Lesson 3 - Introducing the Backhand
Racket Control Strategies
•Year 4
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use backhand shots to control the ball and create winning opportunities in tennis?
Learning Objectives
- Understand when and where to play the backhand shot in tennis
- Develop basic backhand technique with control and accuracy
- Apply backhand shots strategically to create space and win points
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to execute a basic backhand shot after the ball bounces
- Students will understand the importance of the ready position and court positioning
- Students will demonstrate strategic thinking by aiming for spaces on court
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket size is appropriate for student height
Alternative: Shorter tennis rackets or badminton rackets for smaller students
Use appropriate bounce balls for skill level
Alternative: Foam balls or lower compression balls for beginners
Set up mini courts 6m x 4m with nets at appropriate height
Alternative: Cones with rope/band between them
Different coloured cones for target areas
Alternative: Spots or markers
Key Vocabulary
A tennis shot played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot
The athletic stance a player takes between shots to be prepared for the next ball
An underarm throw to give your partner a ball they can hit successfully
Where a player stands on the court to be best prepared for the next shot
Empty areas of the court where opponents cannot easily reach the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students can hold a tennis racket correctly for forehand shots
- Students understand basic court positioning and boundaries
- Students can feed the ball underarm to a partner accurately
Current Skills
- Basic backhand grip and stance
- Ball tracking and positioning for backhand shots
- Strategic placement of shots into space
Next Steps
- Developing backhand consistency in rallies
- Combining forehand and backhand shots in sequences
- Advanced court positioning and movement patterns
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Backhand is played across the body without changing racket hand
- Always let the ball bounce once before attempting to hit it
- Point the racket head in the direction you want the ball to travel
- Return to ready position after every shot to be prepared for the next ball
- Aiming for space makes it difficult for opponents to reach the ball
- Good feeding from partners is essential for successful practice
- Cooperation and encouragement help everyone improve faster
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking they should change hands for backhand shots - reinforce keeping racket in same hand
- Trying to hit the ball too hard for power rather than focusing on control and placement
- Not understanding why they need to aim for space - explain tactical advantage clearly
- Rushing to hit the ball before it bounces - emphasise patience and timing
- Standing still after hitting instead of returning to ready position - practice this movement pattern
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear and immediate feedback
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer balls initially, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step movement guides
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal cues for all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written key points on display board
physical disability
- Adapt grip using specialised handles, allow seated play where appropriate, modify court size and net height
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful shots, measuring court distances, calculating angles for shot placement
Science
Understanding forces in ball flight, friction between ball and court surface, trajectory and gravity effects
Geography
Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding directions and angles
PSHE
Cooperation and partnership skills, resilience when learning new skills, fair play and encouragement
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where all mini courts are visible, move between groups during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for correct backhand technique, safe racket handling, and positive partner interaction
Intervention Points
Step in if technique is unsafe, students are struggling with basic concept, or competition becomes too intense
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for skill demonstration. Select confident students to help demonstrate good technique to class.
Verbal Cues
- •'Track the ball with your eyes!'
- •'Point your racket where you want the ball to go!'
- •'Return to ready position!'
- •'Help your partner succeed!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m hall or outdoor hard court area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from hazards, appropriate for tennis movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket strings are secure and handles not slippery
- •Ensure tennis balls are in good condition and appropriate pressure
- •Verify nets are properly secured and at correct height
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket contact between students
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Slips during quick directional changes
- •Collision between moving students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for each mini court
- •Adequate spacing between courts (minimum 2m)
- •Controlled racket swinging with awareness checks
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic movements
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to monitor all courts simultaneously
- •Move around groups to provide close observation during new skills
- •Maintain sight lines to all students throughout lesson
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, ensure other students remain safely positioned