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Lesson 3 - Backhand Technique and Consistency

Skills & Tactics Integration

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Year 3

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Tennis

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50 min

Big Question

How can I master the backhand stroke to become a complete tennis player?

Learning Objectives

To develop backhand striking technique with improved consistency
To understand positioning and footwork for backhand shots
To demonstrate tactical awareness when playing backhand returns

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to execute backhand shots with appropriate grip and stance
Students will show improved consistency when returning balls to their backhand side
Students will demonstrate tactical decision-making in rally situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket size is appropriate for Year 3 students - junior rackets preferred

Alternative: Foam paddles, table tennis bats for modified play

Tennis Balls

40-50 balls

Mix of standard and low-pressure balls for different activities

Alternative: Foam balls, bouncy balls for easier control

Cones

30-40 cones

Use bright colours for clear court marking and target areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, spots

Markers Cones

7 sets

Create 8m x 5m mini courts with clear boundaries

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, playground markings

Barriers

Nets should be at appropriate height for Year 3 students

Alternative: Benches, rope between cones, playground equipment

Coloured Bibs

10 bibs

Used for warm-up game identification

Alternative: Bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Backhand

A tennis stroke played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Grip

How you hold the racket handle to control the ball effectively

Ready Position

The balanced stance used to prepare for incoming shots from any direction

Follow Through

The continuation of the racket swing after striking the ball

Rally

A continuous exchange of shots between players

Court Position

Where you stand on the court to best receive and play shots

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and ready position
Forehand striking technique
Simple ball control and feeding skills
Understanding of court boundaries and net play

Current Skills

Backhand grip technique (one-handed or two-handed)
Positioning and footwork for backhand shots
Consistent ball striking on backhand side
Rally development using both forehand and backhand

Next Steps

Advanced backhand placement and direction
Combination play - forehand to backhand transitions
Competitive game situations with backhand focus
Serve and volley techniques

Milestone Indicators

Student naturally moves to backhand side when ball approaches

Grip adjustment is automatic and fluid

Ball contact is consistent with appropriate follow-through

Student makes conscious tactical choices during rallies

Key Teaching Points

Grip adjustment is crucial - anti-clockwise rotation from forehand V-grip to backhand
Early preparation and positioning - move to the ball before it arrives
Ball contact point - just in front of the body for optimal control and power
Both one-handed and two-handed techniques are valid - encourage personal preference
Follow through toward target - complete the swing for accuracy and consistency
Tactical awareness - choosing when to use backhand versus forehand
Cooperative learning - supporting partners through feedback and encouragement

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Backhand is harder than forehand' - Correction: 'Backhand is just different, and with practice becomes equally natural'
Misconception: 'I must use one-handed backhand to be good' - Correction: 'Two-handed can be just as effective, choose what feels comfortable'
Misconception: 'I need to hit hard to be successful' - Correction: 'Control and placement are much more important than power'
Misconception: 'If I miss shots, I'm doing it wrong' - Correction: 'Missing shots is part of learning, focus on technique improvement'
Misconception: 'The grip doesn't matter much' - Correction: 'Proper grip is fundamental to good backhand technique'

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear breaks, movement breaks between static activities, simplified instructions, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter rackets, slower ball speed, extended practice time, breaking skills into smaller components, additional demonstrations

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, consistent routines, preparation for transitions between activities

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal cues for ball position, buddy system for court navigation, tactile markers for court boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for game instructions, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Seated tennis version, modified racket grips, shorter distances, alternative scoring systems, peer support for movement

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful shots, measuring court dimensions, calculating scores and percentages, understanding angles for shot placement

Science

Forces in ball striking, balance and coordination, cause and effect in ball trajectory, understanding of motion and momentum

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping court layouts, understanding of space and distance

PSHE

Building resilience through challenge, managing emotions during competition, developing empathy through partner work, celebrating diversity in ability

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts for individual feedback, position at corner for overall view during games, stay mobile during warm-up

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip changes, body positioning, ball contact points, and tactical decision-making

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, if students are struggling with basic concepts, or if competitive games become too intense

Demonstration Notes

Use students as demonstrators when possible, exaggerate movements for clarity, show both one-handed and two-handed techniques, emphasise key teaching points through repetition

Verbal Cues

•'Turn your shoulders to the ball!'
•'Soft hands, gentle swing!'
•'Watch the ball onto your racket!'
•'Step and swing through!'
•'Great positioning!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m space with ability to create multiple small courts, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rackets for cracks or loose strings
•Ensure balls are in good condition without splits
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Check nets/barriers are securely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions between students
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Slips and falls during movement
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between courts
•Adequate spacing between pairs and groups
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on control over power
•Clear stop signals and safety instructions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Check technique to prevent overreaching
•Watch for fatigue and adjust intensity

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact emergency services if required