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Session

Play Phase session: arm tennis

Looking for an enjoyable activity for kids aged 4-6? Give arm tennis a try. It's easy to set up, and you won't require a lot of equipment.
Session
Sessions
England Football Learning logo on a red background.

England Football Learning

2 mins - Jul 16, 2024

Arm tennis is a 'team game'. This means the children work together on the same team or against others.

 

'Team games' promote sharing and understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses. They also help children learn how to win and lose with sportsmanship and respect.

It is simple to set up. You only need a group of players, bibs and some balls or balloons.

 

Divide the children into pairs. The children work together to move an object backwards and forward as many times as possible.

The children start by creating a net using a bib. They each hold one end of the bib and use their other hand to hit the object to their partner.

The children can choose which version of the game to play. They could:

  • select a balloon and use their hand as a tennis racket
  • select a ball and let it bounce before hitting it back with their hand
  • have a go at playing the game with their feet and kicking the balloon or ball over the net.
Divide the children into pairs. Have each child hold one end of a bib to create a net. They could then use a balloon and their hand as a tennis racket. They could also use a ball and let it bounce before hitting it back or use their feet and kick the balloon or ball over the net.
Divide the children into pairs. Have each child hold one end of a bib to create a net. They could then use a balloon and their hand as a tennis racket. They could also use a ball and let it bounce before hitting it back or use their feet and kick the balloon or ball over the net.

Coaching activity

Watch this video to see the activity in action.

Imaginative play – add a little imagination

Ask the children to create a story while playing – maybe the object is a plane flying between airports or a spaceship visiting planets.

 

Object play – introduce equipment

Introduce different objects. This could be a balloon, ball, beanbag or even their favourite teddy.

 

Social play – bring everyone together

Ask the children to demonstrate their game to the group.

 

Remember to give it a football focus. Can they pretend to be their favourite goalkeeper while passing from one side of the net to the other with their hands?

 

Want to get more from the game? Use our idea generator to increase the returns for your players. 

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