Lesson 2 - Forehand Accuracy
Technique to Doubles Tactics
•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 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
Check grip sizes appropriate for student hand span
Alternative: Padder bats, short tennis racquets for smaller hands
Use different coloured balls to identify groups
Alternative: Foam balls, low-bounce tennis balls for beginners
Distribute at varying distances around court area
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cones
Mark court boundaries and target zones
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Height appropriate for Year 4 (60-80cm)
Alternative: Rope between cones, tape lines
Key Vocabulary
A tennis shot hit with the racquet hand moving across the body from back to front
Balanced stance with knees bent, racquet up, and eyes on the ball
The preparation phase where the racquet is taken back before hitting
The completion of the swing after ball contact, continuing the motion
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
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