Activity summary
Teams race by slaloming through cones while tapping the ball on the racket—developing speed, coordination, racket control, and teamwork.
Activity setup
- Split into teams (if uneven, rotate an extra turn).
- Each player holds a racket; each team has one ball per cone.
- Set 4–5 cones in a straight line, evenly spaced.
What to do:
- Teams line up behind the first cone.
- Each player slaloms through the cones, tapping the ball on forehand up on the racket.
- Tags the next teammate to repeat.
Activity video
Watch this video to see the session in action.
Coaching Tips
- Use a relaxed grip with an open face; tap the ball straight up using the strings’ center.
- Keep taps gentle—too hard or angled makes control difficult.
- Forehand: knuckles facing floor; maintain a short, controlled follow-through.
- Stay balanced with soft knees; move lightly on balls of feet.
- Engage core for stability; in lunges step far enough for knee-over-foot alignment and stay low.
Make it easier
- Use a sponge ball; allow bounces.
- Move the ball along the floor around cones (sweeping forehand/backhand).
- Permit catching the ball by hand to reset.
Make it harder
- Turn it into a race for fastest team.
- Vary cone positions (some further, some side).
- Call out cone color or number for random navigation.
Safety
Use the STEP framework—Space, Time, Equipment, and People—to adapt difficulty.
Ensure clear space around cones, and that under-18s wear protective goggles.