Print this page

Hand-Eye Coordination Hand-eye coordination is the foundation for striking the tennis ball. Without developing this skill, the athlete will become frustrated by not making contact with the ball.   Assessing the Player's Readiness The beginning player typically has difficulty recognizing the spatial relationship between the racket and the ball. Beginning athletes may occasionally swing and miss the ball or hit it off center. The intermediate player has learned the relationship between the distance between racket and oncoming ball. Intermediate players have become proficient at making contact with the ball near the center of the racket.   Safety Concerns Each athlete should establish his/her own personal space and should remain in that space at all times. A good safe position for each athlete is to hug the racket to his/her chest. In a group setting, ask athletes to place rackets against the fence when not in use. During group activity, athletes should identify their own space by holding their outstretched rackets so they do not touch other athletes. There should be enough space so rackets do not touch one another.   Teaching Hand-Eye Coordination Utilize different size "balls" such as balloons, foam balls, transition balls (low compression) and SpeedBalls, as well as traditional tennis balls. SpeedBalls are specially designed soft balls available through the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), the Official Training Partner of Special Olympics Tennis. To develop hand-eye coordination, the beginning player should begin by practicing with a tennis ball and his/her hand (no racket). Encourage athletes to watch the ball. Encourage athletes to keep their heads still when making contact.

Prev Page                                                                 Next Page