Objective: To provide pros with the basic knowledge and skills required to coach beginner-intermediate wheelchair tennis players. Pros will feel comfortable working with wheelchair tennis players.
Lesson Plan:
I. Welcome and Introductions (5 minutes)
II. Warm-up exercises (10 minutes)
A. Light stretching and mobility exercises
B. Chair mobility drills
III. Basics of Wheelchair Tennis (25 minutes)
A. Understanding Disabilities (5 minutes)
1. Reviewing different types of disabilities and to work with students of all backgrounds
B. Understanding the Wheelchair (10 minutes)
1. Parts of the sport chair
2. Proper seating and strapping techniques
3. Basic wheelchair maneuvers (pushing, turning, stopping)
C. Court Orientation and Rules (10 minutes)
1. Layout of the tennis court
2. Key differences in rules between standing and wheelchair tennis
3. Demonstration of key rule adaptations (e.g. two bounce rule)
IV. Fundamental Skills and Drills (50 minutes)
A. Racquet Skills (15 minutes)
1. Gripping the racquet
2. Forehand/Backhand strokes
3. Basic Serving Techniques
B. Chair Skills (15 minutes)
1. Combining chair movement with racquet skills
2. Drills for moving and hitting
C. Serving and Return Drills (20 minutes)
1. Simple serving drills
2. Returning serves with a focus on positioning and timing
3. Pair drills: coach and student practice serving and returning
V. Practice Games and Scenarios (25 minutes)
A. Mini-Matches (15 minutes)
1. Students play short matches against each other
2. Emphasis on applying skills learned in a game setting
B. Coaching Scenarios (10 minutes)
1. Participants practice coaching each other
2. Focus on giving constructive feedback and encouragement
VI. Wrapping up and Q & A (10 minutes)
A. Cool Down Exercises (5 minutes)
1. Gentle stretching and relaxation techniques
B. Q & A and closing remarks (5-10 minutes)
1. Open floor for questions and discussion
2. Summary of key points
3. Handouts distribution and additional resources
4. Feedback collection from participants
C. Follow-Up
1. Provide information on local wheelchair tennis programs and resources USTA offers