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Lesson 8 - Tennis: Racket Control Basics

Body Parts & Equipment Skills

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Year 1

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Sending and Receiving

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Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check all rackets for damage, distribute around perimeter before lesson

Alternative: Foam paddles, table tennis bats for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Ensure balls are not over-inflated, place in equipment bag for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls, larger sponge balls for easier control

Cones

Use different colours to create clear boundaries and targets

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk circles

Balls

Available for students who need easier ball control option

Alternative: Scarves, foam shapes, paper plates

Key Vocabulary

Handshake grip

Holding the tennis racket handle as if shaking hands with someone

Racket strings

The mesh part of the tennis racket used to hit and control the ball

Trap

To stop and control the ball using the racket strings

Rally

Working together to send the ball back and forth as many times as possible

Ready position

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

Maintains handshake grip throughout activities

Sends ball in intended direction 7 out of 10 attempts

Traps moving ball without it bouncing away

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