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Lesson 4 - Introducing Rackets

Tactical Skills Development

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Year 3

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can a racket become an extension of our hand to control and direct the ball?

Learning Objectives

To learn how to hold a tennis racket safely using correct grip technique
To understand the importance of ball control when using a racket
To develop basic pushing shots with forehand and backhand techniques

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct racket grip with strong hand at bottom
Students will show ball control by keeping ball on racket during movement
Students will successfully push the ball to their opponent's side of the court

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check all rackets for damage, ensure appropriate size for students

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, table tennis bats for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

1 per pair + 20 spares

Use lower compression balls for easier control

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for control practice

Cones

16 for court markers and nets

Create mini courts approximately 6m x 4m

Alternative: Rope, chalked lines, existing court markings

Bibs

15 for team identification

Use for Run and Retrieve game team identification

Alternative: Different coloured equipment, verbal team names

Key Vocabulary

Grip

How we hold the racket handle with our hands

Ready Position

Standing position between shots with knees bent and racket up

Push Shot

Gently hitting the ball using the flat face of the racket

Forehand

Hitting the ball on the same side as your strong hand

Backhand

Hitting the ball on the opposite side to your strong hand

Rally

Hitting the ball back and forth with a partner

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control using hands
Understanding of court boundaries and simple games
Following safety rules around equipment

Current Skills

Correct racket grip technique
Ball control using racket face
Basic pushing shots
Ready position in tennis

Next Steps

Developing consistent rally techniques
Learning proper serving technique
Understanding court positioning and tactics

Milestone Indicators

Maintains correct grip throughout activity

Can keep ball on racket for 10+ seconds whilst moving

Successfully completes 5+ consecutive pushes with partner

Key Teaching Points

Racket grip is fundamental - strong hand at bottom, handshake position
Ball control comes before power - emphasise gentle, controlled shots
Ready position enables quick movement and better shot preparation
Cooperation builds confidence before introducing competition
Safety awareness with rackets must be maintained throughout
Progressive skill building from stationary to moving ball activities
Positive reinforcement encourages continued effort and improvement

Common Misconceptions

Students often grip racket too high on handle - correct with handshake analogy
Many think hitting harder equals better shots - emphasise control over power
Some forget ready position between shots - use regular reminders and practice
Students may try to catch ball instead of hitting it - encourage push motion
Confusion between forehand and backhand sides - use clear body position demonstrations
Thinking tennis requires natural talent - emphasise that skills develop with practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular positive feedback, offer choice in partner selection

dyspraxia

Use larger, slower balls initially, provide extra practice time, break down movements into smaller steps with clear cues

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, establish quiet zone for breaks, use consistent routine structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and rackets, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for support

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Offer seated tennis option, use larger/lighter rackets as appropriate, modify court size to reduce movement requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rally hits, measuring court distances, timing activities, calculating team scores

Science

Forces and motion in ball striking, balance and centre of gravity in ready position, physics of ball bounce and control

Geography

Spatial awareness of court areas, direction and angles of ball travel, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork during partner activities, resilience when learning new skills, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity area for optimal supervision, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip technique, controlled shot production, and positive partner interaction

Intervention Points

Step in if racket swinging becomes unsafe, if students struggle with basic grip, or if competitive activities become too intense

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with exaggerated movements for visibility, use analogy-rich language to aid understanding, involve students in demonstrations when safe

Verbal Cues

•'Handshake grip - strong hand at bottom!'
•'Push, don't swing - like closing a door!'
•'Ready position between every shot!'
•'Control the ball, don't let it control you!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m area, clear of obstacles with adequate run-off space

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for safe movement with rackets

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all rackets for cracks or sharp edges before use
•Ensure tennis balls are appropriate pressure - not too hard
•Verify cone markers are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket contact with other students during swinging motions
•Slips and falls during movement activities
•Ball strikes to head or body from poor control

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear personal space boundaries for racket use
•Emphasise controlled, gentle shots throughout lesson
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving activities
•Clear demonstration of safe equipment handling

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all racket activity
•Monitor spacing during partner activities closely
•Watch for any equipment misuse or unsafe behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid response, contact school medical support if needed