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Lesson 5 - Backhand Game Skills

Foundational Skills & Play

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Year 4

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

4-6

Check appropriate grip size for Year 4 hands

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Use slower balls for beginners to aid learning

Alternative: Foam balls, sponge balls for easier control

Cones

Use to mark court boundaries and net lines

Alternative: Markers, spots, or rope for boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Backhand

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

Ready Position

Balanced stance in centre of court, ready to move in any direction

Rally

Continuous exchange of shots between players

Non-dominant side

The side of your body opposite to your stronger hand

Racket face

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

Consistent contact with ball on backhand side

Automatic shot selection without hesitation

Fluid movement between ready position and shot execution

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