Lesson 5 - Racquet Grip and Self-Feed Skills
Racquet Skills & Control
•Year 2
•Sending and Receiving
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I use the correct grip to control where my ball travels?
Learning Objectives
- Use correct grip to hold a tennis racquet
- Send, receive and stop a ball using a racquet along the ground
- Use self-feed technique to hit ball to partner
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate proper racquet grip for different shots
- Students will successfully send and receive balls using ground strokes
- Students will perform self-feed technique with increasing accuracy
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all racquets for damage, ensure appropriate size for Year 2
Alternative: Paddle bats, table tennis bats for smaller hands
Use softer balls for safety and easier control
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for easier control
Mark boundaries and pair positions
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
For extension activities, approximately 30cm high
Alternative: Rope between posts, PE benches
Key Vocabulary
The way you hold the racquet handle in your dominant hand
Dropping the ball from your hand and hitting it with the racquet
Hitting the ball along the ground towards a target
Hitting the ball back and forth with a partner continuously
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills
- Simple catching and throwing
- Understanding of taking turns
Current Skills
- Proper racquet grip technique
- Self-feed ball striking
- Ground stroke control
- Partner cooperation in rallies
Next Steps
- Net play introduction
- Overhead hitting techniques
- Competitive rally games
- Court positioning
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Correct racquet grip is fundamental - 'shake hands with your racquet'
- Self-feed timing: drop, wait for bounce, then hit
- Control over power - accuracy more important than distance
- Ground strokes require racquet behind ball with strings facing target
- Partner cooperation essential - count successes together
- Safety awareness - maintain distance and gentle hitting
- Progressive challenge - master basics before advancing
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking harder hitting equals better performance - emphasise control
- Confusion about which hand holds racquet - reinforce dominant hand concept
- Expecting immediate success - teach patience and practice value
- Competitive rather than cooperative mindset - encourage teamwork
- Fear of racquet hitting - demonstrate safety through proper technique
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular position changes
dyspraxia
- Larger racquets and balls, extra practice time, break down skills into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Clear visual routine cards, quiet practice area available, predictable partner pairings
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of technique, buddy system for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Seated version using table tennis bats, larger lightweight balls, reduced court area
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following story narrative, using descriptive vocabulary, partner communication
Maths
Counting rally successes, measuring distances between partners, timing sequences
Science
Understanding forces in ball movement, cause and effect in hitting direction
PSHE
Cooperation skills, turn-taking, encouraging others, managing disappointment
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate around pairs during activities, position centrally for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, self-feed timing, partner cooperation and safety
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with technique, showing frustration, or unsafe behaviour
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate at student eye level, use slow motion for technique, emphasise safety throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Shake hands with your racquet!'
- •'Drop, bounce, hit!'
- •'Gentle push through the ball!'
- •'Count together!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or playground, minimum 20m x 15m for 30 students
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface clear of obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all racquets for cracks or loose strings
- •Ensure balls are appropriate firmness for year group
- •Inspect handles for smooth finish
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racquet collision between students
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Slips and trips during movement
- •Overexertion in competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing requirements enforced
- •Controlled ball hitting - no power emphasis
- •Regular reminders about awareness of others
- •Gradual build-up of activity intensity
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all pairs
- •Circulate actively during partner work
- •Monitor distance maintenance between students
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on 'STOP' signal, assess any injury, apply first aid as needed, call for support if required