Lesson 2 - Forehand Rally Skills
Tactical Skill Progression
•Year 4
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I develop consistent forehand technique to create successful rallies with my partner?
Learning Objectives
- To develop consistent forehand returns with proper technique
- To position effectively for striking the ball after one bounce
- To reflect and recognise success in self and others during tennis activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will hit forehand returns with improved consistency and control
- Students will demonstrate proper ready position and movement to the ball
- Students will provide constructive feedback to partners and assess their own performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket size appropriate for each student's height and strength
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for smaller hands
Keep spare balls available around court perimeter
Alternative: Foam balls, larger sponge balls for easier tracking
Mark relay lines, court boundaries, and feeding positions
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, masking tape
Height approximately 60cm for Year 4 students
Alternative: Rope between posts, chalk lines, benches on their side
Key Vocabulary
Holding the racket handle so the V-shape between thumb and forefinger points down the handle
Athletic stance with feet shoulder-width apart, weight on balls of feet, racket pointing forward
The backwards movement of the racket before striking the ball
Continuous hitting of the ball back and forth between players
A tennis stroke played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the shot
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket grip and control
- Simple ball bouncing with racket
- Understanding of court boundaries
Current Skills
- Consistent forehand technique with full backswing
- Positioning and movement to the ball
- Rallying skills and game application
Next Steps
- Backhand development
- Serving technique
- Tactical awareness in game situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- V grip is fundamental - thumb and forefinger V points down the handle towards the shoulder
- Ready position requires weight on balls of feet, racket pointing forward in two hands
- Full backswing is essential for power and control - take racket back behind body
- Body position should be side-on when striking with step forward on opposite foot
- Ball contact point should be just in front of the body for optimal control and power
- Rally cooperation builds skills faster than competitive hitting
- Reflection and peer feedback develop tennis intelligence alongside physical skills
Common Misconceptions
- Hitting harder will create better shots - emphasise control and technique over power
- Only forehand matters at this stage - introduce backhand touches to build confidence
- Winning points is more important than skill development - focus on cooperative rallying
- Ready position is just standing still - emphasise active, balanced, responsive stance
- One grip works for all shots - establish V grip as foundation for forehand development
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear movement boundaries, regular positive reinforcement and refocusing
dyspraxia
- Larger rackets and balls, reduced court size, extra practice time for coordination development
autism spectrum
- Clear activity structure, visual schedule of lesson progression, quiet zones available between activities
visual impairment
- Use bright yellow balls, verbal cues for positioning, partner guidance during movement activities
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for starts/stops, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated tennis variations, modified equipment weights, adapted court sizes and rules
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting consecutive rally hits, measuring court distances, angles of racket face and body position
Science
Forces in racket strikes, ball trajectory and bounce physics, body mechanics in tennis movements
Geography
Court layout and spatial awareness, understanding of boundaries and areas
PSHE
Teamwork in rally cooperation, resilience when rallies break down, respect for opponents in competitive games
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously around court to observe all students, position at corners for wide-angle view during activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, ready position, and progressive technique development throughout lesson
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggling with grip, when rallies becoming too competitive, or if safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students in showing good and improving examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Side-on body position!'
- •'Full backswing then follow through!'
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Back to ready position!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, or access to 5 tennis court areas
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards, appropriate for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis rackets for loose strings or damaged handles
- •Ensure balls are in good condition and not too hard
- •Verify nets/lines are properly secured and at appropriate height
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket swinging near other students
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Slips during quick direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing guidelines between students and pairs
- •Emphasis on controlled movements and appropriate force
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to movement
- •Continuous supervision of racket handling
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas like King of the Court games
- •Watch for fatigue affecting coordination and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact emergency services if required