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Lesson 8 - Racket Control Basics

Ball Mastery Techniques

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Year 2

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Sending and Receiving

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1h 12min

Big Question

How can we use a tennis racket to control and direct a ball accurately to a partner?

Learning Objectives

To be able to send and receive a ball with a tennis racket using correct grip and technique
To develop spatial awareness and accuracy when directing a ball towards a target
To demonstrate control and balance while moving with equipment

Key Outcomes

Students will hold a tennis racket correctly and demonstrate basic ball control skills
Students will send a ball accurately towards a partner using appropriate force and direction
Students will work cooperatively in pairs and small groups to maintain rallies

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check all rackets for damage, ensure appropriate size for Year 2 students

Alternative: Paddle bats, table tennis bats for students with coordination difficulties

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Use lower pressure balls for easier control, check all balls are suitable condition

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students needing easier control

Cones

Use bright colours for clear visibility, check no sharp edges

Alternative: Markers, quoits, or bean bags

Balls

For students who need extra support with ball control

Alternative: Soft foam blocks

Key Vocabulary

Handshake grip

Holding the racket handle as if shaking hands with someone

Ready position

Balanced stance with knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart, racket ready

Tracking

Following the path of the ball with your eyes and moving to get in line with it

Rally

Working together to keep the ball going back and forth between partners

Intercept

To catch or stop a ball that is travelling between other players

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills with hands
Understanding of personal space and safe movement
Experience following simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Correct tennis racket grip and handling
Ball control using racket on ground and in air
Accurate sending and receiving in pairs

Next Steps

Introduction to hitting ball in the air
More complex rally patterns and games
Introduction to basic tennis court positioning

Milestone Indicators

Maintains handshake grip consistently

Keeps ball close to racket when moving

Achieves 5+ consecutive passes with partner

Key Teaching Points

Handshake grip is fundamental - check and reinforce throughout lesson
Emphasise control and accuracy over power in all sending activities
Ready position with bent knees provides stability for better ball control
Tracking the ball with eyes and moving to get in line is crucial for receiving
Cooperative rather than competitive mindset helps maintain motivation
Progressive skill building from static to moving activities ensures success
Safety with equipment must be maintained throughout - rackets below shoulder height

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking they need to hit the ball hard - correct by emphasising gentle control
Believing they should keep feet still when ball comes to side - teach importance of movement
Assuming they're competing against partner rather than working together - reinforce cooperation
Thinking the racket should be held like a hammer - continually reinforce handshake grip
Believing they must catch every ball perfectly - normalize dropping and trying again

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear boundaries marked with cones, regular positive feedback, simplified instructions with visual cues

dyspraxia

Larger, slower balls for easier tracking, two-handed racket grip allowed, extra practice time, step-by-step demonstration with breakdown of movements

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent routines for equipment collection, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, textured balls for better feel

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, partner support for communication, visual signals for stop/start

physical disability

Seated version using table height setup, adapted racket grips or straps, shorter distances for activities, bean bags instead of balls

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for technique, communicating with partners during activities

Science

Forces and motion when pushing ball with racket, balance and stability in movement, hand-eye coordination development

Geography

Spatial awareness and direction when sending ball to targets, understanding positional language (left, right, forward, back)

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of activity area for visibility of all students, move around during partner work to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct handshake grip, controlled ball contact, safe movement patterns, and cooperative behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if racket safety rules are broken, provide support for students struggling with ball control, facilitate partner changes if needed

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate both correct technique and common mistakes for comparison, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Handshake grip!' as reminder for correct hold
•'Gentle pushes!' to encourage control over power
•'Track the ball!' to remind students to follow ball with eyes
•'Ready position!' to cue balanced stance

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear activity area, suitable for 30 students with rackets

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, appropriate for ball control activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tennis rackets for cracks or damage before use
•Ensure racket grips are secure and appropriate size for Year 2 hands
•Verify tennis balls are in good condition and appropriately pressured
•Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students moving with rackets
•Students swinging rackets inappropriately
•Slips and falls when chasing balls
•Ball strikes to face or body

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for personal space during individual work
•Racket safety rules introduced at start: 'Rackets stay below shoulder height'
•Controlled ball rolling only - no hitting balls in air
•Progressive skill building from static to moving activities
•Adequate spacing between pairs and groups during partner/team work

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Move around groups during partner work to monitor technique and safety
•Monitor closely during Interceptor game for appropriate movement patterns
•Check equipment handling throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established for immediate halt of activity, basic first aid kit accessible, clear procedure for any equipment-related injuries