Teaching a four year old beginner
Discussion
Ji-Soo Woo Asked 9 years ago
G'day Alois
Time presses on inexorably and now my son is almost 4 years old.
My intention had always been to start training him from that age but the question now is how to get started.
How do you start teaching a 4 year old beginner who is not really into following directions???
Also, as a follow up question, I would like my son to eventually change to LP OX/inverted combo and twiddle like the devil. At what age and stage of development should I attempt this?
Thanks!
JS
Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago
Hi Ji-Soo,
Where did those 4 years go?
I think the first step is free play with the equipment. The more he enjoys the game the more motivation he will have now and later. It is always about whether he will be playing the game in 10 years time.
Find simple enjoyable games that you can direct but also just let him hit the ball around whenever and wherever he wants… within reason. I like rolling the ball either on the floor or on the table. This develops some basic coordination. Then you could bounce the ball one at a time. I find throwing the ball to them with 2 bounces before they hit it gives them plenty of time for tracking as well.
I used to hit the ball up against the wall for hour after hour because I loved doing it not because anyone ever told me to do it.
In German Tennis, they found that using different types of rackets and balls from an early age developed a wider range of skills and adaptability in the players later on. So give him anything to hit the ball with and perhaps even different types of balls to hit. I am coaching some young girls at the moment and they love hitting with the bigger ball or different colour balls during the session. I give them a different ball to take home each time to hit with.
Anyone else have any experiences to share?
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