Lesson 4 - Forehand & Backhand in Play
Racket Control Strategies
•Year 4
•Tennis
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How can we use forehand and backhand shots strategically to win points and outplay our opponents?
Learning Objectives
- To apply forehand and backhand shots effectively in game situations
- To make tactical decisions about shot selection based on ball position
- To understand the importance of court positioning and recovery
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate accurate forehand and backhand techniques in competitive rallies
- Students will show tactical awareness by hitting the ball into space to win points
- Students will consistently return to the ready position after each shot
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket size appropriate for student hand span
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for smaller hands
Have extra balls around court perimeter for quick retrieval
Alternative: Foam balls, sponge balls for beginners
Mark mini courts 8m x 4m with 1m high 'net' area
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, tape
Place in corners and specific target areas
Alternative: Hoops, spots, markers
Set at appropriate height (0.8-1m) for mini courts
Alternative: Benches, cones with rope, badminton nets
Key Vocabulary
A tennis shot played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke
A tennis shot played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke
Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, weight on balls of feet
Returning to the centre baseline position after playing a shot
Strategic placement on court to cover maximum area and be ready for opponent's shot
Choosing the appropriate shot based on ball position and tactical situation
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic forehand and backhand grip and technique
- Understanding of ready position and basic court positioning
- Experience of hitting a stationary ball over a net
Current Skills
- Applying forehand and backhand in dynamic situations
- Making shot selection decisions under pressure
- Understanding tactical positioning and recovery
Next Steps
- Developing serving technique and return of serve
- Advanced tactical play including drop shots and lobs
- Playing full-court competitive matches with scoring
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Shot selection must be based on ball position relative to body - right side forehand, left side backhand
- Recovery to centre baseline position is essential after every shot for optimal court coverage
- Tactical placement into space away from opponent is more effective than power hitting
- Cooperative rallies develop consistency before competitive pressure is introduced
- Good sportsmanship and fair play are as important as technical and tactical skills
- Progressive pressure from called shots to independent decision-making builds tennis intelligence
- Ready position must be automatic response for effective court movement and shot preparation
Common Misconceptions
- Students think hitting harder always wins points - emphasise placement and control over power
- Many believe they should stay where they hit the shot - teach importance of recovery position
- Some students use only their preferred shot regardless of ball position - reinforce shot selection principles
- Students often focus only on their own shot without considering opponent position - develop tactical awareness
- Students may think competition means unfair play is acceptable - maintain sportsmanship standards throughout
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear movement boundaries, use high-energy activities to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Use larger, slower balls initially, provide extra time for skill development, focus on simplified movement patterns
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for activity progression, offer quiet break areas if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and rackets, provide audio cues for shot calls, establish clear verbal communication with partner
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for shot selection, demonstrate all instructions clearly, ensure written or visual scoring methods
physical disability
- Adapt court size for wheelchair users, provide seated playing options, modify equipment weight and size as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Scoring systems, angles of shot placement, measuring court distances, probability of shot success
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, angles of reflection, gravity effects on ball trajectory
Geography
Spatial awareness, court positioning, directions and angles for shot placement
PSHE
Fair play and sportsmanship, dealing with competition pressure, cooperation and teamwork skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location allowing sight of all mini courts, move between courts during practice to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for shot selection accuracy, recovery movement consistency, and tactical decision-making in game situations
Intervention Points
Step in when students show consistent poor shot selection, unsafe racket use, or unfair competitive behaviour
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate shot selection process clearly, exaggerate recovery movements for visibility, and show tactical thinking process out loud
Verbal Cues
- •'Watch the ball, choose your shot!'
- •'Recovery position - back to centre!'
- •'Where's the space? Hit it there!'
- •'Good tactical thinking - you made them move!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4 x 8m per mini court, adequate run-off areas around each court boundary
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, check for court line trip hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket handles secure and appropriate size for students
- •Ensure balls are in good condition without sharp edges or splits
- •Verify net/barrier stability and appropriate height
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision between students moving for same ball
- •Racket contact with other students during swings
- •Trips from balls left on court surface
- •Overexertion in competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing between pairs
- •Establish ball retrieval protocols and safety procedures
- •Progressive skill building before competitive elements
- •Regular equipment checks and safe storage procedures
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts simultaneously
- •Monitor competitive intensity and intervene if necessary
- •Ensure safe equipment handling and court awareness
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injuries, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, and seek additional support if required