Lesson 4 - Forehand and Backhand Volleys
Tactical Skill Progression
•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 I control the ball's direction when volleying using deflection rather than power?
Learning Objectives
- To volley a ball on the forehand and backhand striking the ball downwards
- To understand how to deflect the ball downwards when volleying
- To link skills to perform actions and sequences of movement
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled forehand and backhand volleys
- Students will show understanding of deflection technique
- Students will combine volley skills in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket size is appropriate for each student
Alternative: Shorter rackets for smaller students, foam paddles
Use softer balls for students needing support
Alternative: Foam balls, low compression balls for beginners
Mark court boundaries and feeding positions
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Create 7m gaps and net lines
Alternative: Chalk, rope, existing court lines
Key Vocabulary
Hitting the ball before it bounces on the ground
Redirecting the ball using its existing pace rather than adding power
Balanced stance with racket up, ready to move in any direction
Stepping with the foot opposite to your hitting hand
Relaxed grip where thumb and forefinger form a V shape
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket grip and ready position
- Understanding of forehand and backhand sides
- Basic ball control skills
- Experience with partner feeding
Current Skills
- Volley technique with deflection
- Stepping and body positioning for volleys
- Control of ball direction downwards
- Linking volley skills in sequences
Next Steps
- Volley placement to specific targets
- Volley combinations in rally play
- Advanced net play tactics
- Match play incorporating volleys
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Volley is about deflection, not power - use the ball's existing pace
- Step with opposite foot to hitting hand for balance and control
- Maintain firm wrist on contact but relaxed grip pressure
- Return to ready position after every volley for next shot preparation
- Keep volleys directed downwards for better control and game application
- Focus on consistency before attempting placement or power
- Encourage peer support and positive feedback throughout practice
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking volleys need power - emphasise gentle deflection instead
- Stepping with same foot as hitting hand - practice opposite foot stepping
- Loose wrist causing poor ball control - demonstrate firm wrist technique
- Not returning to ready position - build this into every practice
- Trying to lift balls up instead of deflecting down - show trajectory difference
- Comparing ability to others instead of personal progress - focus on individual improvement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger balls and rackets, simplified movements, extra practice time, buddy support
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available
visual impairment
- Use bright yellow balls, clear verbal descriptions of court layout, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated volleys option, larger/lighter equipment, modified court sizes
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting volleys and successful deflections, measuring court distances and angles
Science
Forces and deflection physics, angles of ball travel, reaction time studies
Geography
Court directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, fair play values
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during demonstrations, circulate during pair work, elevated position for game observation
Observation Focus
Watch for deflection technique, opposite foot stepping, ready position return, safety spacing
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe technique, provide individual support for struggling students, manage game flow
Demonstration Notes
Use slow motion for technique breakdown, exaggerate key points, show common mistakes for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Deflect, don't hit!'
- •'Opposite foot forward!'
- •'Return to ready position!'
- •'Control the ball, don't power it!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m area, multiple small courts for games
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, non-slip area for quick movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rackets for damage and appropriate size
- •Ensure balls are in good condition
- •Verify cones and markers are secure
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket collisions during practice
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Slips during quick movements
- •Collisions between players
Risk Mitigation
- •Adequate spacing between pairs (7m minimum)
- •Clear boundaries and movement areas
- •Controlled feeding technique to prevent wild balls
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all courts during games
- •Monitor pair activities for safe spacing
- •Watch for technique breakdown that could cause injury
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if needed