Week 4 Recap: Backhands!

We had another great class across all four sites last Saturday, a particular victory given that it was the Memorial Day weekend and we had originally been worried about rain. Lots of kids and volunteers came out to Marcy, Tompkins and Lafayette Gardens. Sumner had lower attendance, but the upside is that each child got one-on-one attention with a volunteer!

Across all four sites, the kids played games and ran drills, and new players were introduced to the backhand. Here's a short video on how to hit a two-handed backhand:

VIDEO: Youth Tennis Inspiration

We're approaching mid-season, and I thought that instead of just posting the usual video tutorial, I'd post a few inspiring videos. KCTL is determined to bring tennis to the kids because we truly believe kids can learn so many things about themselves and life through the game of tennis, and that everyone should have the opportunity to play if they so choose.

Here's a quick video from the USTA highlighting that yes, Under 10 youth tennis is definitely real tennis. And these kids are yes, real tennis players. If you disagree, swing by the KCTL courts the next time we have a public event. We'll change your mind!

For more inspiration, here's a video of Serena Williams playing at age 12.

Lastly, here's a video from PlaySportsTV for our players and coaches. Sometimes it can be hard for younger kids to keep the ball in the court as they begin to rally with each other. Try a "juggle rally" to keep the ball in play longer. Watch the video on YouTube.

VIDEO: Backhands & Top Spin

Here are a few tutorials and tips on how to do a proper backhand. As the kids progress with their strokes, it's also important that they understand what's happening when they hit the ball (or at least what they want to be happening.) For that reason, I've also included a video on Top Spin at the end.

VIDEOS: Fancy Footwork

With all the different types of strokes and stroke variations, it's easy to forget that tennis is a game of footwork too! Fancy footwork is very important when it comes to moving around the court, being able to move from side to side, forward and back without getting tripped up. Below are two videos that show helpful drills for footwork that can be done during class or on a student's own time.

For the Younger Athletes
Tennis Drills for Kids - Pyramid Suicide Drill: What I particularly like about this drill is the placement of tennis balls on each line, so the youth athlete has to bend down to grab the ball (no fake grabs here.) Suicide drills build up explosive leg motion, improve balance and promotes fitness.

For the Older Athletes
Sveto's Tennis Footwork Drills (Part III): I particularly like the "Triangle Drill" at the 2:00 mark. The forward, backward and side to side motion reflect actual movements that occur during a game. Also, learning to change directions mid-stride will improve your footwork and ultimately your tennis game.

VIDEOS: The Forehand

Last week's class and this upcoming Saturday class are both focused on the basic forehand swing. Here are a few videos to teach and inspire. If you follow along with the videos, and are wondering, KCTL mainly teaches kids the Eastern forehand grip which is the name for when the player "shakes hands" with the racquet.

Tennis Tips: Forehand - Rafael Nadal and Caroline Wozniacki
Watch how the professionals swing, includes explanation of different grips and the overall motion of the move.

Tennis Drills for Kids - Evan Tennis
Watch this little boy complete a running forehand similar to Roger Federer's modern take on the swing.

Tennis Forehand- Basic Technique
This video goes over the basics, grip and swing and recovery. Also explains the forehand for left-handed players. Important: "It's best to add power when you can control contact and direction."

Quick Tips to Prepare for Tomorrow's Season Opener

We're all excited about tomorrow's season opener, and I wanted to make a few suggestions to our youth athletes on how to prepare for tomorrow's class to get the most of out it and the whole season. Here are some easy tips for youth athletes:

1. Get a good night's sleep
Lay down your glowing screens and rest. Kids and teenagers should be getting about nine hours of sleep each night.

2. Eat right: Breakfast & Lunch
Eat a balanced breakfast when you wake up, for example: fortified cereal & milk or yogurt with fresh fruit and toast. (It's always healthier to eat fruit in it's original form than as juice.) Have a light lunch around 11:30am or noon, so you'll feel digested before class starts at 1pm. Lunch should consist of carbohydrates, so you have the energy to run around. Think: half a bagel with cream cheese, small amount of rice and beans, or a turkey sandwich.

3. Drink water
It's important to stay hydrated before, during and after exercise. How do you tell if you're hydrated? The pee test. Yup, that's right! If the color of your pee is pale yellow then you're hydrated. If it's dark yellow or smelly, you need more water.

4. Stay positive and focus on progress
It'll be exciting to be back on the courts, if you haven't been all winter. But whenever an athlete takes a break from a sport, he/she won't start back up again at their peak performance. The season opener isn't about being your very best on day 1, it's about preparing to do the work all season long to be your best on day 99. Stay positive and focus on your progress.

5. Practice they way you want to play
The way you practice will translate into your performance during games and tournaments. Commit yourself to long term results. Each class is structured to build upon the last class, so that you have all the fundamentals to play some really great tennis. Commit yourself to practicing the fundamentals, no matter how simple it may seem, and to coming to class each week. You get what you put into practice.

6. Develop a ritual.
It's the start of the season, so now is a great time to develop healthy, happy habits. When we start every class with a quick jog and stretching, that's a positive habit. When we end every class with a team cheer, that's a positive habit. Think of some habits you can do on your own before, during or after class to improve your class experience. Positive habits help keep you relaxed and calm because they make you feel comfortable in your surroundings.

Do your best. We can't wait to see you in class tomorrow! What time? 1pm! What time? 1 pm!