Lesson 6 - Backhand Striking and Game Play
Net Rally Fundamentals
•Year 2
•Net and Wall
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I use both forehand and backhand shots to win points in a rally?
Learning Objectives
- To develop backhand striking technique with good grip and positioning
- To apply forehand and backhand shots in competitive game situations
- To demonstrate fair play and acceptance of rules and decisions
Key Outcomes
- Students will strike consistently using backhand technique from self-feed
- Students will play competitive games using variety of shots and movement
- Students will show understanding of rules and good sporting behaviour
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket size appropriate for students, distributed before lesson
Alternative: Foam paddles, table tennis bats for smaller hands
Ensure balls have appropriate bounce for self-feeding
Alternative: Foam balls, larger training balls for beginners
Set up cone targets and boundaries before lesson
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk circles
Create clear court boundaries and net lines
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, existing court markings
Key Vocabulary
A tennis stroke where you hit the ball with the back of your hand facing the direction of the shot, showing your knuckles to your partner
The correct way to hold a tennis racket with thumb and finger forming a V shape on the handle
Hitting the ball back and forth with a partner or opponent, trying to keep it going
Bouncing the ball to yourself before striking it, giving you control over the shot
The alert, balanced stance used to prepare for receiving or striking the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic forehand striking technique established
- Understanding of ready position and V-grip
- Experience with simple rally activities
Current Skills
- Backhand striking from self-feed
- Game application with variety of shots
- Movement and positioning around court
Next Steps
- Serving techniques introduction
- Advanced game tactics and strategies
- Tournament play and officiating
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maintain V-grip throughout all striking activities for consistent technique
- Emphasise side-on position showing knuckles for effective backhand striking
- Develop rally mindset focusing on cooperation rather than immediate competition
- Encourage return to ready position after each shot for better court coverage
- Build fair play attitudes through positive reinforcement of good sporting behaviour
- Progress from self-feed to partner feed to develop striking consistency
- Use assessment opportunities to document progress and celebrate achievements
Common Misconceptions
- Backhand is harder than forehand - emphasise both are equally important skills
- Hitting harder makes better shots - focus on control and placement over power
- Winning is most important - develop cooperative rally skills before competitive play
- Ready position doesn't matter - show how it improves reaction time and balance
- Rules are negotiable - establish that rules ensure fair play for everyone
- Only skilled players can help others - encourage peer support at all levels
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, specific roles during activities, regular movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Simplified striking technique focus, larger equipment for easier success, extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Bright coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations emphasised, clear hand signals for instructions, written rule cards available
physical disability
- Seated striking variations, larger/lighter rackets available, modified court sizes and rules
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following multi-step instructions, using specific tennis vocabulary, expressing reflections clearly
Maths
Counting rally totals, measuring court distances, angles of striking and movement patterns
Science
Forces and motion in ball striking, physics of bouncing balls, body systems during exercise
PSHE
Fair play and sportsmanship, accepting decisions gracefully, supporting and encouraging others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around different courts during game play, central position during demonstrations
Observation Focus
V-grip maintenance, side-on positioning for backhand, fair play during games
Intervention Points
Support struggling pairs, manage competitive intensity, reinforce safety reminders
Demonstration Notes
Use students to demonstrate good technique, show common mistakes to avoid, emphasise key teaching points clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Show those knuckles for backhand!'
- •'Gentle strikes to keep the rally going!'
- •'Ready position after each shot!'
- •'Celebrate good shots from your opponent!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m for class activities, clear court boundaries marked
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from obstacles, appropriate for quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Rackets appropriate size for age group with secure grips
- •Tennis balls checked for appropriate bounce and condition
- •Cones positioned safely away from striking zones
- •No damaged equipment that could cause injury
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body during striking practice
- •Collision between students during movement activities
- •Trips over equipment or court markers
- •Overexertion during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Controlled striking force emphasised throughout
- •Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
- •Proper warm-up to prepare body for movement
- •Regular reminders about spatial awareness and consideration for others
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple courts during game play
- •Move around during practice to check technique and safety
- •Monitor competitive activities for appropriate intensity
- •Ensure fair play and positive interactions
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, arrange additional support if needed