Tennis Games for Large Groups of Kids

When you want to teach a large group of children how to play tennis, it's more fun for beginners to play games, rather than actually playing tennis. You don't want tennis to be frustrating or seem like a chore; you want children to have fun. Tennis games have another advantage in that large groups of children can learn the skills of tennis all at once, in a fun and enjoyable way. When children are having fun playing tennis games, they will continue to want to play tennis.

  1. Around the World

    • Players form two teams. Both teams form a single line behind the service line. The first player drop-hits the ball over the net. He then runs to the end of his line. Meanwhile, the player from the other team returns the ball, and then goes to the end of that line. The next person in line from the starting court returns the ball, and then runs to the end of the line. This continues until someone misses the ball. When that happens, the other team gets a point. The game is over as soon as a team reaches four points. This game teaches children how to watch the ball and how to position themselves on the courts.

    Wall Rally Relay

    • Players will form two teams and get in relay formation in front of a wall. This game is played without the racket. The first player in line tosses the ball against the wall and then moves to the end of the line, while the second player moves forward and tries to catch the ball. If he catches the ball, he then tosses it against the wall and moves to the end of the line. This continues until everybody has had three tries. The winning team is the one with the fewest misses. This game teaches eye-hand coordination and footwork. It also helps children react quickly to the ball and how to quickly change direction on the tennis court.

    King or Queen of the Court

    • One side of the court is designated for the King or the Queen. Two people stand on each side of the court at the service line or just in front of the net. Everybody else lines up on the other side of the net at the baseline in two lines. The coach feeds the ball to the people at the baseline, one at a time. The baseliners are trying to win three points in a row against the King or the Queen. They can do this by lobbing the ball or by hitting the ball past them down the alley or in between them. If one of the baseliners misses, she has to go to the end of the line. Once the baseliners win three points, they get to be the King or the Queen. This game teaches children strategies on how to win points in tennis and how to work as a team.