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Lesson 4 - Forehand Groundstroke Development

Rally Building Basics

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Year 3

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

2-3

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

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Use lower bounce balls for beginners to allow more reaction time

Alternative: Foam balls, low-compression tennis balls, or bean bags

Cones

15 total

Various colours helpful for different activities and court marking

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or hoops

Key Vocabulary

Forehand

A tennis stroke played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Groundstroke

A tennis shot played after the ball bounces once on your side of the court

Ready Position

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

Swing Path

The movement pattern of the racket from low to high during the forehand

Racket Face

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

Consistent ball contact in centre of racket

Smooth low-to-high swing pattern

Ability to direct ball to partner consistently

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