Tennis, a game of agility, endurance, and precision, is a widely embraced sport worldwide. As a tennis coach, your task involves ensuring your players improve their skills and techniques, and one of the most effective methods to achieve this is through consistent practice. Tennis drills, particularly those designed for group participation, can be a powerful tool in your coaching repertoire. These drills not only allow your players to refine their skills but also offer a platform for them to interact and foster team spirit. This blog post will delve into 20 of the top group tennis drills that can significantly enhance your coaching sessions and facilitate player development.

King of the Court is a popular tennis drill for groups that focuses on improving players' ability to win points and maintain consistency. In this drill, players take turns playing against each other on a single court. The winner stays on the court, while the loser goes to the back of the line. The objective is to stay on the court for as long as possible.

Doubles practice is a group tennis drill focusing on teamwork and communication. This drill involves two teams of two players each, playing against each other on a single court. The players must communicate to decide who will hit the ball and where to hit it.

Serve and Volley is a tennis drill for groups that focuses on improving the player's serve and volley skills. In this drill, players take turns serving and then moving forward to the net to hit a volley, and the other players hit a return, and the drill continues.

Footwork and agility are essential tennis skills. This drill focuses on improving these skills by having players move around the court in different patterns. The coach can call out different patterns, and players must move quickly and efficiently to the designated spot.

Four Corners is a tennis drill for groups that focuses on improving accuracy and consistency. In this drill, the coach places cones in each corner of the court, and the players must hit the ball to each cone in turn. The objective is to hit the ball to each cone as accurately as possible.

Baseline Rally is a tennis drill for groups that focuses on improving consistency and endurance. In this drill, players stand on opposite baselines and hit the ball back and forth to each other. The objective is to keep the ball in play for as long as possible.

Target practice is a tennis drill for groups that focuses on improving accuracy. In this drill, players hit the ball to different targets placed on the court. The targets can be cones, hula hoops, or other objects.

Speed and reaction are essential skills in tennis. This drill improves these skills by having players react to the coach's commands. The coach can call out different commands, such as "left," "right," or "back," and the players need to move quickly and efficiently in the designated direction.

Mini-Tennis is a tennis drill for groups that focuses on improving consistency and control. In this drill, players play on a smaller court with a lower net and a softer ball, and the objective is to keep the ball in play for as long as possible.

Competitive games are a great way to put the skills learned in the above drills into practice. Games like doubles tournaments, singles tournaments, or team competitions can be a fun way for players to compete against each other and put their skills to the test.

In conclusion, tennis drills for groups are an excellent way for players to improve their skills and technique while also building camaraderie and teamwork.

Three-person rally is a tennis drill for groups that focuses on improving communication, movement, and consistency. In this drill, three players stand in a triangle formation on one side of the court while one player stands on the other side of the court. The player on the other side hits the ball to the three players, who need to communicate and move to hit the ball back to the player on the other side. The objective is to keep the rally going for as long as possible.

Cross-court drill is a tennis drill for groups that focuses on improving consistency, accuracy, and footwork. In this drill, players hit the ball back and forth to each other diagonally across the court. The objective is to keep the ball in play while hitting it to the same spot each time.

The Lob volley drill is a tennis drill for groups that focuses on improving overhead shots and volleys. In this drill, players stand at the net, and one player hits a lob to the other side of the court. The player at the net needs to move back and hit an overhead shot, then move forward to hit a volley. The other player hits the ball back, and the drill continues.

The Backhand/Forehand drill is a tennis drill for groups that focuses on improving backhand and forehand shots. In this drill, players take turns hitting backhand and forehand shots to each other. The objective is to hit the ball with the correct grip and technique.

This drill focuses on improving doubles' strategy and teamwork. Players pair up and practice different doubles scenarios, such as serving and volleying or poaching at the net. This drill helps players develop their doubles strategy and improve communication and coordination with their partners.

