Looking to help the kids develop their tennis skills before school comes back in session for the year? Not sure where to begin? There are lots of ways to help your kids get back in the swing of things without having to have a fancy gym or even a tennis club membership.

Push – Up Tennis

This first game is simple to play, but you need two players to do so. Both parties lay on the floor, in the position like you’re about to start doing push-ups, and toss a tennis ball back and forth to each other. Both parties must keep their position as they do so, and if one of you falls, it’s game over. If you’re looking for something a little more complex, mark out a square between the two players and play some low-key tennis.

Survivor Man

This game actually requires a tennis court, or at least, half of it. Split a group of kids into teams of two, and have them serve to each other. Each time one team misses a shot, they have to shout, “OUT” and retire from play for the duration of the match. As more and more teams fall, the remaining teams will feel the pressure of trying to stay in more acutely- which can simulate the pressures of a real tennis match. The last team in play wins.

Tennis Twister

While this is based on the popular board game “Twister”, it has a bit of a . . . well, a twist. Have your players serve from the back of the court, while an adult nearby shouts out different calls. These calls all pertain to how they’re hitting the ball- whether they have both feet on the ground, where their hands are, etc. This can help players learn their technique, and force them to have a little fun while doing it!