Does your son or daughter want to be the next Roger Federer or Maria Sharapova? If you’re looking into tennis lessons for kids, you might have some questions before you get started. Read on as West Orange, NJ tennis coach David E. tackles 6 of the frequently asked questions…
In your quest to find the perfect after-school activity for your child, you may have considered tennis lessons.
Tennis is a great way to help improve hand-eye coordination, focus, and discipline. Kids who participate in tennis lessons are also likely to experience social and emotional growth. Tennis can be a fun and rewarding experience for kids of all ages!
Are you considering signing your child up for tennis lessons? If so, you may have some questions about what to expect. In this post, we’ll answer six of the most frequently asked questions about kids’ tennis lessons. Keep reading to learn more!
How Do I Start My Child in Tennis Lessons?
Here’s what you need to know about getting your child started in tennis lessons:
- Find the right size racquet
- Get the right type of balls
- Sign up for the ideal lesson type
- Understand the ideal length
- Find the perfect instructor
- Follow the curriculum
Wondering how to find tennis lessons for kids near me? Here’s a helpful tennis lessons for kids sign-up link, as well as more information on the benefits of tennis lessons for kids below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsMu7RsrNFw
Tennis Lessons for Kids: What to Know
There are so many sports options for children these days. It can be hard to decide which activity is the best fit for your little one. If you’re looking for a sport that will provide physical and mental stimulation, tennis may be a good choice.
1) What size racquet should I get?
Generally the sizes recommended are as follows:
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Ages 0-4: 19″
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Ages 4-5: 21″
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Ages 6-7: 23″
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Ages 8-10: 25″
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Ages 10-12: 26″
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Ages 12 & up: adult size-27″-29″
The racquets can usually be purchased for about $20 at places like Sports Authority, Modell’s, & K-Mart. Most brands will display the size of the racquet and age that they are appropriate for.
2) What type of balls should be used?
Your kid can learn tennis with regular tennis balls, but it is generally agreed today that felt or foam balls are better. They have a slower bounce, and weigh less. This gives children plenty of time to react to the ball. They are also safer because they are soft. The disadvantages are that they are expensive, and sometimes start falling apart after a while. They can also be difficult to use outside, especially if it’s windy.
3) What type of lesson should I get my kid?
There are three types of lessons to consider: private, semi-private, & group lessons.
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Private: Advantages are 1) completely individualized attention, 2) usually the most rapid improvement, and 3) best format to “fix” a stroke. Disadvantages are 1) usually expensive, 2) no other peers present, and 3) generally fewer fun games to play.
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Semi-private: Advantages are 1) cost is shared between two players, 2) kids have a peer to play with, and 3) teachers can organize games and competitions between students. Disadvantages are 1) if one kid is learning faster than the other, it can be frustrating for slower learner, and 2) it can also hold back the kid who is learning faster.
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Group: Advantages are 1) lowest cost, 2) different peers to socialize with, and 3) low pressure and usually the most fun. The one is disadvantage is that instruction per student is limited.
4) How long should tennis lessons for kids be?
For ages 4-7, 30 minutes is plenty. Kids ages 8-12 might consider 45 minutes, and 12 & older may be able to handle 60 minutes.
5) What qualities should a tennis instructor have?
Enthusiasm: If the tennis instructor is enthusiastic, very often this excitement will permeate to the student. If the instructor isn’t passionate about being out there on the court, how can your child be expected to be motivated?
Knowledge: The instructor needs a sound knowledge of things like grips, stroke techniques, footwork, and strategies.
Patience: Your child needs to feel comfortable with the instructor, so using positive reinforcement and critical responses can help. The instructor needs to be calm, offer a lot of praise, and not show frustration if it takes time for your kid to improve in their skills.
Communication Skills: It is important to understand that there are multiple learning styles. One student can learn by verbal instruction, and another may need step-by-step visual guidance. They need the ability to break down instructions into a progression of achievable goals. Also, communicating by using humor at times is helpful in making a lesson more fun for your kid.
6) What exactly is taught in tennis lessons for kids?
Your child will learn the fundamentals of the forehand, backhand, volley, overhead, and serve. To ensure success, progression will be used. Starting with a drop feed, short tossed, and then a feed from the racquet. Your kid should start inside the service line, and then move back gradually when they show success in drilling. Drills and games are used to make it educational and fun, too. That’s the most important thing: for your child to experience success it is important that the lesson is fun!
Types of Tennis Lessons for Kids
Tennis is a great sport for kids to learn. It teaches them hand-eye coordination, balance, and discipline.
As briefly mentioned earlier in this post, there are various types of tennis lessons that parents can enroll their children in.
