Lesson 3 - Racket and Ball Control
Rally Building Basics
•Year 3
•Tennis
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How can you use the racket face to control a tennis ball accurately?
Learning Objectives
- To develop effective racket and ball control techniques
- To understand the different parts of a tennis racket and their functions
- To demonstrate basic striking and catching skills with a racket
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to return a ball to a partner using basic racket skills
- Students will demonstrate control when tapping a ball up continuously
- Students will show understanding of racket parts and proper grip technique
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket size appropriate for Year 3 students - grip should fit comfortably
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for smaller hands
Use softer balls for students who find catching difficult
Alternative: Foam tennis balls, sponge balls for easier catching
Place hoops in clear spaces for partner activities
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cones to mark targets
Useful for students who struggle with regular tennis ball control
Alternative: Large tennis balls, bean bags for coordination practice
Key Vocabulary
The strung surface of the racket used to hit the ball
Balanced stance with knees bent, racket held in front, ready to move
The top part of the racket that contains the strings
How you hold the handle of the racket with your hand
The middle area of the strings where you get the most control
Throwing the ball with your hand below waist level
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hand-eye coordination from ball games
- Understanding of catching and throwing
- Experience with simple equipment handling
Current Skills
- Racket grip and control techniques
- Ball familiarisation with racket
- Basic striking with racket face
- Partner cooperation in tennis activities
Next Steps
- Forehand and backhand stroke development
- Serving techniques and court positioning
- Competitive game situations and scoring
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always emphasise centre of racket for best ball control and consistency
- Maintain strong wrist position throughout all racket activities
- Ready position provides balance and preparation for all movements
- Gentle, controlled movements are more effective than power
- Cooperation and patience are essential for partner success
- Safety awareness through proper spacing and equipment handling
- Progressive skill building from simple to complex activities
Common Misconceptions
- Students think hitting harder will give better control - emphasise gentle touches
- Belief that any part of racket works equally - reinforce centre contact point
- Assumption that speed equals skill - focus on control and consistency
- Thinking ready position is static - explain it's preparation for movement
- Believing individual success is most important - highlight cooperative achievement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, movement breaks built in, positive reinforcement for focus and effort
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movements, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual activity cards, quiet practice space available, predictable routine and expectations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and rackets, provide verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for guidance and safety
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, visual cues for stop and start
physical disability
- Seated versions of ball control activities, larger/lighter equipment, shortened distances for partner work
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting consecutive ball taps, measuring distances between partners, timing activities and calculating averages
Science
Understanding forces when hitting balls, gravity effects on ball drops, friction between ball and racket strings
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and angles for ball placement
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork in partner activities, resilience when learning new skills, respect for equipment and others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space constantly to observe all students, position yourself where you can see the maximum number of students during activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, ball contact with centre of racket, cooperative behaviour in partner work, and safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in when students are frustrated, unsafe, or not following instructions; provide individual help for grip and technique
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate new skills slowly and clearly, exaggerate key movements, repeat demonstrations as needed, use students to demonstrate good technique
Verbal Cues
- •'Centre of the racket!'
- •'Strong wrist, gentle tap!'
- •'Ready position - show me!'
- •'Work together, help your partner!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m for 30 students, clear of obstacles and walls
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface suitable for movement and ball bouncing
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rackets for damaged strings or loose grips
- •Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks
- •Verify hoops are stable and won't slide
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students with rackets
- •Flying balls hitting other students
- •Tripping over equipment
- •Racket head injuries from swinging
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear personal space boundaries
- •Teach 'STOP' signal for immediate activity cessation
- •Position students with adequate spacing for racket movement
- •Emphasise controlled movements rather than power
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor spacing during individual ball control activities
- •Watch for students becoming frustrated or unsafe
- •Ensure equipment is handled responsibly
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain calm and safe