In this partnership game, the aim is to tap the ball gently, pass it in a targeted manner and catch it safely – a calm exercise that promotes ball skills, responsiveness and cooperative teamwork.

How it works:
This game is all about getting the ball moving and developing a good feel for “sending and receiving” at the same time. One child gently taps the ball on the floor and passes it to their partner. The partner lets the ball bounce once and catches it with both hands. The ball is then rolled back sideways across the floor. After three attempts, the players switch. The goal is to pass the ball so that your partner can catch it easily.

Learning objectives:

• Improving eye-hand coordination
• Promotion of cooperation and social interaction
• Development of reaction speed
• Training movement in space (adapting to the direction of the ball)
• Strengthening two-handed motor skills through two-handed catching
  

Coaching Keys:

• Pay attention to soft passes – the ball should be easy to catch
• Ask the children to move slightly to reach the ball better
• Change after three balls so that both children remain active
• Praise specifically to promote confidence and motivation
• If necessary, adapt the exercise with lighter balls or shorter distances
  

In this exercise, the children balance the ball on the racket, turn it or even bounce it on the frame – a fun challenge for ball feeling, coordination and body control.

Learning objectives:

• Improving ball control and feel for the ball
• Training hand-eye coordination
• Development of balance and body control

Coaching-Keys:

• Start running with the ball on the racket and then take a stroke.
• Keep your distance: Ensure sufficient distance between players to avoid injury.
• Simplify: Initially grip the racket shorter at the heart of the racket.
• Variations: Bounce the ball on the ground while turning the racket.ehen.

“Color chaos on the court” is a dynamic and effective way to add variety to tennis training and improve players’ skills in a fun way.

This is how it works:

For this game, you will need several tennis balls in different colors (e.g. yellow, red-yellow, orange-yellow, red). One player (the “coach”) holds the balls. The other players spread out on the court as if they were expecting a ball.

The coach now drops the balls one after the other. Each color is associated with a specific stroke technique:

• Yellow ball = overhead
• Red-yellow ball = backhand
• Orange-yellow ball = Forehand
• Red ball = Forehand or backhand (free choice)

In addition to the stroke technique, players must perform a split step with every falling ball.

Learning objectives:

• Reaction speed: Players must react to the color of the ball with lightning speed.
• Technical execution: The game promotes the correct execution of the various stroke techniques (Forehand, backhand, overhead).
• Coordination: The combination of split-step and stroke technique trains coordination.
• Concentration: The players must remember the color-technique assignment and stay focused.

Coaching Keys:

• Clear instructions: Explain the color technique assignment clearly before starting.
• Correct execution: Make sure that the players execute the stroke techniques cleanly and do not just concentrate on speed.
• Don’t forget the split step: Keep reminding the players of the split-step.
• Increase: Start with fewer balls and increase the number as the players become more confident.
• Motivation: Praise good actions and motivate the players to improve further.

In this dynamic 3-on-3 game, the tennis court is transformed into a tactical throwing field. Two teams face each other across the entire tennis court and throw the ball backwards overhead into the opponent’s half. The ball may bounce once – or be caught directly out of the air. Then you have to react quickly, catch it, coordinate and throw it back overhead again.

The game is played exclusively with throws – no strokes, no rackets, but lots of movement, reaction and team communication!

This is how it works:

Two teams of three players each play against each other on a tennis court. The ball may bounce once per team move – after which it must be caught. The ball is only thrown overhead and backwards. The goal is to place the ball so that the other team does not reach it in time. Scoring: Errors due to out, double bounce or misunderstandings.

Learning objectives:

• Teamwork & communication: agreements and role allocation are crucial.
• Coordination & backward orientation: The overhead back throw trains unusual movement patterns.
• Anticipation & field awareness: Players learn to recognize spaces and make targeted use of them.
• Reaction & catching: The change from observation to action is practiced intensively.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Use soft, easy-to-grip balls (e.g. softballs).
• Make sure the rules are clear: only throw overhead, only one bounce allowed.
• Mark the zones, if necessary with a “no-go zone” at the net for safety.
• Encourage loud communication within the team: “I’ve got it!”, “Yours!”.

Variants:

smaller field, fewer jumps, time limit per action.

Everything is upside down in this unusual ball game – in the truest sense of the word! The ball can only be thrown backwards over the opponent’s head. A game with unusual movements that promotes coordination, reaction and cooperation.

This is how it works:

Two teams (2 players each) face each other over a net or marker. The ball is thrown backwards over the head. The opposing team must catch the ball after a maximum of one bounce. The ball may be passed overhead within the team. When throwing over the net, the taboo zone in front of the net is blocked – it may not be entered. The game is played for time or up to a set number of points.

Learning objectives:

• Backward orientation & spatial awareness: Children learn to orient themselves backwards when throwing.
• Reactivity: The trajectory of the ball is unpredictable – lightning-fast adaptation is required.
• Cooperation: Team coordination and passing are essential for success.
• Understanding the game: The connection to tennis (one bounce, doubles principle) creates cross-sport learning.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Start with soft, easy-to-grip balls (e.g. softball, volleyball).
• Mark out a clearly visible no-go zone and explain how to observe it.
• Dry exercises in advance: Overhead throwing technique without the ball.
• Promote team communication: Whose turn is it? Who catches, who throws?

Variations:

Throwing with eyes closed, with a clear call signal before the throw, with scoring.

This game combines team spirit and ball skills! Two children hold a juggling cloth or large towel together and try to “catapult” a ball over the net in an arc.

This is how it works:

Two children stand opposite each other, each with a juggling cloth, towel or sheet. A ball is “swung” over the net together – not thrown. The opposite side tries to catch the ball and return it.
The goal is to play the ball in such a way that it remains catchable and long rallies are created.
Important: gentle, targeted trajectories – not too steep and not too flat.
Variations: with changing partners, a smaller net or different balls.

Learning objectives:

• Cooperation & coordination: Children learn to act together and respond to each other.
• Spatial awareness & trajectory perception: The ball should arc over the net – this trains the perception of angle and speed.
• Fine motor skills & timing: The right moment for the “swing” needs to be found.
• Communication: The change from throw to catch can only be successful with coordination.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Start with soft, light balls (e.g. air ball, softball).
• Adjust the size of the cloth and distance between the nets according to age.
• Make it clear: “You are playing with each other – not against each other.”
• Encourage calm, even movements instead of hectic swinging.
• Goal: long rallies and the joy of cooperation!

In this creative game, the aim is to hit balls off the cone in a goal-oriented but fun way – using a water bottle instead of a racket! One person takes on the role of the so-called “spoilsport”. Their task is to “knock” the balls away from the cone with the bottle, but only in the direction of the net, as if an opponent were standing there. The other children are the “helpers” who comment and react – and later take on the active role themselves.

This is how it works:

Several balls are lying on cones. One child (the “spoilsport”) is given an empty plastic bottle and tries to stroke the balls off the cone. The balls may only be struck towards the net – not to the side or backwards. The other children watch, comment or count hits. After one round, the roles are swapped.

Learning objectives:

• Targeted hitting movement: Children learn to hit the ball with a focus on direction and Load.
• Concentration & control: The movement sequence should be conscious and precise.
• Spatial orientation: The children develop a feel for the direction of the playing field (front, sideways, backwards).
• Fun and understanding of roles: By alternating between “spoilsport” and helper, the children get to know both perspectives.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Set clear playing field boundaries – “Only stroke forwards!”
• Use light, harmless materials (e.g. plastic bottles, softballs).
• Encourage targeted play instead of force – less is often more.
• Incorporate small competitions: Who hits the most balls correctly?
• Pay attention to fairness and changing roles so that everyone gets a turn.

In this dynamic game, everything turns on timing, coordination and reaction. A long rope is swung by two people. The children have to interact with the ball and the rope in several steps:
First, the ball is rolled into the goal under the swinging rope at the right moment. This is followed by a jump over the rope, the ball is retrieved – and then it’s back: roll the ball back under the rope, but this time run through the lower hand of the rope yourself.

The game is fun, promotes concentration and brings movement into every group.

This is how it works:

• Two children or supervisors swing a long rope (e.g. skipping rope).
• One child starts with a ball.

1. Roll the ball when the rope is up – goal: through the swinging rope into the goal.
2. Jump over the rope, get the ball.
3. Roll the ball back again when the rope is at the top.
4. This time, run under the rope back to the starting point.
   

• Then it’s the next child’s turn.

Learning objectives:

• Reactivity & timing: The right moment for rolling, jumping and running must be recognized.
• Concentration: Several consecutive movement tasks demand attention.
• Body control & coordination: The game fluidly combines different forms of movement.
• Understanding the game & self-regulation: The children learn to adapt their speed to the rope movement.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Choose a soft, clearly visible rope – safety first.
• Start slowly and gradually increase the speed.
• Pay attention to clear instructions: “When to roll? When to jump? When to run?”
• Demonstrate the exercise once with a child as an example.
• Encourage courage and decisiveness: “Now is your moment – let’s go!”

This exercise combines accuracy with constant movement. One player (the tiger) stands in a demarcated area (the ring) that she is not allowed to leave – and no one else is allowed in. The other children move sideways around the zone in a side-step and try to hit her with controlled rolling movements.

The ball must not be thrown, but only rolled – with calm force and from a low position.

This is how it works:

One player stands in the center of a demarcated area. The other children stand outside and move sideways (side-step) along the boundary.

Goal:

Hit the player in the middle with a controlled roll (no throwing!). After a hit or after the time has elapsed, the game is switched. The ball always remains on the ground and is passed on or picked up again after the throw.stands in the center of a demarcated area. The other children stand outside and move sideways (side-step) along the boundary.

Learning objectives:

• Aiming accuracy & rolling technique: Players practice rolling the ball in a controlled manner.
• Body tension & low center of gravity: The throwing movement is performed out of a low, stable posture.
• Continuity of movement: Continuous side-step movement promotes coordination and endurance.
• Game overview & reaction skills: Who passes when – and who has to backup quickly?

Coaching Keys:

• Pay attention to low, stable starting positions when rolling.
• The ball always stays on the floor – no throws!
• Encourage continuous movement in the side-step, do not stand still.
• Change roles regularly – everyone can go to the middle once.
• Motivation through targets: “Who can hit the ball with the fewest attempts?”

With a particularly light ball that flies slowly and “cool” through the air, the serve movement is practiced in a playful way.
The children throw the ball up like a real serve, hit it upwards with their hand and run directly after it, ideally catching it again in the air. The whole thing combines movement, timing and lots of fun.

This is how it works:

The children are given a light ball (e.g. air ball, softball, beach ball). From a stance, the ball is thrown up like a tennis serve. The ball is “hit” upwards with the hand – important: not forwards, but upwards. Immediately after the stroke, the children run and try to catch the ball in the air again. The goal is to perform the movement smoothly and rhythmically.

Learning objectives:

• Serve preparation: The children practise the throwing and hitting movement for the tennis serve.
• Coordination & timing: The right moment to run and catch is trained.
• Spatial awareness: The game promotes orientation to the ball in the air.
• Joy of movement: The light ball allows children to experience moments of success without any pressure to perform.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Use particularly light and slow balls – the slower the flight, the better.
• Pay attention to a clean throwing motion – the ball should rise vertically.
• Encourage the children to keep moving and follow the ball with eye contact.

Show the movement beforehand in slow motion – as a flowing chain of throw, stroke, run, catch.

Variation: Team up with a partner-serve the ball and watch it soar to the other player.

This partner exercise is all about coordination, body tension and cooperation. Each duo is given a Swissball and a target cone. Various tasks are set.

Two children form a team. The starting position is a deep squat, both stand behind the Swissball. The goal is to first roll the ball from the starting line to the cone (one-handed and two-handed), then bounce it (right and left) – with as many small impulses as possible.

After the first attempt, the distance is changed or increased.

Learning objectives:

• Coordination & timing: The ball must be controlled synchronously and with a soft touch.
• Leg and core stability: The low stance strengthens the legs and core.
• Body tension & balance: The children learn to control their movements.
• Teamwork: The ball can only reach its goal through coordination and smooth movements.

Coaching Keys:

• Pay attention to the starting position: deep squat, upright posture.
• Emphasize: “Don’t push, but roll in a controlled manner!”
• Goal: as many small contacts with the ball as possible – it’s not speed but control that counts.
• Vary the distance or incorporate small obstacles (e.g. slalom).
• Also pay attention to the use of both hands

The “magic door” is an imaginative movement unit with a clear goal: to get through – and back again! A swinging rope or ribbon hangs in the middle of the playing area and moves up and down like a magical door. The children have to jump through and back again at the right moment. Only those who manage to do both are free!

This is how it works:

A rope (or elastic band) is held or swung horizontally at hip height in the middle of the field and the children start on one side and have to pass under or over the rope at the right moment – “through the magic door”. This is followed by the way back – also through the moving door. Those who master both are “free”.

Variations: with music, with tasks on the way back, or as a partner challenge.

Learning objectives:

• Reactivity: Children learn to recognize the right moment to move.
• Jumping strength & agility: Depending on the height of the rope, coordination and strength are specifically promoted.
• Courage & decision: Children practise deciding for themselves when it is the right moment to go through.
• Fantasy & role play: The game invites imagination – with simple means.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Make sure there is enough court space and safe movement areas.
• Adjust the height and speed of the rope to the age of the children.
• Support hesitant children by walking through together or cheering them on.
• Incorporate stories: “Only those who get through the magic door can get out of the castle!”
• Vary the task: e.g. crawling through, jumping, slipping through sideways.

In this action-packed game, three balls are placed in the center of a playing area – they are the goals that need to be hit. Several children position themselves around the field and try to hit the balls in the center with controlled throws.
But be careful: one person stands in the middle – equipped with “fighting gloves” (e.g. foam pads or Velcro rackets) – and tries to fend off the approaching players! The goal is to hit at least one of the target balls together, while the defender does everything they can to prevent this.

This is how it works:

Three target balls are placed in the middle of the playing area. One child stands in the middle and defends with “combat gloves” (Velcro rackets). The remaining children stand in a semi-circle on the outside and each have a ball. One after the other or simultaneously, they try to hit the target balls. If a ball is hit, they switch – each player is allowed to defend once.

Learning objectives:

• Accuracy & ball control: Children learn to throw with precision and measure.
• Reactivity: The defender has to adjust quickly to changes of direction.
• Teamwork: The approaching players must work together to be successful.
• Game overview & fairness: The players learn to use their throws wisely – without overdoing it.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Use soft balls and safe “protective pads” for defense (e.g. small mats or rackets).
• Define clear zones for approaching players and defenders.
• Ball control instead of force – throws should be targeted and not too hard.
• Swap roles regularly so that each child can play in the middle once.
• Reflection round at the end: “What was harder – hitting or defending?”

In this reaction game with the Swissball, one child stands in the middle of a marked triangle – they are only allowed to move within this area. The other children (outside the triangle) now try to roll a large ball (Swissball) at them – but only with controlled rolls, not throws!

The “target” is allowed to Backup, but must not leave the marked area. This creates an exciting interplay of goal, backup and reaction.

This is how it works:

• One child stands in the middle of a triangle marked with cones.
• The other children stand at the corners of the triangle.
• A Swissball is rolled with both hands to hit the target.
• The target may backup within the field, but may not leave it.
• After a certain time or a hit, the game changes.
  

Learning objectives:

• Reactivity & agility: The child in the middle must be able to backup quickly and find their bearings.
• Aiming accuracy & feel for the ball: The rolling players must have good control of the ball.
• Spatial awareness: The game promotes an understanding of playing field boundaries and distances.
• Cooperation & fairness: Children learn to abide by the rules of the game and show consideration for each other.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Mark the playing area clearly with cones or lines.
• Explain: “The ball is rolled, not thrown!” – Safety first.
• Vary the positions: e.g. narrower triangle for more reaction pressure.
• Swap roles regularly so that all children are in the middle at some point.
• Encourage mindfulness: “How can I hit without rolling too hard?”

After the “Tornado” comes the “Hurricane” – a fast-paced reaction game that combines ball control with clever movement. One child plays the “hurricane” and uses the racket to lightly lob several balls into the field one after the other. The other children are the “rescuers” and have to stop these balls as quickly as possible – but only if they land in the playing area!
A lob that is too strong does not count – as in tennis, the ball is then “out”.After the “Tornado” comes the “Hurricane” – a fast-paced reaction game that combines ball control with clever movement. One child plays the “hurricane” and uses the racket to lightly lob several balls into the field one after the other. The other children are the “rescuers” and have to stop these balls as quickly as possible – but only if they land in the playing area!
A lob that is too strong does not count – as in tennis, the ball is then “out”.

This is how it works:

• One child is the hurricane and stands ready with several balls.
• He or she uses the racket to lob the balls over the net one after the other.
• The other players are ready to stop the balls in time – but only if they land in the court.
• If the ball is out of bounds, it can no longer be played – just like in a real match.
• The players then take turns – everyone gets to be a Hurricane once.

Learning objectives:

• Reaction & speed: The children have to react with lightning speed to every ball.
• Understanding the rules: The principle of “ball out = loss of points” is learned through play.
• Feel for the ball: The Hurricane has to lob the balls into the field in a goal-oriented and controlled manner.
• Game overview: The “saviors” learn which balls they should play – and which are better not.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Make sure that the hurricane is controlled and does not lob too wildly.
• Balls are only allowed in the single field – mark clear lines!
• After each round, briefly discuss: “Which balls would you rather not have played?”
• Encourage fairness and playfulness – who is trying to make a tactical lob?
• Variation: several Hurricanes at the same time, several balls in a row, or with team scoring.

In this imaginative movement game, one child becomes a “tornado”, whirling through the playing area and knocking over or messing up obstacles (e.g. cones, balls, small objects). The other children take on the role of “helpers” who try to clean everything up as quickly as possible before the tornado returns.

A game that combines excitement, responsiveness and teamwork – and is a lot of fun.

This is how it works:

One child becomes a tornado and is allowed to run across the field and “whirl around” objects. The other children wait on the sidelines and are allowed to start running as soon as the tornado moves away. The goal of the helpers is to get all the objects that have been knocked over back to their courts, and after one round the tornado is changed – everyone gets a turn.

Learning objectives:

• Reactivity: Children learn to react quickly to changing game situations.
• Speed & orientation: Many decisions have to be made in a short space of time.
• Cooperation: Only as a team can order be restored quickly.
• Creativity & changing roles: The changing tasks allow children to experience different perspectives.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Set clear playing field boundaries and fixed rules for the tornado (e.g. no pushing, no wild jumps).
• Adapt the number and type of “storm objects” to the age group and level.
• Brief reflection after each round: “What worked well?”
• Optionally work with a time limit or music: Clean up to the last note!

Change roles regularly so that every child can be a tornado once.

In this humorous yet challenging relay, the focus is not on speed but on control. Each child balances a ball (the so-called “wobbly pudding”) on a small plate, swinging cloth or similar. The goal is to transport it a short distance without falling off, run around a small cone and then hand it to their partner.
If you run too fast, you lose the pudding – if you stay calm and focused, you come out on top!In this humorous yet challenging relay, the focus is not on speed but on control. Each child balances a ball (the so-called “wobbly pudding”) on a small plate, swinging cloth or similar. The goal is to transport it a short distance without falling off, run around a small cone and then hand it to their partner.
If you run too fast, you lose the pudding – if you stay calm and focused, you come out on top!

This is how it works:

• The children form teams of two.
• The “jelly” is balanced on a flat object (e.g. racket, board, plate).
• It is run around a cone and then passed to the partner.
• If the ball falls down, the team must stop at that point and start again.
• The relay continues until each team member has had a turn.
  

