Lesson 2 - Creating Space to Win Points
Racket Control Strategies
•Year 4
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use racket control and court positioning to create space and win points in tennis?
Learning Objectives
- Develop forehand technique with accuracy and control
- Learn to direct the ball towards spaces to win points
- Understand court positioning and recovery after shots
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate forehand shots with improved control
- Students will show understanding of space creation in tennis
- Students will return to ready position consistently after shots
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket size appropriate for student hand span
Alternative: Shorter junior rackets or table tennis bats for beginners
Use appropriate bounce balls for court surface
Alternative: Foam balls or larger tennis balls for easier hitting
Bright colours for clear visibility as targets
Alternative: Markers, spots, or hula hoops
Create multiple mini-courts for maximum participation
Alternative: Lines, ropes, or existing court markings
Key Vocabulary
A tennis stroke played with the racket hand moving across the body
Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, weight on balls of feet
Returning to the centre court position after playing a shot
Specific spaces on court aimed for when hitting the ball
Where to stand on court to be ready for the next shot
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket handling and grip
- Understanding of court boundaries
- Simple cooperative rallying skills
Current Skills
- Forehand technique development
- Directional hitting towards targets
- Court positioning and recovery
Next Steps
- Backhand shot introduction
- Game tactics and strategy
- Competitive point-scoring games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Forehand technique: step, turn, swing, follow through
- Ready position essential between all shots
- Aim for spaces to win points tactically
- Control more important than power
- Support your partner's success through good feeding
- Recovery to centre court after each shot
- Court awareness and safety at all times
Common Misconceptions
- Students think hitting harder always works better - emphasise control and placement
- Standing still after hitting - reinforce constant movement and ready position
- Forehand is just an arm movement - teach whole-body involvement
- Tennis is only about winners - explain rally building and consistency
- Ready position is static - show active, alert positioning
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger balls and targets initially, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and targets, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Demonstrate all instructions clearly, use visual signals for start/stop, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapted rackets or seated play options, modified court sizes, adjust target distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting target hits, measuring court distances, angles of shots, scoring systems
Science
Forces in ball striking, trajectory and bounce, reaction times
Geography
Spatial awareness, court positioning, directional language
PSHE
Fair play, resilience, supporting others, managing competition emotions
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position centrally to observe all mini-courts, move between pairs during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for technique development, safety awareness, and positive cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in if technique is unsafe, competition becomes negative, or students are struggling
Demonstration Notes
Use high achievers to demonstrate good technique, emphasise key teaching points through exaggerated movements
Verbal Cues
- •'Step and swing!'
- •'Aim for the cones!'
- •'Ready position!'
- •'Good feeding, partner!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear area for multiple mini-courts
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from trip hazards and debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket handles secure and appropriate size
- •Ensure balls are in good condition
- •Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision between students in adjacent courts
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Trips over equipment
- •Overexertion in competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries established with adequate spacing
- •Controlled throwing and hitting speeds
- •Regular equipment checks
- •Clear rules about court awareness
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all courts simultaneously
- •Monitor competitive intensity levels
- •Watch for proper technique to prevent injury
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if required