Get Started with Tennis: Lessons for All Ages!

Note: The bi-sided tennis wall is located to the left of the V. Earl Dickinson Building, and is available until dark (no lights exist for the wall).

Note: The park gates close at sunset. The single-sided tennis wall is located on court #1 (so if players are on Court #1, the wall is likely inaccessible).

Parking: The tennis courts are located at the top of the hill (to the left of the park's community center). You can park on Ridge Street, in the parking lot for the tennis courts.

Note: The single-sided tennis board is located on Court #4 (so if players are on Court #4, the wall is likely inaccessible).

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Links to find a tennis wall / backboard near you

Link 1: search using "Enter a location"... Then use the filter option to select "backboard (yes)": www.globaltennisnetwork.com/tennis-courts/courts

Link 2: search for tennis walls/backboards based on zip code: www.tennismaps.com/Index.asp?regionid=93&lat=38.79&lng=-77.19&zoom=11

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Wall Tennis Drill for Cardio, Stamina & Footwork

Practicing against a wall is a great way to improve your cardio, stamina, and footwork. If you're struggling with consistency, follow this step-by-step approach:

Forehand Progression

1. Start with one shot – Using the technique reviewed in class, hit one forehand against the wall and catch the ball with your non-dominant hand (left hand if you're right-handed).

2. Once you can do this consistently, progress to two consecutive shots, then catch the ball.

3. Then increase to three shots, and so on.

Positioning & Distance

Begin 10 feet away from the wall.
Only move back another 10 feet once you can hit 10 consecutive shots in a row using your forehand.

Backhand Progression

Repeat the same process using your backhand groundstroke, catching the ball with your non-dominant hand after each sequence.

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🟠 Use Slower Balls to Start: Orange & Green Dot Balls

To improve control and rally length while you're still developing technique, consider practicing with low-compression balls:

• Orange Dot Balls (50% slower than standard tennis balls): Great for beginners. They bounce lower and move slower, making them easier to rally with.
  ➤ Buy Orange Dot Balls – Tennis Warehouse

• Green Dot Balls (25% slower): Ideal for intermediate players transitioning to full-court play. They mimic regular ball movement but still offer a bit more reaction time.
  ➤ Buy Green Dot Balls – Tennis Warehouse

Using these balls helps with timing, consistency, and longer rallies, especially when hitting against a wall where you have less time to react.

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Below is a useful 5-min video to watch to help acquaint with hitting against a tennis backboard (or any wall in general): https://youtu.be/gILqUtN3Vwo

More advanced ideas are shared here: https://youtu.be/dn-zRAlR2cI