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BALLOON TENNIS Here is a great idea for young children to learn the basics of playing tennis. You will need to play indoors or where there is no wind. Playing with a balloon means minimal risk of damaging anything indoors but you will need a suitable clear area without obstacles to trip over. It can also be a great way to enjoy a bit of indoor physical activity if outdoor play is not possible, for example - on a rainy day. Some famous tennis players have begun their learning process when very young, using this method. Bad habits can be avoided if a child is taught the right reflex actions very early and a ball sense develops through repetition. Like all learning, it should be fun! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1. Step one is to simply hit a balloon back and forth with the flat of the hand to one another, having lots of fun. 2. Step two: equip two players (eg. adult & child) with a small light racquet about the size of a table-tennis bat - then blow up a balloon to use as a "ball". You could even use table tennis bats if they aren't too heavy for your child to hold, but whatever you use make sure the handle is short to begin with. 3. Step three: Over time, the air in the balloon can be lessened. The smaller the balloon, the faster it will go when struck- so start off with it quite large and gradually reduce the air content until it matches the child's dexterity, giving them time to wield the bat. < > At a later stage, the child can be shown how to throw the balloon straight up before hitting it to you, to begin to simulate a serve in tennis. < > < > Once "serving" and forehand hitting are fluent, then backhand shots can be learned as well. Gradually, each time the game is played, a slightly smaller balloon can be used and this will speed up the game. < > When the child is older, playing outdoors with a small racquet (with a longer handle) and proper tennis ball will come much easier having experienced hitting a balloon early on. Then it will be time to develop the skills involved in hitting a bouncing ball. THINGS TO WATCH FOR AMID ALL THE FUN: Three stages are a prelude to hitting a ball with a racquet: 1. Feet in position for good balance 2. Racquet back in readiness, and 3. Watching the ball all the way to the racquet. Some children have a very natural ball sense and others need to learn it more gradually. Never allow any stress to enter into the game. Just be patient, encourage, praise and have fun. Don't forget to stop and rest & sip some water. Stop if your child becomes dizzy as the game can be quite fast, with a lot of looking upwards for littlies. A big thank you to our models above, Kyan (3) and Tony (85) BACK TO 'KINDY KIDS'