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Lesson 2 - Forehand Accuracy

Technique to Doubles Tactics

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Year 4

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use accurate forehand shots to win points in small-sided tennis games?

Learning Objectives

To explore and refine techniques used in the forehand shot for game situations
To hit forehand shots accurately to different targets at varying distances
To apply forehand shots strategically in small games to score points against opposition

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved forehand technique with consistent ball contact
Students will successfully hit targets using forehand shots with increasing accuracy
Students will apply forehand shots effectively in conditioned games to score points

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check grip sizes appropriate for student hand span

Alternative: Padder bats, short tennis racquets for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

15 (1 between 2 students)

Use different coloured balls to identify groups

Alternative: Foam balls, low-bounce tennis balls for beginners

Hoops

15-20

Distribute at varying distances around court area

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cones

Cones

Mark court boundaries and target zones

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Low Net

3-4

Height appropriate for Year 4 (60-80cm)

Alternative: Rope between cones, tape lines

Key Vocabulary

Forehand

A tennis shot hit with the racquet hand moving across the body from back to front

Ready Position

Balanced stance with knees bent, racquet up, and eyes on the ball

Backswing

The preparation phase where the racquet is taken back before hitting

Follow-through

The completion of the swing after ball contact, continuing the motion

Rally

A sequence of shots between players where the ball stays in play

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic racquet grip and ready position
Simple ball striking using different body parts
Understanding of court boundaries and basic tennis rules

Current Skills

Forehand technique development with correct backswing
Footwork coordination for shot preparation
Target accuracy from stationary and moving positions
Basic rally skills and point scoring

Next Steps

Backhand shot introduction
Serving technique development
Advanced game tactics and court positioning
Match play with scoring systems

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball contact with forehand swing

Appropriate footwork without prompting

Successful target hitting from 3 metres

Sustained rallies of 4+ shots with partner

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is the foundation of all tennis shots - emphasise throughout
Backswing preparation is crucial for timing and power
Footwork determines shot quality more than arm movement
Smooth swing path from low to high creates consistent contact
Target practice develops accuracy better than random hitting
Cooperative games build skills faster than competitive pressure
Quick feet from warm-up applies directly to shot preparation

Common Misconceptions

Students think power comes from arm strength rather than technique and timing
Many believe they must hit hard to score points in games
Some assume footwork is less important than racquet movement
Students often rush swing without proper preparation time
Students may think competitive pressure helps learning more than cooperation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity rotations, clear physical boundaries, regular positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger equipment options, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule cards, quiet zones available

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, partner guidance system

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, gesture-based communication

physical disability

Adapted racquets and balls, modified court sizes, seated versions where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Tennis vocabulary development, clear communication during partner work, descriptive language for technique analysis

Maths

Adding scores during target practice, calculating cumulative group totals, times table number sequences in hoop values

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, energy transfer in racquet swing, friction between ball and court surface

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when shots don't work, celebrating others' success, fair play principles

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all courts, rotate during group work

Observation Focus

Technique development, safety awareness, group cooperation, individual progress

Intervention Points

When technique breaks down, safety concerns arise, or groups struggle with cooperation

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate at student eye level, provide side and front views

Verbal Cues

•Ready position - show me those bent knees!
•Back then forward - smooth swing!
•Step and hit - use those feet!
•Follow through high - point where you want it to go!

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles, marked court boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from loose equipment and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet grips are secure and appropriate size
•Inspect balls for damage or excessive wear
•Ensure nets/benches are stable and appropriate height
•Verify hoops have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during games
•Racquet contact during swing practice
•Slips and falls during quick movements
•Ball strikes to head or body

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing guidelines for all activities
•Controlled swing practice before ball introduction
•Progressive game introduction with safety briefings
•Designated collection and storage areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during games
•Monitor equipment distribution and collection
•Check technique practice for safe swing patterns
•Ensure rotation systems prevent overcrowding

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear emergency contact procedures