Coordination Exercise for Kids: French Fries and Tennis Balls
At home, in his garage, Matt helps his daughter Roxy practice her aim using two tennis balls, a wand, and a pool noodle. It’s a simple, fun two-minute exercise designed to help a child know exactly where to position herself for each shot.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
The system: an alignment rod slipped into a pool noodle, placed on the ground along the playing line. The stick keeps the bat straight, and since it’s thick, the child can’t miss it—he or she would trip over it. Next, let the child position himself or herself however he or she feels comfortable, and then Place a tennis ball at the tip of each foot. He now knows exactly where to put his feet.
The golf ball is placed in the middle, between the two tennis balls. The child steps back, comes forward, and finds the right stance on his own: feet against the tennis balls, ball in the center. The instructions are brief: chin up, look where you’re going, then hit the ball. Matt reiterates the goal: to work on accuracy, send the ball in the right direction, and have a good time. All you need is a mat and a net to do it at home.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Slide an alignment rod into a pool noodle and place it on the ground along the sideline.
- Ask the child to sit in whatever position feels comfortable.
- Place a tennis ball at the tip of each of his feet.
- Place the golf ball in the middle, between the two tennis balls.
- Have him step aside, then return to his starting position: feet against the balls, ball in the center.
- Remind him to keep his chin up and look at the target, then let him swing.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Forcing a position instead of starting from one in which the child feels comfortable.
- Use a single stick that is hard to see and could cause someone to trip.
- Increase the number of technical guidelines.
- Forgetting that the session should remain a game.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Mats and netting in the garage or yard
- The child resets his or her position on his or her own before each ball
- Two or three instructions at most
- Ask him if it's fun
Your Questions
Why is there a pool noodle wrapped around the baguette?
Matt explains that she holds the stick straight and that it’s thick: the child can’t miss it. If he touches it, he trips over it, which tells him right away.
Where should I put the tennis balls?
At the tip of each foot, once the child has settled into a comfortable position. These become the child’s reference points for repositioning himself.
Where should you place the golf ball?
In the video, in the middle, between the two tennis balls. A comment asks whether it shouldn't be positioned a little further forward: the video doesn't address this point.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator. Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.