In this drill, players hit the ball back and forth as quickly as possible without letting it bounce more than once. This drill helps players develop their reflexes and improve their footwork, as they have to move quickly to get into position to hit the ball.

This drill focuses on improving players' ability to defend against lobs and hit overhead smashes. One player lobs the ball to the other, then hits an overhead smash. This drill helps players develop their timing and technique for hitting overhead smashes.

In this drill, players hit the ball back and forth across the court, focusing on hitting consistent shots and maintaining a rally. This drill can be adapted for different skill levels by varying the speed and intensity of the shots.

This drill focuses on improving players' net game skills, such as volleys and overheads. Players pair up and practice different net game scenarios, such as hitting volleys from different angles or practicing overhead smashes. This drill helps players develop their net game skills and improve their partner coordination.

In this drill, players set up targets on the court (such as cones or markers) and take turns hitting shots toward the targets. The goal is to hit the targets as accurately as possible. This drill helps players develop their accuracy and control and can be adapted for different types of shots, such as forehands, backhands, or volleys. Players can also compete against each other to see who can hit the most targets in a certain amount of time, adding a competitive element to the drill.

Tennis Drills for Different Group Categories

After going over the 20 different group tennis drills, let's categorize them based on who they're best for.

: Players can take turns in rotation, making it suitable for larger groups.

: With two teams of two, it's possible to include multiple pairs in a rotating fashion.

: The rotation of players from corner to corner can accommodate larger groups.

: This can be set up with multiple players rotating in and out.

: This can be done with multiple pairs rotating in and out.

Top Tennis Drills for Beginners in Groups

: Helps beginners to get accustomed to court movement.

: A great way to introduce beginners to the concept of court coverage and accuracy.

: Beginners can get used to keeping the ball in play in a less intimidating setup.

: Helps beginners to understand the concept of consistency and placement.

: Perfect for beginners to work on these fundamental shots.

Top Tennis Drills for Intermediate or Advanced Players

: It's more advanced due to the complexity of mastering both serving and volleying.

: Requires advanced skills to successfully volley the lob.

: Advanced players can work on complex strategies and teamwork.

: This drill demands quick reflexes and excellent footwork.

: Advanced timing and technique are needed to hit effective overhead smashes.

: Advanced players can further refine their net play.

Digital Marketing Strategies for Tennis Coaches

Tennis is a sport that requires a lot of skill and technique, and drills are an essential part of training for any player. While individual drills can help players improve their skills, tennis drills for groups offer several benefits that cannot be achieved through personal training. Here are some of the benefits of tennis drills for groups:

One of the most significant benefits of tennis drills for groups is improved communication. In these drills, players must communicate effectively with their teammates to keep the rally going and execute the drill successfully. This helps players develop communication skills, which can be applied to other areas of life.

Tennis drills for groups require players to work together as a team to achieve a common goal. This helps players develop teamwork skills, which are essential in all aspects of life. Working effectively as a team can help players personally and professionally.

Group drills can be more motivating than individual drills. Players may be more likely to push themselves harder when they see their teammates working hard and achieving their goals, and this can lead to increased motivation and a stronger desire to improve.

Tennis drills for groups can help players improve their strategy. Players may need to work together in some routines to execute a specific tactic or strategy. This allows players to better understand the game and how to play effectively.

Group drills can be more fun and social than individual drills. Players can enjoy the camaraderie of working together as a team and may be more likely to look forward to training sessions.

In summary, tennis drills for groups are an excellent way to improve communication, teamwork, motivation, strategy, and overall enjoyment of the game. These drills provide an opportunity for players to work together towards a common goal, develop new skills, and build strong bonds with their teammates.

Whether you are a coach or a player, incorporating these drills into your training sessions can significantly improve your game and a more positive overall experience. By embracing the benefits of tennis drills for groups, players can develop their physical skills and communication, teamwork, and social skills, making tennis a rewarding and enjoyable sport for players of all levels.

