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Lesson 4 - Forehand & Backhand in Play

Racket Control Strategies

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Year 4

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Tennis

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Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket size appropriate for student hand span

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

6 per pair (90 total)

Have extra balls around court perimeter for quick retrieval

Alternative: Foam balls, sponge balls for beginners

Markers Cones

20-30

Mark mini courts 8m x 4m with 1m high 'net' area

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, tape

Dish Cones

8-12

Place in corners and specific target areas

Alternative: Hoops, spots, markers

Barriers

4-6

Set at appropriate height (0.8-1m) for mini courts

Alternative: Benches, cones with rope, badminton nets

Key Vocabulary

Forehand

A tennis shot played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke

Backhand

A tennis shot played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke

Ready Position

Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, weight on balls of feet

Recovery

Returning to the centre baseline position after playing a shot

Court Positioning

Strategic placement on court to cover maximum area and be ready for opponent's shot

Shot Selection

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

Consistent contact with moving ball using appropriate shot

Automatic return to ready position after each shot

Clear understanding of when to use forehand vs backhand

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