Learning objectives:

• Balance & body tension: Children learn to control their movements.
• Concentration: Focusing on the ball trains mental presence.
• Cooperation: Success depends on a functioning team change.
• Self-regulation: The children quickly realize when they are too hectic – and learn to adjust their pace.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Make sure the starting conditions are the same: same routes, same “jelly” objects.
• Vary the route (e.g. with a slalom course) for advanced groups.
• Explain clearly: “Slow is fast today!” – If you run too fast, you lose.
• Motivating tasks: “Who can do it without dropping the ball?”
• Encourage fairness: don’t laugh at mishaps, but cheer them on.

The kids should roll the ball as close to the net as possible – but without touching it! This is followed by a second variation in which a goal in the front corner is aimed at from the back corner of the individual court. Again, who has the best touch? This game is ideal for younger players to train control over speed, direction and strength – without the need for a racket.

This is how it works:

The children line up on the baseline or at a fixed point. They roll the ball across the playing area towards the net or target area. The goal is to get as close as possible to a specific target – without crossing or touching it. Variants: Towards net, towards corner, with obstacle, with partner challenge.

Learning objectives:

• Fine motor skills & feel for the ball: Children learn to control their movements precisely.
• Goal orientation: The focus is on accuracy, not speed.
• Concentration & calm: The game promotes conscious movement.
• Competition on a small scale: playful comparison with a high fun factor – without pressure to perform.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Pay attention to a calm movement sequence – “more Feel than force”.
• Mark goals clearly (e.g. with cones, lines or small boxes).
• Incorporate comparisons: Who is closest? Who will improve on their second attempt?

In this somewhat unusual but very effective exercise, a tennis ball is placed against the ear with the throwing hand – as if you were whispering something to it. From there, the ball is thrown to a partner. The focus is on a controlled and clean throwing movement with the thumb pointing forward at the end. This simple movement not only trains the technique, but also promotes awareness of the forearm movement as an initiation for a Serve with the continental grip.

Take the ball in your dominant hand and put it to your ear. Position target person (partner) opposite. The ball isThis is how it works:thrown in a straight and controlled manner towards the partner. At the end of the movement, the thumb points forwards – this is the target image.

Learning objectives:

• Improve throwing technique: The movement is executed consciously from start to finish.
• Promote coordination: The connection between eye, hand and goal is sharpened.
• Body tension & control: body awareness is practiced through the conscious execution of the movement.
• Awareness of the forearm movement: as a preparation for a Serve with the continental grip.
• Attention and focus: The starting point (ear) is unusual – the children must remain focused.

Coaching Keys:

• Always pay attention to the final position of the hand: “Where is your thumb pointing?”
• Encourage players not to throw too hectically, but to do so smoothly and precisely.
• Position partners so that there are clear target zones.
• Optional: use small goals (box, ring, cones) to practice throwing safety.

Incorporate variations – e.g. throw with the weak hand or in motion.

This exercise is perfect for preparing for the Serve and brings timing and accuracy to training in a playful way – with a high fun factor!

This is how it works:

One ball is thrown vertically upwards. The second ball is used to try and hit the flying ball in the air. The goal is to optimize timing and throwing angle. The focus is not on hardness, but on accuracy.

Learning objectives:

• Serve preparation: The straight throw simulates the ball throw in a tennis serve.
• Reactivity & timing: The right moment to hit the ball is trained.
• Aiming accuracy: The second ball must be thrown precisely.
• Concentration & control: The exercise requires full attention and body awareness.

Coaching Keys:

• The ball should be thrown as straight and calmly as possible – just like a real Serve.
• Encourage children to aim for the highest point of the first ball.
• Increase gradually: first practise throwing the ball, then try to hit it.
• Don’t insist on the hit rate – focus on the movement idea.
• Incorporate small challenges: “Who hits the most in 5 attempts?”
  

This exercise is fun, trains your feel for the ball and lays the foundation for a first understanding of topspin in tennis.

How it works:

In this simple but effective exercise, the children simulate a groundstroke and release the ball without actually hitting it. The goal is to observe how often the ball bounces before it reaches the net. After the first pass, the children try to change their throw so that the ball only bounces twice – through targeted spin and skillful release.

