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Lesson 4 - Forehand Rally Skills

Foundational Skills & Play

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Year 4

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can I consistently return the ball using a forehand technique to maintain exciting rallies with my partner?

Learning Objectives

To develop forehand technique for consistent ball return
To apply forehand skills in continuous rally situations
To demonstrate control and accuracy in racket sports

Key Outcomes

Students will return balls using correct forehand technique
Students will engage in sustained rallies with partners
Students will show improved racket control and ball placement

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

As available

Check racket strings and handles before distribution

Alternative: Table tennis bats, small rackets for younger students

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Use balls with good bounce, replace worn balls

Alternative: Foam balls, softer tennis balls for beginners

Cones

90 for court marking and collection activity

Set up court boundaries and net markers before lesson

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, sports markers

Key Vocabulary

Forehand

A tennis stroke played with the racket held in the dominant hand, swinging across the body from low to high

Ready Position

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

Rally

Continuous exchange of shots between players without the ball touching the ground

Contact Point

The moment and position where the racket meets the ball during a stroke

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and ready position
Simple ball bouncing and catching skills
Understanding of tennis court boundaries

Current Skills

Forehand swing technique from ready position
Ball tracking and footwork for positioning
Rally maintenance with controlled hits

Next Steps

Backhand return introduction
Serving techniques and game application
Tactical shot placement and court positioning

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball using forehand

Ability to rally continuously without major interruptions

Demonstration of controlled, purposeful shots

Key Teaching Points

Ready position with feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent is essential for all shots
Move feet first to get in line with the ball before attempting to hit
Swing path should be low to high with follow through over opposite shoulder
Contact point is crucial - ball at arm's length with racket face square to target
Controlled, soft hits maintain rallies better than power shots
Cooperation with partner creates more successful and enjoyable rallies
Return to ready position immediately after each shot to prepare for next ball

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking harder hits are better - emphasise control and placement over power
Believing they should stay in one position - highlight importance of footwork and movement
Focusing only on getting ball over net - teach appropriate height and pace for partner
Trying to win against partner - emphasise working together to maintain rallies
Watching where ball goes instead of contact point - teach to watch ball onto strings
Starting swing too late - practice early preparation and racket back position

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries marked, immediate feedback, movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier contact, simplified technique focus, extra practice time, step-by-step visual guides

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet retreat space available, advance notice of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of all actions, tactile guidance for racket positioning, partner support for court awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations for all instructions, hand signals for start/stop, written technique reminders, buddy system for communication

physical disability

Adapted rackets with straps if needed, seated hitting positions, modified court sizes, alternative catching activities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions to partners, descriptive language for movement

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, reaction times, friction between ball and surface, energy transfer in shots

PSHE

Cooperation and partnership skills, celebrating others' success, resilience when rallies break down, goal setting

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively between pairs during practice, position centrally for demonstrations, ensure sightlines to all students

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ready position, smooth swing technique, cooperative rallying, and safe spacing

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggling with basic technique, when safety spacing is compromised, or when cooperation breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for technique breakdown, exaggerate key positions, demonstrate with students for authentic examples

Verbal Cues

•'Ready position first!'
•'Move your feet to the ball!'
•'Soft, controlled hits!'
•'Help your partner succeed!'
•'Watch the ball onto your strings!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m area with clear sight lines, multiple court spaces marked with cones

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface suitable for movement and ball bouncing, check for debris or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis rackets for damaged strings or loose handles
•Ensure balls have good bounce and no splits
•Verify cones are stable and visible
•Inspect nets for secure attachment if used

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket swings hitting other students
•Fast-moving balls causing injuries
•Collisions during movement
•Slips and falls during directional changes

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between pairs during all activities
•Clear boundaries established with cones
•Controlled ball speed emphasised throughout
•Progressive skill building from catching to rallying

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all pairs during practice
•Monitor spacing between groups actively
•Watch for signs of frustration or unsafe play
•Ensure equipment sharing is managed safely

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply first aid if trained, contact office for serious injuries