🎾

Lesson 3 - Introduction to Backhand Shots

Technique to Doubles Tactics

•

Year 4

•

Tennis

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we use both sides of our body to become more successful tennis players?

Learning Objectives

To introduce and practice backhand shots with developing control
To understand the differences between forehand and backhand techniques
To transfer skills from hand practice to racquet use in backhand shots

Key Outcomes

Students will perform backhand shots using both hands and racquets
Students will identify key differences between forehand and backhand shots
Students will demonstrate improved ball control and positioning skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racquets are appropriate size for Year 4 students

Alternative: Table tennis bats, small racquets, or hands only

Game Balls

1 per pair (15)

Balls should be soft enough for floor play and safe for indoor use

Alternative: Foam balls, low-pressure tennis balls, bean bags

Cones

15-20 cones

Set up 'nets' approximately 60cm high in playing areas

Alternative: Benches, rope between posts, chalk lines

Dish Cones

20 cones

Use to mark court boundaries and playing areas

Alternative: Chalk, spots, hoops

Key Vocabulary

Backhand

A tennis shot hit with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Ready position

Balanced stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move in any direction

Rally

Continuous hitting of the ball back and forth between players

Self-feed

Dropping or throwing the ball to yourself to practice hitting

Grip

How you hold the tennis racquet

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can perform basic forehand shots
Students understand ready position and basic footwork
Students can maintain simple rallies with forehand shots

Current Skills

Introduction to backhand grip and body position
Understanding of dominant and non-dominant side play
Developing hand-eye coordination for backhand shots

Next Steps

Refining backhand technique with consistent racquet use
Combining forehand and backhand shots in game situations
Developing tactical awareness of when to use each shot

Milestone Indicators

Student can demonstrate backhand grip without prompting

Student successfully returns 3 out of 5 backhand feeds

Student can explain when to use backhand instead of forehand

Key Teaching Points

Backhand is hit on opposite side to dominant hand - left side for right-handed, right side for left-handed
Back of hand faces the direction of shot in backhand technique
Body must turn towards backhand side with shoulder facing the net
Grip change from forehand to backhand is essential for proper technique
Cooperative rallies build confidence before competitive applications
Movement to the ball is crucial for successful backhand shots
Progression from hand practice to racquet use ensures understanding

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Backhand is just hitting on the other side' - Correction: Explain grip change, body position, and technique differences are essential
Misconception: 'I can use forehand grip for backhand' - Correction: Demonstrate how grip change affects control and power
Misconception: 'Backhand is too difficult for Year 4' - Correction: Show progression from hands to racquet builds confidence and success
Misconception: 'Rally is about winning points' - Correction: Emphasise cooperation and skill development over competition
Misconception: 'I don't need to move my feet for backhand' - Correction: Show how positioning affects shot success and control

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with frequent changes, clear boundaries and simple rules, regular positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time for grip changes, step-by-step breakdown of movements with physical support

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available for breaks, consistent routines and familiar equipment

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of backhand grip and body position, partner support for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards, clear visual signals for activity changes

physical disability

Adapted grips or straps for racquet holding, seated versions of activities where appropriate, modified targets and distances

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with tennis terminology, clear communication during activities, descriptive language for technique differences

Maths

Counting rally points, calculating double points for backhand shots, measuring court distances and angles of shots

Science

Understanding forces in ball contact, exploring how grip changes affect ball direction, body mechanics in backhand vs forehand movements

PSHE

Cooperation and communication during partner work, perseverance when learning difficult skills, setting realistic personal goals

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the hall to observe all pairs, position near struggling learners during skill development

Observation Focus

Watch for correct backhand grip, appropriate body positioning, and cooperative rally behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in when students revert to forehand grip, provide individual guidance for grip changes, support pairs struggling with rally cooperation

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use exaggerated movements for grip changes, show clear difference between forehand and backhand body positions, model cooperative rally behaviour with volunteer

Verbal Cues

•'Back of hand leads the way!'
•'Turn that shoulder!'
•'Work together, not against each other!'
•'Gentle contact for control!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m hall space, or outdoor hard court area with adequate boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water or debris, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquets for cracks or sharp edges before use
•Ensure balls are in good condition and appropriate softness
•Verify cone nets are stable and appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during rally activities
•Racquet contact with other students or equipment
•Slips from quick movements or overreaching for balls

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between rally pairs
•Adequate spacing (minimum 3m) between playing areas
•Emphasis on controlled movements and gentle contact
•Progressive skill building from hands to racquets

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all rally areas
•Monitor grip changes and swing control
•Watch for fatigue or frustration affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, notify school procedures as required