Lesson 4 - Forehand Groundstroke Development
Rally Building Basics
•Year 3
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use the perfect swing to send the ball exactly where we want it to go?
Learning Objectives
- To develop returning the ball using a forehand groundstroke technique
- To improve ball control and accuracy when hitting to targets
- To understand the key components of an effective tennis forehand
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved forehand technique with consistent ball contact
- Students will successfully return balls to partners using forehand groundstrokes
- Students will show understanding of swing path and racket face positioning
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket size appropriate for students - should reach from ground to student's waist when standing
Alternative: Foam paddles, short tennis rackets, or table tennis bats
Use lower bounce balls for beginners to allow more reaction time
Alternative: Foam balls, low-compression tennis balls, or bean bags
Various colours helpful for different activities and court marking
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or hoops
Key Vocabulary
A tennis stroke played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the shot
A tennis shot played after the ball bounces once on your side of the court
The starting stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, racket ready
The movement pattern of the racket from low to high during the forehand
The hitting surface of the racket that contacts the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket grip and ready position
- Simple ball tracking and catching skills
- Understanding of tennis court boundaries
Current Skills
- Forehand groundstroke technique development
- Ball control after one bounce
- Partner feeding and returning
Next Steps
- Backhand groundstroke introduction
- Rally development with multiple shots
- Court positioning and movement
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position is the foundation - feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, racket ready
- Turn sideways to the ball rather than facing it square on for proper forehand preparation
- Low to high swing path creates topspin and control - avoid flat hitting
- Contact the ball when racket face points toward your target for accuracy
- Follow through over opposite shoulder completes the swing and adds power
- Keep eyes on the ball from bounce through contact point
- Use whole body rotation, not just arm swing, for effective groundstrokes
Common Misconceptions
- Harder hitting equals better tennis - emphasise control and technique over power
- Standing still is fine - stress the importance of moving feet to reach balls
- The racket does all the work - highlight body positioning and rotation
- Perfect shots every time - celebrate improvement and learning from mistakes
- Tennis is only for naturally coordinated students - demonstrate that skills develop with practice
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, frequent positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment options, reduced movement complexity, additional practice time with adult support
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet break area available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright yellow tennis balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for game rules
physical disability
- Adapted rackets or shorter handles, seated play options, modified court sizes and distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring 7-metre distances for targets, counting bounces in jumping beans, scoring systems in games
Science
Forces applied to tennis balls, trajectory and bounce physics, body mechanics during swing motion
Geography
Spatial awareness on tennis courts, understanding court directions and boundaries
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation during partner work, resilience when learning new skills, celebrating others' achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of area for visibility of all students, move between groups during skill practice to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct swing technique, safe spacing between students, positive partnership behaviours
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with technique or safety, provide additional demonstrations as needed
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes on the ball throughout the swing!'
- •'Turn sideways like you're looking over your shoulder!'
- •'Low to high swing - brush up the back of the ball!'
- •'Finish with racket over your opposite shoulder!'
- •'Soft hands - feel the ball on your racket!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m hall or outdoor hard court area with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from balls and equipment hazards, appropriate footwear worn
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tennis rackets checked for secure strings and no loose parts
- •Balls inflated correctly for safe bouncing
- •Cones placed securely and visible for boundary marking
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket collisions between students during swing practice
- •Slips and falls when chasing balls
- •Ball strikes to face or body during game play
Risk Mitigation
- •Adequate spacing established and maintained between pairs
- •Safe queuing distances enforced during Ocean Break game
- •Progressive skill building from assisted to independent practice
- •Clear rules about equipment handling and movement
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during game play
- •Monitor high-activity areas during Ocean Break challenge
- •Ensure safe feeder positioning during partner work
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, adapt activity if needed