Learning objectives:

• Develop a feel for the ball: Children experience how a ball has to behave in order to influence the bounce.
• Concentration & observation: Counting the ball contacts encourages attention.
• Technique preparation: The movement is similar to a groundstroke through the sideways/rotational throw – ideal for introducing the groundstrokes
• Goal orientation: The children learn to link a clear goal to their movement.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Encourage children to really make a striking movement – not just throw it.
• Make sure that the ball is released in a controlled manner, not too high or too steep.
• Incorporate variations: Who can do exactly two, three or four jumps?
• Observe together: What does a ball do with more or less spin?
• Motivation through small challenges: Who hits the “two-contact” target most often?

In this playful unit, children discover what a topspin is, why it is so important in tennis – and how they can produce it themselves with a soft touch and the right body movement.

Here’s how it works:
This unit turns the spotlight on “spin” – the spin that a ball shows on impact. The children are introduced to the concept of topspin in a playful way: What happens to a ball when it is struck with a spin? Why is this so important in tennis?

The children should first roll the large exercise ball (Swissball) towards the net with many contacts and move parallel with the ball, first one-handed (for the Forehand groundstroke) and then two-handed (for the backhand groundstroke).

Learning objectives:

• Build tennis understanding: Children learn to understand what a spin is and why it is helpful.
• Develop a sense of movement: The exercise trains the right body feeling for a topspin.
• Technique preparation: Early training makes it easier to learn the groundstrokes with spin later on.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Ask visual questions: “What does the ball do when it spins?” – This makes theory tangible.
• The hands should come to the ball from underneath and then roll upwards over the ball
• Use praise specifically to reinforce correct movement approaches.

A fast relay game in which teamwork, body tension and ball control are required.

How it works:

In this relay exercise, two pairs of children start at opposite baselines. Each pair has a ball that is balanced on a cone. The goal is to run quickly to the opposite cone – without the ball falling off. Whoever manages to transport the ball safely hands it over to their partner, who continues straight away. After two rounds, it’s time to see: Who was faster at the goal?

The exercise can be implemented immediately in any hall or on the court with little material and minimal effort.

Learning objectives:

• Speed & acceleration: The children practise short, explosive sprints.
• Body tension & control: The ball must remain balanced – this requires precision.
• Coordination: Passing the ball requires timing and sensitivity.
• Teamwork: Only those who work well as a team will come out on top in the end.
  

Coaching Keys:

• Make sure you have stable cones and light balls (e.g. tennis ball or balloon).
• The ball must remain on the cone for the entire course.
• If it falls off: return to the starting point!
• Clearly mark where to start and hand over.

Depending on ability level: vary with obstacles or running backwards.

In this action-packed team game, the aim is to play the ball in a targeted manner, just like in tennis – sometimes with a racket, sometimes with a controlled pass. Two teams face each other, with each team trying to score points on two small goals. At the same time, they have to defend their own goals and act strategically with the ball. The game combines elements out of rebound games and team games – a perfect mix for sports lessons or club training.

In the first version, the kids are only allowed to use their hands. In a second version, they use lightweight plastic bottles.

This is how it works:

The game is played with a large softball or foam ball (Hoppediez). The children can pass the ball to each other or stroke it directly. The goal is to score points on two marked goals. If the ball is played out of bounds, the other team gets the ball. The roles change dynamically: attacking and defending merge seamlessly.

Learning objectives:

• Feel for the ball and stroke technique: As in tennis, children learn to hit the ball with control.
• Teamwork: approaching and defending together strengthens communication.
• Spatial perception: The children actively orient themselves in the playing area and learn to recognize gaps.
• Understanding rules: The game encourages children to quickly understand and implement the rules of the game.

Coaching Keys:

• Make sure the teams are divided fairly – ideally: mixed groups according to speed and technique.
• Set clear boundaries for the playing field (e.g. with cones or lines).
• Pay attention to safety: When playing with the plastic bottle, the bottle must not go above knee height (“Keep the bottle on the ground”)
• Promote an overview of the game: Who has free space? Who can be covered?
• Include reflection questions: “What did your team do well? What was challenging?”