I may do some volunteer coaching of a middle school tennis team. I've seen them practice a few times, and their general level is fairly low. A few have decent forehands, but generally, they need some serious coaching, and I may step in and run some structured drills with them, after instructing them on grips, swing, etc.
One thing I have noticed is that their footwork is atrocious, even the ones that have decent strokes. I don't want to sound like the old guy, but I don't remember my gen being so clumsy in moving to the ball (probably selective memory). Many move flat-footed, with no movement off the ball of their feet.
How do I go about teaching them footwork? Does anyone know of any resources, videos, etc. that could help me coach these kids? Especially regarding flat-footed movement, how do I correct that? Do I need to go back to the very very basics, and teach them how to sprint on the balls of their feet, and then bounce on the balls of their feet?
One thing I have noticed is that their footwork is atrocious, even the ones that have decent strokes. I don't want to sound like the old guy, but I don't remember my gen being so clumsy in moving to the ball (probably selective memory). Many move flat-footed, with no movement off the ball of their feet.
How do I go about teaching them footwork? Does anyone know of any resources, videos, etc. that could help me coach these kids? Especially regarding flat-footed movement, how do I correct that? Do I need to go back to the very very basics, and teach them how to sprint on the balls of their feet, and then bounce on the balls of their feet?