7/31/20

TRACK it. BLOCK it. PASS it.**

Everyone can play tennis, yet it could be a difficult sport to master for a beginner, especially a child! First, let's TRACK it. Every ball comes in a different way. Learn to receive the ball first, “to read” the ball. Then learn to send it. Players must learn to read the flight of the ball first, then send it. A person may have a hard time seeing the ball flying, and failing to receive the ball could be frustrating and lead to quitting. Here are a few partner/individual activities to start simple and become more advanced for everyone. This can be done at home as a family activity.

Enjoy these activities with your family and friends and get ready to play for life!

PRE RALLY (beginner) Level 1 - Roll the ball to your partner a few feet away and stop the ball (pick your distance).

Level 2 - Roll the ball right and left

Level 3 - Self roll away from you gently, chase it and catch it.

Level 4 - Drop or Self drop straight down gently and catch the ball. Say Drop and catch.

Level 5 - Toss up or self toss the ball up and gently and trap (knee to shoulder).*

*Toss the ball to small children underhand, not overhand. It is important that the ball makes a rainbow shape in the air, as that mimics the flight of the tennis ball in a rally.

Learn to receive with your hands first.
Then add the racquet as a “longer hand.” Repeat the same activities with a racquet.

RALLY (advanced beginner) Level 1 - Drop or Self drop straight down gently and trap the ball (with hands)

Level 2 - Toss or self toss the ball further forward gently and trap(with hands only)

Level 3 - Toss to your right or left and trap ball with hands (by yourself or with partner)

Level 4 - Drop a ball and trap holding a racquet in one hand

Level 5 - Toss a ball and trap it holding a racquet your hand (from knee to shoulder)

Learn to receive with your hands first.
Then add the racquet as a “longer hand.” Repeat the same activities with a racquet.

RALLY PLUS (advanced beginner/intermediate) Level 1 - Toss ball above head level

Level 2 - Toss balls forward

Level 3 - Toss ball to the right

Level 4 - Toss ball to the left

Level 5 - Toss ball behind you

Learn to receive with your hands first.
Then add the racquet as a “longer hand.” Repeat the same activities with a racquet.

A young child reaching level 5 can be especially rewarding. They will feel great success as a new player while advancing their skills.

7/27/20:

Neuroplasticity & Tennixise

Hi there,

As we are in the midst of summer, there is no better time to grab that tennis racket from the garage and head to the court!

Developing skills can be done anywhere! All it takes is consistent practice, repetition, and a love for the game.

Speaking of repetition, Ian Dobbs says, “Repetitive practice of motor skills is necessary to effectively develop and refine movement in sport.” In order to do this, the brain must adapt and reorganize as we experience and learn. This is called Neuroplasticity.

“To proficiently perform athletic movements the brain must coordinate with the necessary muscle groups to produce the action.” It is important to learn the correct movements that benefit your game and body in order to be the best player possible.

Teaching movement and tennis swings are like an art to me. This is the essence of the creation of Tennixise and the online courses Tennis 101 and Swing Like a Pro. It teaches you to move, groove and improve while putting your neuroplasticity to work!

Tennixise challenges your body and brain to move like a tennis player and make your strokes look effortless - all while getting fit and learning proper technique.

Follow and stay turned on my social media pages for the upcoming launches of the Tennis 101 and Swing Like a Pro courses! Tennixise is ready for you!

All my best, Fabiana

Instagram & Facebook: @tennixise

Neuroplasticity Article Link: https://www.scienceforsport.com/neuroplasticity/