Tennis Drills for Groups: 20 ways to develop enhanced skills

Forest schools have become increasingly popular as educators and parents recognize the benefits of outdoor learning and the importance of connecting children with nature. This guide provides ten engaging and inspiring forest school activities and outdoor learning ideas to help owners enhance their programs and offer fresh, exciting activities for children. From building dens to embracing mindfulness, these activities are designed to cultivate creativity, teamwork, and resilience while fostering a love for the environment.

Den building is a classic forest school activity that encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. In this activity, children use natural materials such as sticks, leaves, and logs to construct their own shelters. Encourage children to work together, considering different shapes and designs for their dens. This activity helps develop motor skills, spatial awareness, and a sense of accomplishment.

: Improved teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and motor skills.

: Provide guidance on safe construction techniques and ensure children have access to a variety of materials. Consider choosing a woodland area, using tarpaulins or ropes for added stability.

Nature art allows children to express their creativity using materials found in the forest. Provide children with a variety of natural objects such as leaves, sticks, pinecones, and stones, and encourage them to create their own masterpieces. This activity can be done individually or in groups, with children working together to create large-scale collaborative art pieces.

: Enhanced creativity, fine motor skills, craft skills and appreciation for nature's beauty.

: Encourage children to think about color, texture, and patterns when creating their art. Consider using biodegradable string or clay to hold elements together.

A forest scavenger hunt is a fun and engaging way to help children explore and learn about their natural environment. Create a list of objects or clues for children to find, such as different types of leaves, insects, or bird nests. This activity promotes observation skills, teamwork, and an understanding of the forest ecosystem.

: Improved observation skills, teamwork, and ecological awareness.

: Tailor the scavenger hunt to the specific forest environment, and adapt the difficulty level based on the age and ability of the children.

A mud kitchen is an outdoor play area where children can mix, pour, and explore with mud, water, and other natural materials. Set up a designated area with pots, pans, and utensils, and encourage children to create their own mud concoctions. This activity promotes sensory exploration, imaginative play, and an understanding of natural materials.

: Enhanced sensory exploration, imagination, and understanding of natural materials.

: Provide a variety of containers and utensils for children to use, and ensure the mud kitchen is located in a safe and suitable area.

Wildlife observation teaches children about the animals that inhabit the forest and their behaviors. Encourage children to quietly observe animals from a safe distance, using binoculars if available. Discuss the animals' habitats, diets, and roles within the forest ecosystem.

: Increased understanding of wildlife and ecological awareness.

: Create a wildlife observation log for children to record their sightings and observations. Teach children about the importance of not disturbing animals and their habitats.

Storytelling is a powerful way to engage children's imaginations and foster a love for nature. Share stories related to the forest, its inhabitants, and folklore. Encourage children to create their own stories inspired by their surroundings and experiences in the forest.

: Enhanced imagination, listening skills, and appreciation for the natural world.

: Use props, such as puppets or found objects, to bring stories to life. Encourage children to act out their stories or create illustrations to accompany their narratives.

Teaching children about plant identification and gardening fosters a deeper connection with nature and an understanding of the forest ecosystem. Introduce children to common plants, trees, and flowers found in the forest, discussing their uses and importance. Create a small garden area where children can plant seeds, tend to plants, and observe the growth process.

: Increased ecological awareness, gardening skills, and sense of responsibility.

: Choose plants that are native to the area and suitable for the forest environment. Provide children with gardening tools and gloves for safety.

Incorporating mindfulness and yoga into forest school programs encourage children to develop self-awareness, focus, and relaxation techniques. Guide children through simple yoga poses and breathing exercises, drawing attention to the sounds and sensations of the forest. Encourage children to reflect on their experiences and emotions.

: Improved self-awareness, focus, and emotional regulation.

: Choose age-appropriate yoga poses and mindfulness exercises. Encourage children to find a comfortable and quiet spot in the forest for their practice.

