Lesson 5 - Ball Approach and Court Movement
Skills & Game Strategy
•Year 5
•Tennis
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How can quick feet and anticipation help us reach every ball before the second bounce?
Learning Objectives
- Practice and refine moving towards the ball to hit it before the second bounce
- Develop quick court movement skills with forehand and backhand approaches
- Apply anticipation skills to predict ball flight and positioning
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate quick feet movement to reach balls before the second bounce
- Students will show improved court positioning for both forehand and backhand shots
- Students will apply movement skills in competitive game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket size appropriate for students
Alternative: Table tennis bats, lightweight rackets
Test balls bounce appropriately for age group
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for beginners
Use for court boundaries and movement markers
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
Moving towards the ball to hit it in an optimal position
Predicting where the ball will land before it gets there
In tennis, players must hit the ball before it bounces twice
Where you stand on the court to be ready for the next shot
Fast, light steps that allow rapid movement in any direction
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic tennis grip and stance
- Simple forehand and backhand techniques
- Understanding of tennis court boundaries
Current Skills
- Quick feet movement patterns
- Ball flight anticipation
- Approach positioning for different shots
Next Steps
- Advanced shot placement with movement
- Tactical positioning during rallies
- Transition from defensive to attacking positions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Stay on balls of feet for quick movement in all directions
- Watch ball flight to anticipate landing position
- Move feet to ball rather than reaching with racket
- Tennis allows only one bounce before hitting
- Quick feet patterns: small steps, controlled stops, balanced position
- Anticipation requires early ball reading and quick decision making
- Court positioning affects ability to reach balls effectively
Common Misconceptions
- Standing flat-footed and waiting for ball to come to them
- Thinking tennis allows multiple bounces like other sports
- Believing bigger steps are faster than quick small steps
- Assuming they can reach any ball without moving feet
- Confusing tennis bounce rules with basketball or other sports
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, buddy support
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet break areas available
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal descriptions of ball flight, tactile court markers
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for commands, demonstration emphasis, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated tennis adaptations, larger rackets, softer balls, modified court size
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting bounces accurately, measuring court distances, calculating scores and angles
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, reaction times and nervous system responses
Geography
Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and communication, resilience when missing shots, respect for opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all groups, spend time with each pair during skill development
Observation Focus
Watch for quick feet technique, ball tracking skills, and safe racket handling
Intervention Points
Step in when students not moving feet, unsafe racket use, or not understanding bounce rule
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements to show proper footwork, demonstrate ball tracking with pointing
Verbal Cues
- •'Quick feet, light feet!'
- •'Watch the ball, move to the ball!'
- •'First bounce only!'
- •'Anticipate where it's going!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Sports hall or outdoor courts, minimum 20m x 30m total area
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and court line hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket heads are secure and appropriate size
- •Ensure balls are not over-pressurised
- •Verify nets are stable and correct height
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket contact between students
- •Collisions during court movement
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Slips during quick direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between courts
- •Emphasis on controlled racket swings
- •Progressive build-up of movement intensity
- •Clear rules about court awareness
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all courts
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Watch for fatigue affecting movement control
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid