Red Ball Tennis Technical Skills: Mastering Grip, Preparation, and Swing Path
If your child is just starting tennis, mastering the basics is the key to building confidence and enjoying the sport. In Red Ball tennis, players begin learning how to control the ball using three essential elements: grip, stroke preparation, and swing path—or what we call GPS. These Red Ball tennis technical skills help players hit the ball correctly, stay safe, and build good habits from the start.
Let’s break each one down and share fun exercises that can help your child improve on the court!
Grip: Holding the Racquet Right
The grip is how your child holds the racquet. Without the right grip, it’s hard to swing or control the ball. For Red Ball players, we focus on basic grip positions:
- Eastern Grip (Forehand): This grip is the most beginner-friendly. Have your child “shake hands” with the racquet—this naturally places the hand in the right spot.
- Continental Grip (Serve & Volleys) – Like holding a hammer. Great for serving and net shots.
🟠 Tip: Draw a smiley face on the grip or use a sticker as a hand marker, so they remember where to place their hand.
Exercise:
💡 Grip Challenge – Ask your child to switch between the forehand and serve grip without looking. Do 10 fast changes!
Stroke Preparation: Ready Position and Take Back
Before hitting the ball, players need to get ready with a strong stance and early racquet preparation.
- Ready Position – Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, racquet in front.
- Unit Turn – Turn shoulders and hips as the racquet goes back.
The sooner your child prepares, the more time they have to react.
Exercise:
🎾 Shadow Swings – Have your child practice slow motion swings without the ball. Emphasize turning their shoulders and setting the racquet behind them early.
📹 Watch this demo on our Instagram: Red Ball Preparation Drill
Swing Path: Smooth and Controlled
The swing path is the motion the racquet makes from start to finish. For Red Ball players, we want a low-to-high swing that brushes up the ball.
- For forehands and backhands: Start low, swing up, and follow through over the shoulder.
- For serves: Use an underhand motion first, then progress to overhead swings as they grow stronger.
Exercise:
🖌️ Fence Brush Drill – Stand next to a fence and have your child “brush up” against it with their racquet. This builds the upward swing motion.
Why It Matters
These technical skills help kids stay in rallies, feel successful, and have more fun. They reduce frustration and help your child hit the ball with more control and consistency—even at this early level.
Red Ball tennis is all about learning fundamentals in a fun way, and GPS (Grip, Preparation, Swing path) is the best guide to help your child grow as a player.
Keep Practicing and Keep it Fun!
At ALE Tennis Academy, we include these drills in every Red Ball session. We focus on development through movement, play, and motivation—so kids fall in love with the game while learning.
If you’re a parent looking to reinforce Red Ball tennis technical skills at home, just 5–10 minutes of fun daily practice can make a big difference!
🔗 Check out more of our Red Ball Tennis Pathway here
