Forehand and Backhand Hoop Targets
In groups of three, a feeder tosses the ball with a bounce and the hitter sends it with a forehand or backhand toward hoops placed on the other side. Students practice basic groundstrokes and accuracy, and in the last phase the hitter picks a hoop based on where the retriever is standing.
How to play
- Set up mini tennis courts with low nets; on each far side place three hoops: one in each back corner and one in the middle (3 min).
- Groups of three: a feeder by the net tossing by hand, a hitter at the baseline, and a retriever on the far side; each gets 8 hits, then rotate (2 min to explain).
- Forehand phase: the feeder tosses to the hitter's forehand side; middle hoop 1 point, corner hoops 2 points (4 min).
- Backhand phase: same, but tossing to the backhand side; two-handed backhands are fine (4 min).
- Decision phase: the feeder tosses to either side; the retriever stands by one hoop and the hitter must aim at an open hoop, scoring 3 points for a hit (5 min).
Rules
- The ball must bounce once before it is hit.
- Hit only when the retriever is ready and outside the hoop area.
- Safety: the feeder tosses from the side of the net, never in front of the hitter, and no one crosses the court while someone is hitting.
- Rotate in order: hitter, retriever, feeder.
Variations
Easier
Move the hoops closer to the net and use slower foam balls.
Standard
Forehands, backhands, and a final phase of choosing the open hoop.
Harder
The hitter must start from the center of the baseline and recover there after every shot.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: always toss within reach, and allow hitting while seated.
- Visual impairment: use a larger, high-contrast ball and have the feeder call 'forehand' or 'backhand'.
- Advanced level: no toss; the hitter returns a shot fed with a racket.
Learning goals
- Perform basic forehands and backhands with control.
- Aim the ball at a specific area of the court.
- Choose a target based on the opponent's position.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rackets: 25
- tennis balls: 30
- hoops: 18
- low nets: 3
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
Always keep feeders off to the side to avoid getting hit. Two-handed backhands are perfectly fine and usually give kids this age more confidence.
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