Bounce and Balance Rally
Athleticism
Legend
- player
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Build basic athletic coordination and balance by bouncing a foam ball on the racket face while moving forward and backward on the court.
What you need
- tennis racket
- tennis balls
- court
Your focus
Balancing a ball on the racket develops hand-eye coordination and proprioception essential for all tennis skills. Walking while balancing forces young players to control their bodies and develop core stability. The playful format keeps 6-9 year olds engaged while building genuine athletic foundations.
Each player has a foam tennis ball resting on the strings of their racket held flat in front of them.
On the coach's signal, players walk forward from the baseline to the service line without letting the ball fall.
Players then walk backward to the baseline while still balancing the ball.
Players who drop the ball pick it up and restart from where they dropped it; first player to complete three round trips wins.
Goal
You've got it when the ball stays bouncing on your strings for 5 steps forward and 5 steps back without falling off.
Helpful cues
- Keep your eyes on the ball, not your feet
- Soft knees, stay bouncy, not stiff
- Small steps to stay in control
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Allow the player to use both hands to hold the racket flat like a tray.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Have the player tap the ball upward one time between each step rather than just balancing it while walking.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.