Summary

Motor development in the first five years is the foundation for every sport a child will try. Gross motor skills — crawling, walking, running, jumping, climbing and throwing — build the big movement patterns. Fine motor skills — grasping, pinching, stacking, drawing and eventually holding a racquet — build the precision. The two develop together, and the best thing a parent can do is give children safe, varied, physical play every day.

What early movement looks like in practice

From around five months, infants can practise sitting and assisted standing while playing with a soft tennis ball. As they grow, regular park sessions can include hanging from the monkey bars, stair climbs, short runs across the grass and kicking a ball back and forth.

The goal is not early tennis. The goal is strength, balance, coordination and confidence. By the time formal tennis begins, these foundations make the skill work much easier and more enjoyable.

Gross motor milestones to watch

  • 0–12 months: head control, rolling, sitting, crawling, pulling to stand.
  • 1–2 years: walking, squatting, climbing stairs with support, running.
  • 2–3 years: jumping, kicking, throwing, climbing frames independently.
  • 3–5 years: running with direction, hopping, catching a ball, pedalling, balancing on one foot.

Fine motor milestones to watch

  • 0–12 months: grasping, reaching, transferring objects hand to hand.
  • 1–2 years: pointing, scribbling, stacking blocks, turning pages.
  • 2–3 years: vertical lines, circles, simple puzzles, buttoning.
  • 3–5 years: drawing people, writing some letters, cutting with scissors, catching a ball with hands.

How tennis fits naturally

Tennis-like play is ideal for young children because it combines running, tracking, reaching, grasping and decision-making. Throwing and catching a ball, hitting a balloon, running around cones and hopping on lines all feed the same pathways that later become a forehand, split step and serve.

What parents can do today

  • Take movement to the park: climbing, hanging, swinging, balancing.
  • Let children run barefoot on grass and sand when safe.
  • Play catch with soft balls and balloons to develop tracking and timing.
  • Keep sessions short, playful and child-led.
  • Avoid specialising too early; variety now prevents injury later.