Lesson 4 - Forehand and Backhand Volleys
Skills & Tactics Integration
•Year 3
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we control the ball by deflecting it downwards instead of striking it hard?
Learning Objectives
- To develop forehand and backhand volley technique with downward deflection
- To understand the concept of deflecting rather than striking in tennis volleys
- To link volleyball skills into flowing movement sequences
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled forehand and backhand volleys with downward deflection
- Students will show understanding of volley technique through peer assessment
- Students will apply volley skills in competitive game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around court perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, table tennis bats for smaller hands
Stored in ball baskets at court ends
Alternative: Foam balls, larger tennis balls for easier tracking
Mark feeding positions and court boundaries
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope markers
Key Vocabulary
Hitting the ball before it bounces on the ground
Redirecting the ball's path using gentle contact rather than powerful striking
Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, ready to move in any direction
Holding the racket with thumb and forefinger forming a V shape on the handle
Stepping forward with the foot opposite to your striking hand
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket grip and ready position
- Understanding of forehand and backhand sides
- Simple ball-catching and throwing skills
Current Skills
- Forehand and backhand volley technique
- Deflecting ball downwards with control
- Linking volley movements into sequences
Next Steps
- Volleys at different heights and angles
- Moving volleys with footwork
- Competitive volley games with strategy
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Deflection technique is about using the ball's energy, not adding power
- Opposite foot stepping creates balance and control in volley technique
- Downward ball direction is key for controlled volleys and game success
- Ready position between shots enables quick reactions to different feeds
- Firm wrist contact maintains control throughout the volley action
- Peer assessment develops observation skills and technical vocabulary
- Linking individual skills into smooth sequences shows advanced coordination
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking volleys require powerful hitting - correct with gentle deflection emphasis
- Believing same technique works for all ball heights - show adaptation needed
- Assuming game success means good technique - focus on process over outcome
- Expecting immediate backhand success - normalise that it takes more practice
- Thinking ready position is just standing still - emphasise active, prepared stance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, extra demonstration time, simplified movement patterns initially
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and rackets, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written key teaching points available
physical disability
- Seated volley options, modified equipment sizing, adapted distances and court dimensions
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Understanding forces in ball deflection, gravity affecting downward trajectory, physics of ball bounce and control
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns, court layout and boundaries
PSHE
Building resilience through skill practice, working cooperatively with partners, managing competitive emotions positively
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate between pairs during practice, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for downward deflection technique, opposite foot stepping, and safe spacing between players
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide individual technique support as needed, manage competitive emotions during games
Demonstration Notes
Exaggerate technique elements for clarity, show both successful and incorrect examples for comparison, ensure all students can see demonstrations clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Deflect don't strike!'
- •'Opposite foot forward!'
- •'Gentle downward touch!'
- •'Ready position between shots!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m area for partner work, additional court space for games
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from obstacles, appropriate for running and stepping movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tennis rackets checked for secure strings and handles
- •Balls appropriate pressure for safe deflection
- •Nets and boundary markers securely positioned
- •No damaged equipment in use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes from poor volley control
- •Collisions during game activities
- •Racket contact between players
- •Slips during stepping movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise controlled deflection rather than powerful hitting
- •Adequate spacing maintained between pairs and courts
- •Clear boundaries and movement areas established
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic practice
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all practice pairs
- •Monitor King of the Court games for fair play
- •Watch for frustration levels during skill development
- •Ensure appropriate partner matching for games
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid support, contact school procedures if needed