Free Tennis Lessons for Kids
While tennis can be a fun and rewarding sport for kids of all ages, it can also be quite pricey to get started.
Between membership fees, court rentals, and private lessons, the cost of playing tennis can quickly add up. However, there are a few ways to find free tennis lessons for kids.
Many community parks and recreation centers offer free or low-cost tennis clinics for kids throughout the year. In addition, many cities have after-school programs that include free tennis lessons as part of their curriculum.
And finally, many professional tennis clubs offer free introductory lessons for kids on weekends or during the summer months. With a little bit of searching, it is possible to find free tennis lessons for kids in almost any community.
Indoor Tennis Lessons for Kids
While many youngsters love playing tennis outdoors, there are definite benefits to taking indoor tennis lessons.
One benefit is that kids can take indoor tennis lessons no matter what the weather is like outside. That can be a big deal in places with very hot summers or very cold winters.
Second, the hard surface of an indoor tennis court is easier on a child’s body than the soft surface of an outdoor court. Third, since there are no Wind gusts to contend with inside, balls bounce more predictably, making the game more enjoyable for young players.
Finally, taking indoor tennis lessons gives kids the chance to meet other youngsters who share their interest in the game. All of these factors make indoor tennis lessons a great option for kids who want to learn and improve their game.
Group Tennis Lessons for Kids
Tennis is a great way for kids to stay active, and it can be even more fun when played with friends. Group tennis lessons can offer a number of benefits compared to taking independent lessons.
For one, group lessons provide an opportunity for kids to socialize and make new friends. They also help children to learn how to cooperate and work together as a team.
In addition, group lessons tend to be more affordable than private ones, making them a great option for families on a budget.
And finally, children who take group tennis lessons often have more fun and stay motivated longer than those who take independent lessons. With so many advantages, it’s no wonder that group tennis lessons are becoming increasingly popular among young players.
Private Tennis Lessons for Kids
While group tennis lessons can be a good way for kids to learn the basics of the game, private lessons can offer several distinct benefits.
First, private lessons provide individualized attention from a coach, which can help kids to progress more quickly.
Second, private lessons allow kids to work at their own pace, rather than being held back or pushed ahead by the rest of the group. Third, private lessons give kids the chance to receive feedback on their specific strokes and technique, rather than simply copying what they see others doing.
As a result, private tennis lessons can be an extremely effective way for kids to improve their game.
What Age is Best to Start Tennis Lessons?
The age at which a child starts taking tennis lessons is not as important as some people think. Although it is true that early exposure to the sport can be beneficial, children of all ages can learn to play tennis and develop their skills.
The most important factor is whether the child is interested in learning and motivated to improve. With the right approach, any child can start taking tennis lessons and reap the benefits of this great sport.
There are a few things to consider when deciding at what age to start giving a child tennis lessons.
First, it is important to make sure that the child is physically ready for the demands of the sport. Tennis requires quick movements and good hand-eye coordination, so younger children may not be able to keep up with older players. Second, it is important to choose an age-appropriate class or coach.
A class that is too easy will be boring for older children, while a class that is too difficult will frustrate younger ones. Third, consider your own schedule and resources. If you have the time and money to commit to regular lessons, starting earlier may be a good option. However, if you are limited in either of these areas, it may be better to wait until the child is a little older.
Benefits of Tennis Lessons for Kids
Tennis is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
For kids, tennis can provide a fun and active way to spend time after school or on weekends. In addition to being a great workout, tennis also helps to develop hand-eye coordination and precision.
Tennis lessons can be beneficial for kids as they provide structure and guidance from a qualified coach.
With regular practice, kids can improve their skills and confidence on the court. In addition, lessons can help kids to learn the rules and etiquette of the game, setting them up for success in future competitions.
Whether your child is a budding tennis star or just looking for a new hobby, indoor tennis lessons can be a great way to encourage personal growth and development.
How Much Are Tennis Lessons for Kids?
In general, tennis lessons for kids fall into two main categories: private and group.
Private lessons are typically more expensive, but they offer the advantage of one-on-one attention from a qualified instructor.
Group lessons, on the other hand, are often less expensive but may not provide the same level of individualized instruction.
The best way to determine the cost of tennis lessons for kids is to contact a local tennis club or instructor for more information.
If you’re looking for tennis lessons for your child, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and our answers to help make the process easier for you. Plus, we’ve included some tips on how to get started. Good luck and have fun!
David E. teaches private, semi-private, and group tennis lessons in West Orange, NJ. He has over 30 years of experience teaching tennis, and joined the TakeLessons team in 2014. Learn more about David and book lessons here!
Photo by Frédéric de Villamil
Suzy S.