Balance and Target Dot Game

This drill teaches young players racket control, balance, and coordination in a fun and engaging way. By moving around the court while balancing a ball on the racket, kids learn focus and fine motor skills. The target dot element adds competition, quickness, and precision, making it a great activity for warm-ups or skill games.

Setup

  • Each player with a racket and ball
  • Cones or dots placed around the court as targets
  • Defined perimeter for movement

Rules & Objectives

  • Players balance a ball on their racket while moving around inside the perimeter
  • Coach calls out different movement styles (walking, jogging, sideways steps, hopping, moving backward)
  • On the coach’s command “Go!”, players must run to the nearest target dot
  • At the dot, players toss the ball lightly upward with the racket, allow it to bounce inside the circle, and catch it back on the racket
  • The first player to complete the sequence correctly wins the round
  • Reset and repeat with new variations

Repetition

  • Play multiple rounds, changing movement types each time
  • Increase difficulty by requiring more toss-and-catch repetitions at each dot
  • Restrict players to specific directions (e.g., only moving sideways)
  • For advanced variation, use smaller target dots or require two consecutive bounces inside the circle

Coaching Points

  • Improves racket control and hand-eye coordination
  • Builds balance, agility, and quick reactions
  • Encourages creativity and focus while moving
  • Keeps kids active and engaged in a playful competition

Drill Tutorial

Difficulty:

Emphasis:

Age Group: 10 & Under

Format:

Additional Tennis Drills