The perfect model for learning how to manage large groups in the orchestra. Everyone is working together for a single purpose and the conductor has total control of everyone in the group. Each person starts at the same time, participates as a part of the entire group, stops on cue and listens for the next set of instructions. A critical element in handling large groups is to get everyone quiet so they can hear your directions, both before and after activities. Have the students hug their racquets, or place their racquets on the court with the ball resting on the strings.
Small children can sit on the strings and hold the tennis ball in their hands.
Using a whistle is helpful to get everyone's attention and to direct individuals to the proper location for the next activity. Remember to be loud, clear and specific when moving players from one area to another. For example, to get the proper spacing, for a single file line with everyone's toes on the baseline facing the net. Count off by fours and have the ones move forward eight feet from the net. The twos move forward to the service line.