January 2007 -- Apart of the lesson that, on many occasions, is overlooked by the pros is the way the balls are picked up. Here are some ideas on how to make the “boring” job of collecting balls fun.
This part of the lesson can have a great impact on parents and players when they see that no time is wasted, there is a safe environment, and that the pro manages to keep the young students engaged even during pick-up time.
This makes a very strong impression, helping the program gain a good reputation.
Here are some ways to pick up:
- For kids ages 7 and up: We do the “Cardio pickup.” The students pick up one ball at a time and have to run to the basket after they pick up a ball.
- For kids ages 7 and up: We do the “Cardio pickup,” same as No. 1, but pick up five balls at a time. We do this with smaller groups.
Because the practice is only one hour long, this helps us work on building endurance as well as very efficient time managment.
- For kids ages 7 and up and adults: “Ken’s pickup.” When picking up the first 15 balls, the student runs to the ball and “squats” or does a “lunge” to pick up a ball. (Thank you Ken DeHart for the idea!)
- For kids all ages: “Team pickup.” Divide the groups in teams. Each team will have either a basket or a bucket placed on the service line. Players will run to pick up balls and place them in the basket/bucket; the team with the most balls wins a “super point.” At the end of the practice, the team with the most super points wins a small prize.
- For kids of all ages: “Beat the clock.” The group has X number of minutes to pick up balls. We write down the time it took and each time we try to break the record. We have a club record and every group tries to break it.
- For kids ages 3 to 7: “Pizza Train.” Kids make a train with their racquets. At the order of go, they will run to pick up all the balls and put them back on their racquet. Once finished, they will sit down next to their racquet. While we collect the balls from their racquets, they tell us what “pizza” they made. Some examples: cheese with worms and spiders, or our favorite, peanut butter and mustard.
- For kids ages 3 to 7: “Kangaroo pickup.” Kids tuck in their shirt and fill up their shirt with balls.
These are different ways to make the tedious job of picking up balls fun, while using this time in a very effective way and creating a safe environment for the kids.
