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Lesson 2 - Forehand Hitting to Targets

Rally Progression Techniques

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Year 3

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use different types of tennis hits to place the ball exactly where I want it?

Learning Objectives

Recognise the types of hitting needed for different areas of the court
Throw/hit to targets on a court with accuracy
Use appropriate power for close and far targets

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate forehand hitting technique with correct grip and follow-through
Students will successfully hit targets at varying distances using appropriate power
Students will explain why different hitting techniques are needed for different court positions

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket strings are intact and handles appropriate size

Alternative: Ping pong bats, foam rackets, or hands for beginners

Tennis Balls

40-50 balls

Ensure balls are properly inflated and clean

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags, or larger soft balls for safety

Hoops

15 hoops (2 per pair)

Different coloured hoops help identify close/far targets

Alternative: Cones in circles, chalk circles, or rope circles

Cones

20 cones

Use to mark boundaries and create net alternatives

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Benches

3.5 items

Set at appropriate height for Year 3 students (approximately 60cm)

Alternative: Rope between posts, cones with bands, or chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Forehand

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

Follow-through

The continuation of the racket movement after hitting the ball

Target

A specific area or object that you aim to hit with the ball

Grip

The way you hold the tennis racket handle

Trajectory

The path the ball takes through the air

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of personal space and safety
Experience with simple throwing and hitting activities

Current Skills

Forehand grip technique
Target hitting with varying power
Understanding of trajectory and accuracy

Next Steps

Backhand hitting techniques
Rally play and ball return skills
Competitive tennis game formats

Milestone Indicators

Consistent forehand grip without reminder

80% success rate hitting large targets

Visible adaptation of power for different distances

Key Teaching Points

Forehand grip must be like shaking hands with the racket
Smooth low-to-high hitting motion creates better control than power
Close targets need gentle hits, far targets need more power but same technique
Ball should be dropped slightly in front and to the side for best contact
Follow-through is essential for accuracy and proper technique
Partner cooperation and encouragement improve everyone's learning
Tactical thinking about target selection develops game understanding

Common Misconceptions

Harder hitting always gets better results - actually control and accuracy are more important
The grip doesn't matter as long as you can hold the racket - proper grip is fundamental to all other techniques
You should hit the ball immediately after dropping it - waiting for the right bounce height improves success
Competition means you can't help your opponent - good sportsmanship includes helping others improve
Tennis is just about hitting hard - strategy and placement are more important than power

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer movement breaks, use positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, provide extra practice time, break down movements into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual schedules, offer quiet break spaces if needed, use consistent routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and hoops, provide verbal descriptions of target positions, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Modify hitting to seated position if needed, use larger/lighter equipment, adjust target distances appropriately

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful hits, measuring distances to targets, calculating scores and point differences

Science

Understanding forces needed for different distances, trajectory of ball flight, cause and effect of power adjustment

Geography

Spatial awareness, direction of hits, mapping movement patterns around targets

PSHE

Cooperation and communication with partners, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility of all pairs, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip technique, appropriate power adjustment, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe hitting, poor technique that won't improve with practice, or any competitive behaviour becoming inappropriate

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at normal speed, and use students to demonstrate good examples when possible

Verbal Cues

•'Handshake grip!' to remind of correct hold
•'Smooth painting motion!' for technique reminder
•'Gentle for close, stronger for far!' for power adjustment
•'Watch and move!' for defensive play

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m area, clear of obstacles, with adequate space between pairs (5m minimum)

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, stones, or slippery patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rackets have no loose strings or sharp edges
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and clean
•Verify hoops are intact with no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Racket contact between students
•Slips during quick movement
•Collisions during target games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each pair
•Adequate spacing between activities
•Emphasis on controlled hitting rather than power
•Safe ball collection procedures taught

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all pairs during practice
•Monitor hitting technique to prevent dangerous swings
•Watch defensive players for safe movement patterns

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, and contact school medical support if needed