Lesson 5 - Backhand Game Skills
Foundational Skills & Play
•Year 4
•Tennis
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When should I choose a backhand shot over a forehand, and how can I master this technique?
Learning Objectives
- To develop correct backhand technique using two-handed grip
- To understand when to use backhand in game situations
- To apply backhand shots in continuous rally practice
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct backhand technique with appropriate footwork
- Students will choose appropriate shots (forehand/backhand) based on ball placement
- Students will maintain rallies using both forehand and backhand shots
Equipment & Resources Required
Check appropriate grip size for Year 4 hands
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for smaller hands
Use slower balls for beginners to aid learning
Alternative: Foam balls, sponge balls for easier control
Use to mark court boundaries and net lines
Alternative: Markers, spots, or rope for boundaries
Key Vocabulary
A tennis shot played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot
Balanced stance in centre of court, ready to move in any direction
Continuous exchange of shots between players
The side of your body opposite to your stronger hand
The flat surface of the racket that contacts the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket grip and control
- Forehand technique and ready position
- Understanding of court boundaries and net height
Current Skills
- Two-handed backhand grip technique
- Sideways body position for backhand shots
- Shot selection based on ball placement
Next Steps
- Volleys and net play
- Serving technique development
- Advanced rally strategies and game tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Two-handed grip is essential for Year 4 backhand development and control
- Sideways body position creates power and accuracy in backhand shots
- Shot selection based on ball placement is a key tactical skill to develop
- Ready position return maintains court coverage and rally continuation
- Partner cooperation enhances learning through quality feeding and encouragement
- Progressive skill building from static to dynamic practice ensures success
- Focus on technique development over power at this age and stage
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think backhand is just a 'reverse forehand' - emphasise it's a completely different technique
- Many students try to use only their dominant hand - reinforce the two-handed approach for control
- Students often stay facing the net instead of turning sideways - practice body position specifically
- Some think harder hitting equals better shots - emphasise control and placement over power
- Students may avoid using backhand even when appropriate - encourage shot selection awareness
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement breaks, specific focus points for attention
dyspraxia
- Slower demonstrations, larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent partner pairings
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, use sound cues for ball location
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Seated tennis options, larger/lighter balls, modified court sizes, peer support for mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting rally totals, measuring court dimensions, angles of racket face and body position
Science
Forces in ball contact, trajectory and bounce physics, body mechanics in swing motion
Geography
Court orientation and positioning, spatial awareness and direction concepts
PSHE
Cooperation in partner work, resilience when learning difficult skills, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of courts for optimal observation of all students, central position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Monitor backhand technique development, shot selection decisions, and partner cooperation quality
Intervention Points
Step in when technique becomes unsafe, when students become frustrated, or when equipment issues arise
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key points for visibility, involve confident students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Turn sideways to the ball!'
- •'Two hands on the racket!'
- •'Low to high swing!'
- •'Ready position after each shot!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m hall space with adequate ceiling height for tennis shots
Surface Check
Non-slip surface suitable for tennis movements, free from water or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rackets for loose strings or damaged frames
- •Ensure ball condition is good - not too hard or bouncy
- •Cones placed securely to avoid trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket contact with other students during swings
- •Balls causing slips or trips
- •Collisions during movement around courts
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between courts (minimum 2m)
- •Emphasis on controlled swings and movement
- •Designated ball collection protocols
- •Stop signal clearly established and practised
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all courts during practice
- •Monitor partner feeding accuracy and safety
- •Watch for fatigue during extended rallying
Emergency Procedures
Clear stop signal, first aid kit accessible, emergency contact procedures displayed