Lesson 2 - Forehand Hitting to Targets
Rally Progression Techniques
•Year 3
•Tennis
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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
Check racket strings are intact and handles appropriate size
Alternative: Ping pong bats, foam rackets, or hands for beginners
Ensure balls are properly inflated and clean
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags, or larger soft balls for safety
Different coloured hoops help identify close/far targets
Alternative: Cones in circles, chalk circles, or rope circles
Use to mark boundaries and create net alternatives
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines
Set at appropriate height for Year 3 students (approximately 60cm)
Alternative: Rope between posts, cones with bands, or chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
A tennis stroke played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke
The continuation of the racket movement after hitting the ball
A specific area or object that you aim to hit with the ball
The way you hold the tennis racket handle
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
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