Action not Lectures
Children and adults also alike want action, not lectures. There is a huge temptation to standard lecture, but avoid it at all cost. The attention spans of your students are way too short to listen to anything longer than 15 or maybe 20 seconds. The first set of exercises we just watched is a great way to start any group.
Noticed that the standards are set and then reinforced before the exercise actually starts. The exercise itself along with some lively music creates the fun. Again, one of the main roles of the group leader is to set the standards and then maintain them while the action on court is happening.
I would get your playing height established. Get your little split step going. Catching with your fingers up, not down, because if you volley, you want to have that racket head up. So we get that in a habit of catching with the fingers up and if he tosses is low, we have to bend. You got it? Hey, everyone with your partners spread out, give it a try. Okay, hold on.
Now let's address the question of how long to stay on a particular exercise. I like to move on just as the student start getting the skill and having fun with it, but before they master it, it impossibly become bored. Use that tip as a rule of thumb and keep them eager from session to session whether you are working with a large group or a smaller one.
Now let's catch some of the action as the drills get more challenging and although, we are watching adults in this example, don't hesitate to try it with younger children as well. You might be surprised how they can rise to meet the challenge. If needed, just modify the balls. Try beach balls, beanbags or even juggling scarves if needed to start them off and get them succeeding.
Next step. Did you try to step? Balls in one hand, balls in one hand. Side by side and go and ready, go ahead and take one step. Good. Now where did he move with a first step, backwards. Now you can drop back and forth. You don't want to high it up. If you get it in the air, you are wasting time. Here we go. Ready. If you want to challenge, slow it down. There we go. Ready, start, go. Last step. Ready to go everybody. Catch with your fingers up.
A quick health tip. If you are really attentive, you noticed that the first time I stopped the group I yelled out "hold up", but just now I blew a whistle. Anyone working with groups and sports needs a whistle to not only get the groups attention, but also to protect the voice.
Now let's listen and again to another more challenging skill as this on court segment moves along.
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