Lesson 8 - Tennis: Racket Control Basics
Body Parts & Equipment Skills
•Year 1
•Sending and Receiving
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use a tennis racket to control a ball and send it to friends safely?
Learning Objectives
- To develop basic tennis racket grip and handling skills
- To send a ball using a tennis racket with directional control
- To receive and trap a ball using tennis racket strings safely
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct tennis racket grip technique
- Students will successfully send balls along the floor towards targets
- Students will trap and control moving balls using racket strings
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all rackets for damage, distribute around perimeter before lesson
Alternative: Foam paddles, table tennis bats for smaller hands
Ensure balls are not over-inflated, place in equipment bag for easy access
Alternative: Foam balls, larger sponge balls for easier control
Use different colours to create clear boundaries and targets
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk circles
Available for students who need easier ball control option
Alternative: Scarves, foam shapes, paper plates
Key Vocabulary
Holding the tennis racket handle as if shaking hands with someone
The mesh part of the tennis racket used to hit and control the ball
To stop and control the ball using the racket strings
Working together to send the ball back and forth as many times as possible
Balanced position with knees slightly bent, ready to move and react
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic spatial awareness and movement in PE lessons
- Simple ball rolling and catching with hands
- Following instructions and stopping/starting on command
Current Skills
- Tennis racket grip and basic handling
- Floor-level ball sending with racket control
- Ball trapping and receiving with racket strings
Next Steps
- Elevated ball control and bouncing techniques
- Partner cooperation in sustained rallies
- Introduction to simple tennis-style games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Handshake grip technique is fundamental to all racket control
- Gentle ball control on ground level before progressing to elevated skills
- Ready position with bent knees essential for effective ball tracking
- Cooperation and helping partners succeed is more important than winning
- Safety with equipment handling must be maintained throughout
- Progressive skill building from individual to partner to group activities
- Positive encouragement helps build confidence with new equipment
Common Misconceptions
- Many students think they need to hit the ball hard to be successful - emphasise gentle control
- Students often try to reach for balls instead of moving their feet - teach tracking movement
- Some believe competition means not helping others - reinforce cooperative learning values
- Students may think perfect technique is needed immediately - celebrate improvement and effort
- Some assume tennis rackets are used the same as other bats - teach specific grip technique
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with regular changes, clear movement boundaries marked with cones, frequent positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger, lighter equipment options, extra practice time for grip development, simplified movement patterns, additional demonstration
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of lesson progression, quiet space available if needed, consistent routines and predictable activity structure
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and larger target areas, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face during instructions
physical disability
- Adapted grip techniques or specialised rackets, seated versions of activities where appropriate, modified targets and distances
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive language to explain techniques, active listening during demonstrations
Maths
Counting successful passes during partner activities, measuring distances with steps, understanding 2D shapes through cone gate arrangements
Science
Exploring forces when pushing balls with rackets, understanding motion and direction, investigating balance and stability
PSHE
Developing cooperation and teamwork skills, building resilience when activities are challenging, showing respect and encouragement to others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of teaching area to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct racket grip, safe movement patterns, cooperative behaviour, and progressive skill development
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggle with grip, when safety rules aren't followed, or when games become uncooperative
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements during skill demonstrations, invite confident students to help with demonstrations, repeat key techniques multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Handshake grip - shake hands with your racket!'
- •'Gentle pushes - keep the ball on the ground!'
- •'Ready position - knees bent, eyes watching!'
- •'Help your partner succeed - we're working together!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 25m indoor hall or outdoor hard court area, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, dry and even without cracks or debris that could cause trips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all tennis rackets for loose strings or damaged handles before use
- •Ensure tennis balls are not over-inflated and bounce appropriately
- •Verify all cones are stable and not cracked or sharp
- •Keep extra equipment stored safely at edges of teaching area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket collisions during movement activities
- •Slips and falls when chasing balls
- •Ball impacts from inappropriate sending
- •Equipment tripping hazards when not stored properly
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing requirements established and maintained throughout
- •Racket safety rules emphasised - no swinging above shoulder height
- •Controlled ball sending speeds to prevent hard impacts
- •Immediate equipment collection when activities finish
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during partner and group activities
- •Monitor for safe racket handling throughout lesson
- •Watch for inclusive behaviour during team games
- •Be ready to adjust activities if safety concerns arise
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed