Another great week for KCTL at all four sites. We worked on forehands and backhands and then switching between the two strokes based on where the ball lands. A helpful tip for kids who aren't motivated to do the stroke correctly, because they manage to get the ball over the net any which way: Remind kids that as they get older and play better opponents, the ball will be coming at them very fast and have a strong stroke foundation will prepare them to handle increasing speed and force and tricks like top-spin and slices.
One way to teach the forehand:
GRIP: We tell the kids to shake hands with their racquet using the hand they write with.
MOTION 1: Then we tell them to "open the door," swinging their arm out to the side behind them.
MOTION 2: Then they "close the door," swinging their racquet in front of their body.
END: The kids should catch the racket with their opposite hand above their shoulder and shift back into the "ready position."
One way to teach the backhand, building on the forehand:
STEP 1: We have the kids grip their racket like they're doing a forehand and then add their other hand to the grip slightly above the racquet.
STEP 2: Take a small step forward with their dominant foot, which is the same side as the hand they write with.
STEP 3: Then they "open the door" using both hands on the opposite side of the body than the forehand.
STEP 4: They "close the door," swinging the racket across their body and ending above the opposite shoulder.
Here's a pic from class at Lafayette Gardens! Cya on Saturday!
