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Lesson 1 - Underarm Feeding and Ready Position

Foundational Skills & Play

•

Year 4

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Tennis

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43 min

Big Question

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

Cones

Use to mark court boundaries and net line - arrange before lesson

Alternative: Chalk lines, markers, or playground markings

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Check inflation and condition - distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, or bean bags for catching practice

Tennis Rackets

2-3

Standard height 3ft (0.91m) - set up before students arrive

Alternative: Rope between posts, or cone line on ground

Key Vocabulary

Underarm feeding

Throwing the ball to a partner using an underarm swing with a straight arm

Ready position

Balanced stance with feet apart, knees bent, eyes forward, ready to move in any direction

Ball tracking

Following the ball with your eyes and moving your feet to get in line with it

Court positioning

Where you stand on the court to best receive and return the ball

Straight arm action

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

Consistent straight arm action in feeding

Automatic return to ready position between shots

Smooth movement patterns to intercept balls

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