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Lesson 3 - Introducing the Backhand

Racket Control Strategies

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Year 4

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket size is appropriate for student height

Alternative: Shorter tennis rackets or badminton rackets for smaller students

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Use appropriate bounce balls for skill level

Alternative: Foam balls or lower compression balls for beginners

Mini Tennis Nets

Set up mini courts 6m x 4m with nets at appropriate height

Alternative: Cones with rope/band between them

Dish Cones

24 cones (4 per court)

Different coloured cones for target areas

Alternative: Spots or markers

Key Vocabulary

Backhand

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

Ready Position

The athletic stance a player takes between shots to be prepared for the next ball

Feed

An underarm throw to give your partner a ball they can hit successfully

Court Positioning

Where a player stands on the court to be best prepared for the next shot

Space

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

Maintains correct grip throughout backhand action

Shows good footwork to position for backhand shots

Demonstrates tactical awareness in shot placement

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