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Lesson 2 - Forehand Rally Skills

Tactical Skill Progression

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Year 4

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Tennis

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1h 4min

Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket size appropriate for each student's height and strength

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

1 per student initially, then 1 per pair (15)

Keep spare balls available around court perimeter

Alternative: Foam balls, larger sponge balls for easier tracking

Cones

20-25

Mark relay lines, court boundaries, and feeding positions

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, masking tape

Nets

5.5 courts worth

Height approximately 60cm for Year 4 students

Alternative: Rope between posts, chalk lines, benches on their side

Key Vocabulary

V Grip

Holding the racket handle so the V-shape between thumb and forefinger points down the handle

Ready Position

Athletic stance with feet shoulder-width apart, weight on balls of feet, racket pointing forward

Backswing

The backwards movement of the racket before striking the ball

Rally

Continuous hitting of the ball back and forth between players

Forehand

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

Maintains rally of 4+ shots consistently

Demonstrates full backswing on forehand

Shows good sportsmanship and reflection skills

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