Toss and Catch Rally

This drill introduces young children to the basics of ball control, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork in a fun and simple way. By tossing and catching with a partner, kids practice timing and anticipation while learning the importance of soft hands and body control. Variations with rackets add progression toward tennis-specific skills.

Setup

• Players pair up, standing on opposite sides of the court
• Each pair has one ball and at least one racket
• Use foam or low-compression balls for easier control

Rules & Objectives

• Player A balances a ball on their racket, then gently tosses it into the air toward Player B
• Player B catches the ball before it bounces
• Repeat this exchange four times successfully, then switch roles
• After each round, rotate partners so kids play with different teammates

Repetition

• Start with hand catches, then progress to racket catches
• Add a one-bounce rule before catching for variety
• Increase or decrease the distance between partners to adjust difficulty
• Encourage bending knees when receiving the ball to cushion the catch

Coaching Points

• Builds hand-eye coordination and timing
• Encourages teamwork and partner interaction
• Reinforces racket control and preparation for rallies
• Provides multiple variations to keep kids engaged

Drill Tutorial