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Lesson 5 - Rally and Return Skills

Net Rally Fundamentals

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Year 2

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Net and Wall

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to keep a rally going for longer?

Learning Objectives

To return a ball after one bounce that has been thrown by a partner
To begin rallying a few shots with increasing success
To demonstrate effective communication and cooperation with others

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently return balls after one bounce using correct technique
Students will maintain rallies of 3-5 shots with a partner
Students will communicate positively and support their partner's learning

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check string tension and handle size appropriate for Year 2

Alternative: Badminton rackets, table tennis bats

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Use low-pressure balls for easier control

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for beginners

Coloured Cones

9 sets of 3 matching colours (27 total)

Arrange in triangle formation for warm-up activity

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops

Sun Markers

4 sets (20 cones)

Create clear boundaries for game areas

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope

Key Vocabulary

Rally

Hitting the ball back and forth between players continuously

Ready Position

Balanced stance with racket up, knees bent, ready to move

Forehand

Hitting the ball with palm of hand facing forward

Court

The playing area bounded by lines or cones

Feed

Throwing or hitting the ball gently to your partner to start a rally

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and ready position
Understanding of over the net concept
Simple ball striking skills

Current Skills

Returning balls after one bounce
Maintaining short rallies
Moving to intercept the ball

Next Steps

Returning balls before they bounce
Longer rally sequences
Tactical awareness and placement

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball contact with racket strings

Successful return rate of 7/10 attempts

Rally maintenance for 30+ seconds

Key Teaching Points

Maintain correct Eastern forehand grip throughout all activities
Emphasise ready position with weight on balls of feet
Develop controlled striking focusing on placement over power
Build rallies progressively from single returns to sequences
Foster cooperation through supportive feeding and encouragement
Apply safety awareness especially regarding backswing space
Use self-assessment to develop reflective learning skills

Common Misconceptions

Harder hitting makes better players - correct with control emphasis
Only the final shot in rally matters - teach value of every shot
Competition means not helping opponent - promote cooperative competition
Ready position is just standing still - emphasise active, balanced stance
Good players don't need to practise basics - reinforce fundamental importance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified movements, extra practice time, step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule, quiet areas available for breaks

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for ball position, partner guidance system

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for game rules, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated play options, modified rackets, adjusted court sizes, rolling balls

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rally shots, measuring court distances, understanding angles and trajectories

Science

Forces and motion in ball striking, cause and effect in rally sequences, body coordination

Geography

Spatial awareness, direction and positioning concepts, mapping court layouts

PSHE

Cooperation skills, communication, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all pairs, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for grip consistency, ready position, cooperation between partners

Intervention Points

Step in when safety awareness decreases or technique significantly deteriorates

Demonstration Notes

Use successful students as models, exaggerate movements for visibility, emphasise key points clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Ready position!'
•'Gentle feeding!'
•'Check your space!'
•'Side-on for forehand!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear area, multiple court spaces marked with cones

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for quick movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket strings are secure and handles appropriate size
•Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket contact with other students during backswing
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions between pairs in adjacent courts

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established with adequate spacing
•Explicit teaching of backswing awareness
•Emphasis on controlled striking rather than power
•Progressive skill building from stationary to movement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all court areas
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety awareness

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on 'STOP' call, assess any injuries, appropriate first aid response