Tennis · Game · Forehand · Backhand

Red ball target game

Two teams hit coach-fed forehands and backhands at targets on a red ball court, scoring points as a team.

P1P2P3P4CO
Start / 5
Time
15 min
Players
2–10
Age
U5–U9
Area
Service boxes
Equipment
basket of red ballsjunior rackets2 hoops or throw-down targets4 cones

Setup

  1. Use a red ball court: the service boxes, or across the width of the court with a mini net.
  2. Two teams line up behind a cone on the service line. The coach stands near the net, between the lines.
  3. A hoop or target sits in each service box on the far side.

How it runs

  1. The coach feeds underarm to the first player in each team in turn.
  2. Hit it over the net: 1 point in the court, 2 in the target box, 3 for landing in the hoop.
  3. After the hit, go to the back of your team's line.
  4. The coach calls forehand or backhand for each round.
  5. First team to 20 wins. Swap targets and play again.

Coaching points

  • Turn side-on early and take the racket back as the ball is fed.
  • Let it bounce once and hit it in front.
  • Aim with the racket face and finish pointing at the target.
  • Cheer for your team, not against the other one.

Common mistakes

  • Swinging as hard as possible and missing long.
  • Running in too close to the ball.
  • Waiting in line in the swing zone; stay behind the cone.

Say it: “Turn, bounce, hit to the hoop.”

Make it harder

  • Feed to the side so players move before hitting.
  • Only the target box and hoop score.

Make it easier

  • Feed every ball to the forehand.
  • Use a big target, just over the net to score.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.