Game, Set, Grow! Introducing Tennis at Footsteps

At Footsteps, we believe that some of the best learning happens when children are active, engaged and, most importantly, having fun.

That’s why we’re delighted to be giving children across our Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire settings the opportunity to experience tennis through Get Set 4 Tennis, an inclusive, non-profit community tennis organisation that works with children of different ages and abilities.

For our children, it’s an exciting opportunity to pick up a racket, get moving and try something new.  But the benefits reach far beyond learning how to hit a tennis ball.

The importance of getting children moving

Physical activity plays an important part in early childhood development. Young children naturally learn through movement, whether they are running around outside, climbing, balancing, dancing, throwing a ball or riding on scooters or bikes.

Introducing activities such as tennis gives children another enjoyable way to be active while developing skills that can support them across many other areas of learning.

And at this age, it isn’t about perfect serves or keeping score! It’s about making sport accessible, building confidence and encouraging children to just have a go.

Building gross motor skills

Tennis involves plenty of whole-body movement, making it a great activity for developing gross motor skills.

Running towards a ball, changing direction, balancing, reaching and swinging a racket all encourage children to use the larger muscles in their arms, legs and core.

These skills contribute to children’s overall physical development and can help with balance, coordination, strength and body awareness.

Developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination

There are smaller movements involved too.

Holding and controlling a racket, adjusting grip and making contact with a moving ball require children to coordinate what they see with the movements they make.

This helps develop fine motor control and hand-eye coordination which are skills children use throughout their day, from using cutlery and getting dressed to drawing, mark-making and eventually writing.

The wonderful thing about learning these skills through sport is that children are often developing them without even realising it. To them, they are simply having fun!

Thinking, anticipating and problem-solving

Tennis is also great at getting young minds working.

Where is the ball going? Where do I need to stand? What happens if I try something differently next time? Even a simple tennis activity can encourage critical thinking, concentration, decision-making and problem-solving.

They also learn through trial and error, discovering that something not working the first time is simply an opportunity to try again. That willingness to persevere is a valuable skill both on and off the court.

Confidence, friendships and learning together

Introducing children to different sports can also help build confidence.

For some children, picking up a tennis racket may be completely new. Having the opportunity to explore the activity in a familiar and supportive environment means they can participate at their own pace.

Group activities encourage children to watch and learn from one another, take turns, listen to instructions and celebrate each other’s achievements.

Making tennis accessible

This inclusive approach is one of the reasons we are so pleased to be working with Get Set 4 Tennis.

The organisation was established to develop inclusive community tennis and has extensive experience taking tennis into schools, nurseries and community settings, including providing opportunities for children with SEND.

Their philosophy fits beautifully with our own belief that every child should have opportunities to explore their interests, discover new skills and enjoy learning through experience.

Not every child will grow up wanting to become a tennis player and that’s not the aim. What matters is giving children positive early experiences which associate being active with fun, friendship, achievement and enjoyment.

And who knows? We might even discover a future Wimbledon champion along the way!