How to Instruct Senior Tennis

Instructing senior tennis players is not much different than teaching younger adults. The biggest difference is that seniors may not be as mobile, strong or as agile. As an instructor, be mindful of these differences and any other limitations when planning and conducting the lessons. The most important aspect to teaching seniors, or any other age level, is to pace the lesson according to the players' capabilities and to keep the atmosphere light, fun and positive.

Things You'll Need

  • Questionnaire
  • Tennis court
  • Foam balls
  • Tennis balls
  • Ball machine
  • Backboard
  • Music
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find out if the players have any physical limitations or health issues. It is important to know this information before planning any instructional program. One way to gain this knowledge is to have the players fill out a questionnaire as part of the program registration.

    • 2

      Incorporate 10 minutes of warm-up exercises at the start of each lesson. This could include a combination of jogging in place, shuffling from sideline to sideline and having players pair up, stand opposite each other and rally foam balls. To do this, players hit the balls after one bounce back and forth over the net. Foam balls make it easier to keep the ball in play.

    • 3

      Show the players different grips and which one to use for each of the basic strokes. Show them, through demonstration, the correct way to hit the strokes. Have the players shadow each stroke before hitting live balls.

    • 4

      Speak in a loud, clear voice when giving instructions. Ask the players to repeat your instructions as an indication that they have heard you and understand the instructions.

    • 5

      Design the tennis drills around the players' abilities and fitness levels. For those with mobility problems, hit, or feed, the ball within arm's reach of the player and in such a way that it allows them to hit the ball with success. Adjust the speed of the ball feed according to the player's ability.

    • 6

      Have the players play doubles while you instruct them on positioning, shot selection and scoring. Go over the basic strategies used in playing doubles, such as returning the serve back to the server or lobbing the net player. A lob is when a player hits the ball high over the head of an opponent who is standing close to the net. Another option is to have both players stay back on the baseline for a return of serve. You should also conduct lessons in this manner for players who enjoy playing singles.

    • 7

      Set up and use a ball machine during lessons. This allows you to be on the same side of the court with the players to give instructions or to make corrective comments for improper stroke mechanics.

    • 8

      Show players how to practice on the backboard. Encourage students to practice three times each week on the backboard or with a ball machine. This helps players perfect their strokes.

    • 9

      End each lesson with a fun, 10-minute activity involving games where players play points. Play lively music for a fun atmosphere. Have players do some light stretching and review the lesson before they leave.