As you all know, most children have a seemingly incessant need to play. However, many tasks we ask them to complete seem more like work to them. With this in mind we have to remember to keep our little tennis players entertained.
Positive reinforcement is obviously the best option at this age (2-6 years) as making a 4 year old do pushups when they get distracted is probably ineffective. Finding a way to excite the child into attempting to do any number of Bump Ups or Bump Downs is certainly the key to success but unfortunately fairly challenging!
In this case, we find a way to initiate competition or entertainment. Bump Backs are a simple transition from Bump Ups and can keep a child entertained for quite some time. Bump Backs can even be utilized in a group setting to create competition between children.
Here is how it works:
- Set the child with 2 hands on the racquet directly facing you
- Toss the ball so it bounces directly into the hitting zone
- Have the child bump the ball back to you
- Similar to a bump up this could more accurately be described as a bump forward
Now be sure to pay attention as you might end up jumping out of the way as the ball rockets past your head. And unless you are Bruce Lee, you could end up with quite a bruise!
Consider having them bump the ball so you can catch it in the air and offer some form of positive reinforcement. Keep a running tally or keep score against a previous goal. Another variation could include taking turns among multiple children and creating some competition. With slightly older kids, this is a wonderful setting to introduce “tennis style” scoring. Where one point is called “fifteen” and two is called “thirty,” and a game is won by the first to four.
This can get complicated when “deuce” and “ad” are involved or even with more than two children. Consider the age and intellectual capabilities of the kids before teaching them the idea of “winning by two.”
The obvious goal here is to create an atmosphere where the child can experience some success beyond simply making contact and watching the ball fly away. The idea of controlling a ball and actually aiming for a target is the true goal of Bump Backs.
Good luck, and remind your child of Rule #1 of Tennis for Children:
- Never try to hit the ball with your face!
