Singapore Tennis Association.

I am looking forward to be coaching and shaping up players!