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Lesson 5 - Introducing the Forehand

Tactical Skills Development

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Year 3

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can we win a game of tennis by mastering the forehand shot?

Learning Objectives

To introduce and practice the forehand shot technique
To understand when and where to play the forehand shot in mini games
To develop ball control and racket grip for successful tennis play

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to grip the racket correctly and adopt the ready position
Students will be able to make contact with the ball after one bounce using forehand technique
Students will be able to return the ball over the net to their opponent's side of the court

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket size appropriate for Year 3 students

Alternative: Table tennis bats, foam paddles

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Softer balls for safety and control

Alternative: Sponge balls, bean bags

Mini Tennis Nets

8-10 nets

Lower height nets for accessibility

Alternative: Rope between cones, benches

Markers Cones

40 cones

Mark mini court boundaries clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope

Bibs

15 (one colour)

To identify one partner in each pair

Alternative: None needed

Key Vocabulary

Forehand

A tennis shot played with the racket held on the dominant side of the body

Ready Position

The starting stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, racket held ready

Grip

How you hold the racket handle for control and power

Rally

Hitting the ball back and forth with a partner without making errors

Court

The playing area marked with boundaries for tennis

Bounce

When the ball hits the ground once before being hit

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control skills from previous units
Floor tennis experience against opponents
Understanding of court boundaries and net play
Basic cooperative games and partner work

Current Skills

Correct racket grip and ready position
Forehand shot technique and ball contact
Court positioning and movement
Cooperative rallying skills

Next Steps

Developing backhand shots
Competitive mini tennis games
Advanced court positioning
Match play with scoring

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball contact with forehand

Ability to direct ball over net

Successful cooperative rallies

Understanding of court positioning

Key Teaching Points

Correct grip is fundamental - like shaking hands with the racket
Turn sideways to the ball - shoulder pointing to target
Let the ball bounce once before hitting
Point racket head in direction you want ball to go
Follow through across body after ball contact
Move feet to get in position for each shot
Cooperative rallies focus on helping partner succeed

Common Misconceptions

Thinking forehand can be played from any position - correct by emphasising sideways turn
Believing power is more important than control - demonstrate gentle successful shots
Assuming rallies are competitive - reinforce cooperative goals and shared success
Gripping racket like a hammer - show handshake grip repeatedly
Hitting ball before it bounces - emphasise one bounce rule consistently

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement as positive outlet

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movement patterns, provide extra practice time and support

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedules for lesson phases, quiet practice space if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and rackets, provide audio cues for ball direction, buddy system for court orientation

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written technique reminders displayed

physical disability

Adapt racket grip with padding, allow seated play where appropriate, modify court size and net height

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful rallies, measuring court dimensions, angles of racket face for ball direction

Science

Forces in hitting balls, trajectory and gravity affecting ball flight, lever actions in forehand swing

Geography

Direction and orientation on court, spatial awareness and positioning

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, managing frustration when learning new skills, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand centrally to observe all mini courts, move between courts to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip, sideways turn for forehand, ball tracking, and cooperative partner work

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggling with grip, not making ball contact, or showing poor cooperation

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations. Show common mistakes and corrections. Emphasise positive examples from student practice.

Verbal Cues

•'Turn your body sideways!'
•'Watch the ball all the way!'
•'Point your racket where you want the ball to go!'
•'Help your partner succeed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m hall space with clear boundary markers

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and tripping hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rackets have no sharp edges or loose strings
•Ensure foam balls are in good condition
•Verify net heights are appropriate for Year 3 students
•Confirm cones are clearly visible and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket contact with other students during swing practice
•Trips and falls during movement activities
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions during rally activities

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear personal space boundaries for swing practice
•Use softer foam balls to reduce impact risk
•Teach proper racket control and awareness of others
•Set up adequate spacing between mini courts
•Emphasise controlled movement rather than speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all mini courts simultaneously
•Monitor swing technique to prevent dangerous movements
•Watch for students moving outside their designated court areas
•Check for equipment being used appropriately

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, remove any hazards before continuing