Fire building and cooking are valuable skills that can be taught in a safe and controlled environment. Teach children how to safely build and maintain a fire, emphasizing fire safety and responsible practices. Once the fire is established, engage children in outdoor cooking activities, such as roasting marshmallows or preparing simple meals.

: Development of practical life skills, fire safety awareness, and teamwork.

: Always supervise children closely during fire building and cooking activities. Ensure that a designated fire pit or area is used, and have water or sand available to extinguish the fire.

 KS2 (ages 7-11; younger children can participate with close supervision and age-appropriate tasks)

Nature journaling encourages children to observe, reflect, and document their experiences in the forest. Provide children with journals and drawing materials, guiding them to record their observations, thoughts, and feelings about the natural world. This activity promotes observation skills, creativity, and emotional expression.

: Improved observation skills, creativity, and emotional expression.

: Encourage children to use a combination of writing, drawing, and collage to document their experiences. Share journal entries as a group to promote discussion and learning.

Incorporating these engaging forest school ideas into your program will give each child more inspiration to connect with nature, but also help them develop valuable life skills in early years, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. By offering a diverse range of activities, children can explore, learn, and grow in a nurturing and stimulating environment. Embrace the power of outdoor learning and create unforgettable experiences that will shape the minds and hearts of the next generation.

: Blog post on the benefits of arts and crafts

Forest school activities Woodland Trust: 

Resource pack for outdoor learning activities KS1 and KS2

: A fully customizable, easy-to-use online booking system for forest school owners who want to reduce admin work and automate the booking process

10 Engaging Forest School Ideas to Inspire Outdoor Learning and Growth

If you're planning to use someone's photo, it's essential to know the legal requirements to avoid getting into trouble. While it may seem harmless to use an image you find online or capture photos of your clients for marketing purposes, doing so without permission can result in serious legal consequences.

In this article, we'll discuss the legal requirements for using photos of people and what you need to know to stay compliant.

Do you need permission to use a photo of someone?

Yes, you generally need permission to use a photo of someone. The use of a person's image, whether in print or digital form, is protected by privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe or the California Consumer Privacy Act in the United States.

There are specific exceptions, such as for news or editorial purposes, or if the individual is in a public place and their image is captured incidentally.

If you run an activity business and intend to use your clients’ photos for marketing purposes, it is strongly advised to obtain written consent from the client, or their parents or guardians if they are not adults.

The consent form should include the intended use of the photos and contact information on how to withdraw such consent.

How to get permission to use photos of someone?

If you want to use someone's photo, you need to obtain their permission in writing. It's always best to have a photo consent form signed by both parties that outlines the terms of use, such as where the photo will be used, how long it will be used for, and if any compensation will be paid.

The form should clearly state the intended use of the photos and contact information on how to withdraw consent. By having a signed consent form, you can protect yourself from any legal action if the person changes their mind later.

Below, we have created two free photo consent templates for both children and adults.

Children's Photo Consent Form Template for After School Clubs

Child’s Name: __________________________

Date of Birth: __________________________

I, __________________________ (parent/guardian name), grant permission for my child, __________________________ (child's name), to participate in photography and video recording during school events and activities.

I understand that these photos and videos may be used for the following purposes:

Display in the school or educational institution's premises

Publication on the school or educational institution's website or social media platforms

Use in school or educational institution’s promotional materials

Other purposes as deemed necessary by the school or educational institution

I acknowledge that I have the right to access and review the photos and videos taken of my child and request their removal if I am not satisfied with their use.

I understand that I have the right to withdraw my consent at any time by contacting the school or educational institution in writing or via email at [email address].

I am aware that personal data collected through photography and video recording will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the school or educational institution’s privacy policy.

Adult Photo Consent Form Template for Fitness Class Studios

I, __________________________ (participant name), grant permission for my image to be taken during the class and used by [studio name] for the following purposes:

Display in the studio or on the studio's website or social media platforms

Other purposes as deemed necessary by the studio

I acknowledge that I have the right to access and review the photos taken of me and request their removal if I am not satisfied with their use.

