Have you ever heard of Four-Square? No, not the social networking concept, but the children’s game where four players bat a large ball back and fourth and each player covers ¼ of the gaming area. Very similar to the competitive idea of tennis, Four-Square expects a player to guard his part of the court, only allowing for one bounce, and then must bat the ball to an opponents’ square so as not to be ejected from his spot or to lose a point.
Driveway Mini-Tennis can be set up in a very similar way. You could play doubles like a larger version of ping pong, but mostly this concept works best in a singles style setting. Flat driveways are perfect for this kind of game and most driveways have large blocks of rectangular shaped concrete which are often 10’-12’ across. This can become your Mini-Tennis court!
Without the necessity of a net, all you and your child will need is a tennis ball and two racquets. I suggest the practice balls that are designed for the USTA Quick Start program but a regular tennis ball will do just fine.
Here are the rules:
- Play using the 12 point tiebreak format
- First server gets one serve; alternate serving twice after that
- Play to 7; win by 2
- Serve as in ping pong where the ball must bounce on your side first
- All shots must be hit upward
- Not allowed to hit ‘down’ on the ball
- Not allowed to hit the ball ‘hard’
- Depends on the skill of the child (and the parent)
- Not allowing volleys makes the game more difficult
- Make it fun!
Yes, this is a RULE!
To begin, the 3.5 inch foam tennis balls are perfect for every level (especially a beginner) and the 2.5 inch pressureless tennis balls are a nice transition step before moving to a regular tennis ball. If the rest of the family are interested in joining the game, feel free to invent your own particular version of doubles. I, however, will suggest to draw a line (sidewalk chalk works well) down the middle of the court and play using ping pong rules and hit every other shot with your partner.
This keeps everyone involved!
Good luck, and remind your child of Rule #1 of Tennis for Children:
- Never try to hit the ball with your face!
