Tennis · Warm-up · Footwork

Racket and ball balancing

Walk a ball on the strings through a cone course to build racket feel, balance and quick feet.

P1P2P3CO
Start / 5
Time
8 min
Players
1–12
Age
U5–U8
Area
Half court
Equipment
12 red ballsjunior rackets6 cones

Setup

  1. Mark one lane per group with a cone at the start line and a turning cone near the net.
  2. Each player has a junior racket and a red ball.

How it runs

  1. Hold the racket face flat like a tray with the ball on the strings.
  2. Walk to the turning cone, go around it and walk back without dropping the ball.
  3. Next lap, flip the racket over halfway (palm up, then palm down).
  4. Then try it at a quick walk, then sideways with small shuffle steps.
  5. A dropped ball means stop, pick it up and carry on from there.

Coaching points

  • Hold the racket at the throat or low on the grip for more control.
  • Eyes on the ball, soft knees, small steps.
  • Keep the racket face flat and still; move the feet, not the wrist.

Common mistakes

  • Rushing and taking big steps.
  • Gripping too tight, so the racket face wobbles.

Say it: “Flat tray, soft knees, small steps.”

Make it harder

  • Bounce the ball up off the strings every few steps.
  • Race in relay teams, but a drop means back to the last cone.

Make it easier

  • Use a bigger, softer ball or a beanbag.
  • Shorter lane with the turning cone closer.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.