Activity 45:
Slalom relay
Activity summary
Players race in teams slaloming through cones, focusing on speed, coordination, racket control, and teamwork.
Activity setup
- Split participants into teams (uneven? rotate an extra turn as needed).
- Each player holds a racket; each team shares one ball.
- Set 4–5 cones in a straight line, evenly spaced.
What to do:
- Teams take turns: player 1 slaloms through cones while tapping the ball up on their racket.
- Activity 2: repeat, alternating forehand/backhand taps.
- Activity 3: repeat slalom sideways through cones.
- Tag next teammate to continue relay.
Activity video
Watch this video to see the session in action.
Coaching Tips
- Gently tap the ball using the center of the strings with a relaxed grip.
- Ensure knuckles face floor for forehand, ceiling for backhand—practice spin without ball.
- Use a short, controlled follow-through to keep ball in place.
- Maintain stable posture with slight knee bend for balance and control.
- Keep eyes on the ball and move steadily—don’t rush.
Make it easier
- Balance the ball on the racket instead of tapping.
- Or use racket like a hockey stick, dribbling the ball on the floor through cones.
Make it harder
- Turn into a speed competition—fastest team wins while maintaining control.
Safety
Use the STEP framework—Space, Time, Equipment, and People—to adapt activity difficulty.
Ensure clear space between cones, and that under-18s wear protective goggles.
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