Lesson 1 - Underarm Feeding and Ready Position
Foundational Skills & Play
•Year 4
•Tennis
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How can good body positioning help us control where a tennis ball goes?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate underarm feeding technique using a straight arm action
- To master the ready position for effective ball tracking and return
- To apply ready position and feeding skills in game-like situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent underarm feeding with straight arm technique
- Students will maintain ready position between shots and move effectively to track balls
- Students will apply skills in competitive scenarios showing improved court positioning
Equipment & Resources Required
Use to mark court boundaries and net line - arrange before lesson
Alternative: Chalk lines, markers, or playground markings
Check inflation and condition - distribute around court perimeter
Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, or bean bags for catching practice
Standard height 3ft (0.91m) - set up before students arrive
Alternative: Rope between posts, or cone line on ground
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball to a partner using an underarm swing with a straight arm
Balanced stance with feet apart, knees bent, eyes forward, ready to move in any direction
Following the ball with your eyes and moving your feet to get in line with it
Where you stand on the court to best receive and return the ball
Keeping your arm straight throughout the throwing motion for consistent ball release
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of personal space and movement
- Simple partner work and turn-taking
Current Skills
- Underarm feeding technique with straight arm action
- Ready position for quick directional movement
- Ball tracking and anticipation skills
Next Steps
- Introduction to forehand and backhand strokes
- Racket grip and basic racket control
- Serving techniques and court positioning
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position is the foundation - feet apart, knees bent, eyes forward
- Straight arm action in underarm feeding creates consistency and accuracy
- Ball tracking with eyes while moving feet prevents reaching and falling
- Communication between partners improves game play and safety
- Progressive challenge builds confidence before increasing difficulty
- Tactical placement beats power in tennis situations
- Return to ready position after every shot prepares for next ball
Common Misconceptions
- Students think power is more important than accuracy in ball placement
- Belief that ready position slows them down rather than prepares them
- Assumption that reaching with arms is faster than moving feet
- Thinking that tennis requires natural talent rather than practiced technique
- Misconception that competition means abandoning technique for speed
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear focus points, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns
autism spectrum
- Clear activity structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available, consistent routines and predictable progression
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for activities
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for game rules and safety
physical disability
- Seated ready position variation, larger/softer balls, modified throwing distances, adapted catching challenges
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring 4-metre distances, counting bounces, scoring systems in games, angles of ball trajectory
Science
Forces in ball throwing, gravity affecting ball bounce, reaction time and reflexes, balance and momentum
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping court areas, directions (left/right/forward/back)
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, perseverance through challenge, respecting others in competitive situations, building confidence
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where all students can see demonstrations clearly, move around during activities to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct ready position technique, ball tracking with eyes, and appropriate throwing force
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with ready position, provide physical guidance for underarm feeding technique
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all techniques slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students as positive examples when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Ready position - feet apart, knees bent!'
- •'Watch the ball with your eyes!'
- •'Straight arm like a pendulum!'
- •'Move your feet to the ball!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, preferably marked tennis courts or equivalent playground space
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, non-slip surface preferred for quick movement activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis balls for proper inflation and no splits
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify nets are properly secured if using them
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Ball strikes from poor throwing control
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and explained before activities
- •Adequate spacing between pairs and groups maintained
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Controlled throwing intensity emphasised throughout
- •Regular ready position breaks to prevent fatigue
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor high-activity areas during tag games
- •Watch for fatigue signs during skill practice
- •Ensure equipment is used appropriately
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed