Lesson 5 - Forehand Rally Development
Rally Building Basics
•Year 3
•Tennis
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How can we control the ball to keep a rally going with our partner?
Learning Objectives
- To develop forehand technique for consistent ball control
- To work cooperatively with a partner to maintain rallies
- To understand how preparation and positioning affect shot accuracy
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved forehand technique with consistent ball contact
- Students will successfully maintain short rallies with a partner using cooperative play
- Students will explain key preparation points for effective forehand shots
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket grip size is appropriate for Year 3 hands
Alternative: Large plastic rackets, short tennis rackets, table tennis bats
Consider using different ball types for different ability levels
Alternative: Foam balls, sponge balls, slower bounce balls
Use to mark court boundaries and net lines
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, rope
Adapt equipment based on student needs and facility
Alternative: Skinned foam balls for easier control, tennis nets if available
Key Vocabulary
A tennis stroke where the ball is hit with the palm of the hand facing forward
Continuous hitting of the ball back and forth between players
Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, ready to move in any direction
The moment and position where the racket meets the ball
The playing area marked with boundaries where tennis is played
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket control and ball tracking
- Understanding of ready position
- Simple striking skills with large implements
Current Skills
- Forehand stroke technique development
- Rally maintenance through cooperative play
- Positioning and movement to the ball
Next Steps
- Backhand stroke introduction
- Serving basic techniques
- Competitive rally games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Cooperative play is more important than winning points
- Watch the ball from partner's racket to your own contact point
- Ready position enables quick movement in any direction
- Forehand swing goes from low to high for good ball flight
- Help your partner succeed by placing ball within their reach
- Count rally achievements together and celebrate progress
- Return to ready position after each shot to maintain rally
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking tennis is about hitting hard rather than controlled placement
- Believing you must stay in one position rather than moving to the ball
- Assuming competition means not helping your opponent
- Expecting to rally immediately without progressive skill building
- Focusing only on your own performance rather than partnership success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, frequent position changes, immediate feedback and praise
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified movements, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent partner pairing
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for ball location, buddy system for guidance, textured markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written technique reminders, vibrant visual cues
physical disability
- Seated tennis options, modified rackets, larger/slower balls, adapted court sizes and rules
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, following and giving instructions, descriptive language for technique
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, gravity and bounce, energy transfer from racket to ball, friction on different surfaces
Geography
Spatial awareness and court positioning, directions and movement patterns, map work for court layouts
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all pairs, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, sideways positioning, and cooperative play between partners
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is unsafe, when cooperation breaks down, or when students are struggling with progression
Demonstration Notes
Use slow motion for technique, exaggerate key positions, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Watch the ball!'
- •'Turn sideways!'
- •'Low to high swing!'
- •'Help your partner succeed!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m area for multiple pairs with adequate spacing
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and suitable for tennis movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket grips are secure and appropriate size
- •Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks
- •Verify cones are stable and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket contact between students during swings
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions during movement to ball
- •Slips during directional changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Maintain adequate spacing between pairs during all activities
- •Teach controlled swing technique and personal space awareness
- •Use appropriate balls for age group and skill level
- •Establish clear boundaries and movement areas
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all pairs during rallying
- •Monitor technique to prevent dangerous swings
- •Watch for appropriate competitive spirit and cooperation
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid and seek additional support if needed