I understand that I have the right to withdraw my consent at any time by contacting the studio in writing or via email at [email address].

I am aware that personal data collected through photography will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the studio’s privacy policy.

You can store your clients’ photo consent forms on paper or digitally. If you use an online booking system, these photo consent forms can be stored within the booking system so that you don’t need to worry about keeping the records. Users can easily update their agreement online too.

If you would like to learn more about using an online activity booking system to help you store photo consent forms, why not give 

 a try? Pembee is an online booking system designed for activity organizers and can help you reduce admin work associated with running an activity business, including storing photo consent forms digitally. 

 to learn more about how Pembee can save some activity businesses one day a week from admin work.

GDPR Compliant Photo Consent Forms for Activity Organizers

A health disclaimer is a statement that informs participants of the potential risks associated with physical activity and encourages them to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning a new exercise program. It often includes medical information and therefore is sometimes used interchangeably with a medical disclaimer, although medical disclaimers are more relevant in healthcare settings rather than fitness classes. A health disclaimer may also include information about the class format and any necessary precautions or modifications for participants with injuries or health conditions.

Why do I need health disclaimers for my fitness class?

There are three main benefits of having a health disclaimer for your fitness class.

Reduce the risk of injury and raise awareness

Health disclaimers can help reduce the risk of injury and ensure that participants are aware of any necessary precautions or modifications that they may need to make based on their individual health status.

Health disclaimers can help to protect the fitness instructor and the organization offering the class from legal liability. By informing participants of the potential risks and encouraging them to consult with a healthcare professional, the instructor and organization can demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps to ensure the safety of participants and avoid potential legal liabilities.

Create a culture of safety and responsibility

Including a health disclaimer in your fitness class can also help to create a culture of safety and responsibility, where participants understand the importance of taking their own health and fitness seriously, and are encouraged to make informed decisions about their exercise routine.

It is important to note that a health disclaimer is for informational purposes and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Class participants should be encouraged to seek guidance from a medical professional.

Below is an example health disclaimer for a yoga instructor. You can adapt the health disclaimer template to suit your specific fitness class types.

[Yoga] is a physical practice that requires strength, flexibility, and balance. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new fitness programs, including [yoga]. If you have any injuries, health conditions, or other physical limitations, it is important to inform your instructor before participating in a [yoga] class.

The information provided on this website or in any of our [yoga] classes is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professionals with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

[Yoga], like any physical activity, involves risks and any individual's results may vary. By participating in our [yoga] classes, you acknowledge that you are participating at your own risk and release [the website, studio, and its affiliates] from any and all liabilities arising from your participation. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any time during a class, please let your instructor know and stop the activity immediately.

I have read and understood the above disclaimer. I acknowledge that my participation in the [yoga] class is voluntary and that I am participating at my own risk.

Where should I display my health disclaimer?

You should display it where you share information for your fitness class, such as your websites, classrooms and handouts.

It is better to include this as part of your Terms & Conditions or booking agreement. You can store the consent on paper, or if you use any online booking system, you can store the consent digitally. If you are considering using an online system, Pembee is a class booking system designed for group fitness class instructors. It offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required upfront. Click 

 to learn more about how Pembee can help reduce the admin work and easily manage your disclaimers and class bookings digitally.

Other resources for fitness class instructors

Want to know how to expand your audience and customer base using digital marketing? Check out our 

Looking for a booking system to handle the admin side of your group fitness class business? Check out how Pembee's 

 can help you set up an online booking system in minutes!

Resources

Tennis Drills for Groups: 20 ways to develop enhanced skills

10 Engaging Forest School Ideas to Inspire Outdoor Learning and Growth

GDPR Compliant Photo Consent Forms for Activity Organizers

Ready-made Health Disclaimer Examples for Fitness Class Instructors