Tennis Volleys & Net Play Practice Plan for 9 and 10 Year Olds
At 9 and 10, the block grows into a PUNCH: still no backswing, but now a short step-and-push through the ball with the opposite foot stepping across, sending volleys somewhere on purpose. The ready position earns its details (racquet up, hands ahead, feet alive), reactions get games, and the OVERHEAD debuts off friendly lobs, borrowing the serve's trophy pose for the funnest shot in tennis.
This session runs about 45 minutes with orange balls, tossed and gently racquet-fed. The net's geometry gets one honest sentence that organizes everything: volleys want to be taken HIGH and out front, before the ball drops, because high volleys are easy and low ones are homework. Feet, therefore, matter more than arms, and the session is built accordingly.
This plan was written for every 9 and 10 year old. ParentEdge writes one for yours.
Built around their game, their goals, and what they’re working on.
What is a punch volley versus a block?
The block is the beginner's firm no-swing rebound; the punch adds a short step-across and push through the ball, sending it with purpose while keeping the no-backswing law. The step is the power source: volleys never earn a swing, they earn better feet.
Why take volleys high instead of letting the ball come?
Geometry: a volley met at net height or above travels down into open court easily, while a dropped ball must be lifted up over the net with touch, which is genuinely hard. The step-in habit that steals volleys high is the single biggest net-play separator at every level.
How early should overheads be practiced?
Right here at 9 and 10, off short friendly lobs with bounce-first allowed: the overhead borrows the serve's trophy pattern, the pointing arm teaches tracking, and it is the most joy-dense shot in tennis. Fear of lobs is just a rep deficit; joyful smashes now prevent it forever.