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Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Ball Tracking

Rally Building Basics

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Year 3

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Tennis

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40 min

Big Question

How can the ready position help me become a better tennis player?

Learning Objectives

To understand and demonstrate the ready position in tennis
To track a moving ball and position body effectively
To catch a ball after one bounce using proper technique

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently use the ready position when receiving balls
Students will move their feet to stay in line with approaching balls
Students will catch tennis balls after one bounce with improved accuracy

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Store in central basket for easy distribution

Alternative: Softer foam balls for students with catching difficulties

Cones

Use different colours to mark court areas and boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or existing court markings

Balls

5 (optional)

Available for students needing larger target practice

Alternative: Larger beach balls or soft play balls

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

The starting stance in tennis with feet apart, knees bent, and eyes focused on the ball

Ball Tracking

Following the path of the ball with your eyes while moving your body to intercept it

Underarm Throw

A throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with an upward motion

One Bounce Catch

Catching a ball immediately after it has bounced once on the ground

Court Area

The designated playing space marked out with cones or lines

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of personal space
Ability to follow simple game rules

Current Skills

Ready position technique and application
Ball tracking and footwork
Underarm throwing accuracy
Anticipation and reaction skills

Next Steps

Introduction to basic racket skills
Wall practice for consistent returns
Simple rally techniques
Court positioning and movement patterns

Milestone Indicators

Automatic return to ready position

Smooth movement to intercept balls

Consistent catching success rate

Understanding of tactical positioning

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is the foundation of all tennis movement - feet apart, knees bent, weight forward
Ball tracking starts with the eyes - watch the ball from the thrower's hand to your hands
Movement from ready position should be explosive and purposeful, not hesitant
Return to ready position immediately after each ball contact or movement
Underarm throwing should create a gentle arc, not a hard straight line
Catching after one bounce requires positioning body behind the ball
Fair play and encouragement make tennis enjoyable for everyone

Common Misconceptions

Ready position is just standing still - correct by emphasising dynamic balance and readiness to spring
Throwing harder means better - correct by focusing on accuracy and appropriate pace for partner
Looking at feet helps with ready position - correct by emphasising forward focus and ball watching
Catching is just about hands - correct by teaching whole body positioning and footwork
Tennis is only about winning points - correct by emphasising skill development and fair play
Ready position is only for tennis - correct by connecting to other sports and movement situations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, offer regular movement breaks, give specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment initially, reduce complexity of movement patterns, provide extra practice time, break skills into smaller components

autism spectrum

Establish clear routines and expectations, provide visual schedule of lesson activities, create quiet zones for breaks if needed, use consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Use bright coloured tennis balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, implement buddy system for spatial awareness, use audio cues for ready position

hearing impairment

Ensure clear visual demonstrations, use hand signals for commands, provide written instruction cards, position student where they can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Adapt ready position for seated participants, use larger/softer balls for easier catching, modify throwing distances, provide alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful catches and throws, measuring distances for court setup, calculating scores in games, understanding angles of ball trajectory

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, balance and centre of gravity in ready position, reaction times and nervous system responses, friction between feet and ground surface

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness during movement, mapping court areas and boundaries, understanding of relative positions in games

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in partner activities, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions during competitive games, fair play and honesty in scoring

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the teaching area to observe all students, position at corners for maximum visibility during activities, stand where all students can see demonstrations clearly

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ready position technique, ball tracking skills, movement quality, and social interaction during partner and group work

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with ready position technique, if safety concerns arise, if game rules need clarification, or if behaviour management required

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate ready position with exaggerated movements for clarity, show common mistakes followed by correct technique, use students as positive examples when appropriate, maintain enthusiasm and energy throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Ready position!' as reminder signal
•'Watch the ball!' to focus attention
•'Move your feet!' to encourage positioning
•'Spring from ready!' to emphasise explosive movement

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m hall or playground area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from water, debris, or trip hazards, suitable for running and stopping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls checked for correct pressure and no splits or damage
•Cones checked for stability and no sharp edges or cracks
•Equipment stored safely when not in use to prevent trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Slips and falls during direction changes and stopping
•Ball strikes to head or body during throwing activities
•Overexertion during warm-up and skill practice

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and understood by all students
•Adequate spacing maintained between students and pairs
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Emphasis on controlled movements rather than maximum speed
•Regular hydration breaks in warm weather

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during warm-up and games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure fair play and appropriate behaviour during competitive activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, complete accident report forms