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Lesson 6 - Racket Control and Ball Sending

Racket Mastery Basics

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Year 2

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Net and Wall

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Big Question

How can we use a racket to send a ball accurately to our partner?

Learning Objectives

To develop sending a ball using a racket with control and accuracy
To improve underarm throwing technique with one bounce
To understand how to position body and racket for effective ball control

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved racket control when sending balls
Students will show understanding of ready position and sideways stance
Students will work cooperatively with partners to practice ball sending skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Skinned Foam Balls

1 per pair (15 total)

Distribute around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Tennis balls, playground balls, bean bags

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30 total)

Check all rackets have secure strings and appropriate grip size

Alternative: Paddle bats, short tennis rackets

Cones

20 for goal markers

Set up in pairs for goal creation in floor tennis activity

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, rope

Balls

5 for differentiation

Available for students needing easier catching practice

Alternative: Larger, slower bouncing balls

Key Vocabulary

Racket face

The flat hitting surface of the racket with strings

Ready position

Balanced stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move

Sideways stance

Standing with side of body facing the target, not front-on

Underarm throw

Throwing with hand starting below waist level, arm swinging upward

Trap

Stopping the ball by placing racket on top of it

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of personal space and moving safely
Experience with simple underarm throwing

Current Skills

Racket grip and control techniques
Coordinated ball sending with bounce control
Partner cooperation and turn-taking

Next Steps

Hitting moving balls with racket
Introduction to basic tennis strokes
Small-sided net and wall games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball using racket centre

Accurate direction when sending to partner

Maintained ready position throughout activities

Key Teaching Points

Demonstrate correct racket grip with fingers spread around handle
Emphasise sideways stance when sending ball for better control
Show importance of centre racket face contact for accuracy
Model proper ready position with knees bent and weight forward
Teach pointing and follow through for directional control
Stress watching the ball from partner's hand to racket contact
Encourage controlled movement and technique over power

Common Misconceptions

Harder hitting always means better - emphasise control and accuracy over power
Any part of racket is fine for hitting - teach centre face for best results
Standing face-on is natural - show why sideways stance gives better control
Looking at target while hitting - emphasise watching ball first, then target
Grip doesn't matter - demonstrate how proper grip affects control

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

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

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet practice area available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of racket position, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapted rackets or paddle bats, seated versions where appropriate, modified distances

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for techniques, communication with partners

Maths

Counting successful hits, measuring distances between partners, angles of racket face

Science

Forces and motion when hitting balls, friction between racket and ball

PSHE

Cooperation, taking turns, showing respect for others, perseverance when learning new skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of area to observe all pairs, move around to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip, sideways stance, and centre racket contact

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with grip or safety distances

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements. Demonstrate common mistakes and corrections. Involve students in demonstrations when appropriate.

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways on!'
•'Centre of racket!'
•'Watch the ball!'
•'Point and follow through!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m indoor hall or playground area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface checked for hazards, ensure dry conditions

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All rackets checked for secure strings and safe grip sizes
•Balls appropriate weight and bounce for age group
•Cones positioned to avoid tripping hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket contact with other students during swinging
•Slips when moving quickly to reach balls
•Balls rolling under feet causing trips

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between pairs
•All students hitting in same direction during drop and hit
•Immediate ball collection after activities
•Controlled movement speeds throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all pairs during racket work
•Monitor spacing and safe swinging during partner activities
•Check for overexcitement during competitive games

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear route to office