September 24, 2026 • From Tyler and the Ready Set Rackets coaches
When parents hear "tennis for 2 year olds," they picture a tiny kid holding a big racket, trying to hit a fast yellow ball. The real thing is much more fun. Tennis for a two year old is a balloon, a mini paddle, a parent, and a lot of laughing. Here is what actually happens.
A two year old can play the games that tennis is built from. They can watch something float toward them, reach for it, tap it, and chase it when they miss. They can walk a line, stop and go, and copy what a grown-up does. Those are the building blocks of every racket sport, and two is a wonderful age to start them, because at two, everything is a game.
What a two year old loves is short, quick games that change often. So that is exactly how we build our classes.
Our Ready Tots classes are 30 minutes. That is on purpose. A two year old has about thirty good minutes in them, and we want to stop while they still want more. Here is the usual flow.
The warm-up. Everyone moves: marching, tip-toeing, freezing like statues when the coach says so. This is where kids learn to listen to a coach, and it looks exactly like playing.
Balloon time. Every kid gets a balloon and a mini paddle. Balloons fall slowly, so little eyes can follow them. Kids tap, catch, chase and giggle. Parents play right alongside.
A carrying game. Something like the Pancake Walk: a soft ball on the paddle, walked from one cone to another. This builds the flat paddle face and the balance that later becomes a real swing.
A sending game. Kids push or tap a ball over a low barrier we call the mountain. For a two year old, getting it over the mountain once is a huge moment, and we celebrate it like a championship.
The finish. High fives all around and a big group cheer. Kids leave happy, and happy kids come back.
Two year olds learn by copying the person they trust most. When you play, they play. That is why Ready Tots, for ages 18 months to 2 years 11 months, is a parent-and-me class. You are right there in the game with them. It is also a sweet half hour each week where you get to just play with your kid.
If they can walk and run steadily, if they like chasing bubbles or balls, and if they will try something new with you next to them, they are ready. They can watch, wiggle and take little breaks, and that is all part of the fun at two. Wandering off and coming back is part of the class.
Sneakers, comfy clothes, and water. We bring the paddles, balloons, balls and everything else. The first class, most kids hang on to a parent's leg for a few minutes. That is normal. Let them watch. Most are in the game within ten minutes.
Ready to try one? Find a Ready Tots class near you, or read how to help your child warm up on day one.
Want the games in your pocket? Grab the free Ready, Set, Play! parent guide (five racket games you can play in the living room tonight), or start Racky’s free 10-day First Swing Challenge, one 5-minute game a day by email.
Short, high-energy classes packed with fun games for toddlers and preschoolers.
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