THE ART OF TEACHING TENNIS

As tennis coaches, we constantly strive to improve our skills. We must be part teachers and parents, often helping to motivate and inspire our students.

Central to our job is the art of teaching, which

requires more than just imparting knowledge—

it demands active engagement, reinforcement,

and ongoing development.

Teaching tennis is not simply about sharing what we know. Effective teaching goes beyond merely providing information; it also involves setting up the opportunity for learning. It requires fostering an environment that encourages active participation and critical thinking.

I'm convinced that most students understand only a small percentage of what you teach them. They hear you, but filters in their heads block the clear transfer of that information. If you don't believe me, give them instructions, wait for 2 minutes then ask them to repeat the instructions! You will be horrified by how often the instructions have not registered with them at all.

In most cases, students must be pulled into the process of learning.

A SYSTEM FOR TEACHING

Here's a progressive approach to tennis instruction that aims to enhance the player's learning ability. The progression outlined below promotes buy-in from the player, enhancing the learning process dramatically:

Teach the topic:

Clear, simple instructions work best. 

Introduce the topic you wish to teach. It helps if you and the student agree on the topic beforehand. Provide clear and concise instruction. Break the topic into what is now commonly called "small chunks" that match your student's skill level.

The topic can be technical, strategic, mental training or physical.

Have the student repeat the instructions back to you:

Ask your student to repeat the
information back to you

After you have outlined what you seek with the lesson and what you would like the student to work on, ask the student to repeat the instructions, including a short explanation of what this lesson will help. This reinforces comprehension and allows them to internalise the information through verbalisation and repetition. Students solidify their understanding and build confidence in their abilities by articulating the key points in their own words.

Ask the students for their "takeaway" for tomorrow's session:

The more the student participates in the decision
making the better the outcomes 

After what is hopefully a successful lesson, ask the students what key points they will transfer into the next practice session. A "key takeaway" for one player will often differ from another player. I have started writing down their answers in my notebook, and I let them see me doing it!

Notice how the sessions have started to include the player more. This buy-in from the student empowers students to take ownership of their learning. By involving them in the decision-making process, you can foster a sense of autonomy and relevance, making the learning experience more meaningful and engaging.

Remind the student of the topic for the next day:

For the following session, I'll open my notebook before the first ball is hit and ask each student to repeat the takeaway from the previous day.

Doing this has changed the dynamics of each session dramatically. Whereas previously players began the lesson without any particular focus, now they are forced to preview the upcoming lesson topic, which sets the stage for continued learning.Setting aside just a few minutes before sessions primes students' minds and creates a sense of preparedness. This simple yet effective strategy helps maintain momentum and continuity in the learning process.

Rinse and repeat:

Repeating this progression in each session boosts the learning process. Each topic builds upon the previous one, reinforcing knowledge, skills, and understanding. Students develop a more solid grasp of the topic and progressively improve because they continuously revisit and expand upon core concepts.

By adopting this progressive approach to tennis instruction, coaches can create a dynamic and effective learning environment that maximises student engagement and information retention.