Lesson 1 - Ball Approach & Stroke Skills
Skills & Game Strategy
•Year 5
•Tennis
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How can we approach the ball correctly to execute different tennis shots with accuracy and control?
Learning Objectives
- To approach the ball correctly before the second bounce
- To execute forehand and backhand strokes with improved accuracy
- To apply tennis skills in competitive game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct footwork when approaching the ball
- Students will perform forehand and backhand shots with control
- Students will apply tennis skills in 1v1 games and score points consistently
Equipment & Resources Required
Check grip size is appropriate for each student's hand size
Alternative: Short tennis racquets, badminton racquets for smaller students
Use balls appropriate for indoor/outdoor surface
Alternative: Low compression balls, foam balls for beginners
Use to mark court boundaries and activity areas
Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries
Height appropriate for Year 5 (approximately 80cm)
Alternative: Benches, rope between posts, cones as net markers
Courts approximately 8m x 4m for pairs work
Alternative: Chalk lines, tape for indoor courts
Key Vocabulary
Balanced stance with knees bent, racquet held in front, ready to move in any direction
Tennis stroke played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the shot
Tennis stroke played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot
When the ball bounces twice on one side of the court, resulting in loss of point
Moving towards the ball to get into the best position to play a shot
The continuation of the racquet swing after making contact with the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ready position from previous tennis units
- Understanding of court boundaries and basic rules
- Experience with underarm serving technique
- Basic racquet handling and ball control
Current Skills
- Approaching the ball before second bounce
- Forehand stroke technique with improved footwork
- Backhand stroke technique with body positioning
- Return of serve skills
Next Steps
- Advanced shot placement and tactics
- Overhead shots and volleys
- Game strategy and court positioning
- Competitive match play with scoring systems
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ball approach before second bounce is fundamental to all tennis success
- Ready position must be maintained between every shot
- Footwork drives body positioning for effective stroke production
- Low to high swing path creates control and net clearance
- Early racquet preparation during ball approach improves timing
- Game application requires combining technique with tactical awareness
- Consistent practice of basics leads to advanced skill development
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Hit the ball as hard as possible to win points' - Correction: Control and placement are more effective than power
- Misconception: 'Only move when the ball is hit to you' - Correction: Anticipation and early movement are key to success
- Misconception: 'Forehand and backhand are the same technique' - Correction: Different grips, body positions and swing paths required
- Misconception: 'Looking cool is more important than technique' - Correction: Proper technique leads to better performance and enjoyment
- Misconception: 'Tennis is too difficult for beginners' - Correction: Progressive skill building makes tennis accessible to all
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity rotations, clear and simple instructions, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier manipulation, extra practice time for skill development, simplified sequences, additional physical guidance
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks, consistent language and demonstration patterns
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and racquets, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, use tactile guidance for grip and stance, buddy system for court navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear sight lines, written instruction cards, hand signals for common commands, visual scoring systems
physical disability
- Adapted equipment including larger racquets or different grip sizes, seated tennis variations, shorter court distances, modified rules for ball bounces
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, communication with partners, following complex instructions, descriptive language for technique
Maths
Scoring systems, angles of ball travel, measurement of court dimensions, data collection of successful shots
Science
Forces in tennis shots, trajectory and bounce physics, reaction time and movement efficiency, energy transfer from racquet to ball
Geography
Court orientation and spatial awareness, angles and directions of shots, mapping movement patterns around court
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sightlines to all courts, mobile during activities for individual feedback
Observation Focus
Ball approach timing, stroke technique development, game application, safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with technique, safety issues arise, or disputes occur
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key movement points, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Ready position first!'
- •'Watch the ball!'
- •'Quick feet to the ball!'
- •'Low to high swing!'
- •'Well done - great approach timing!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for multiple courts, clear of obstacles and walls
Surface Check
Dry, even surface suitable for quick movement and direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racquet grips are secure and appropriate size
- •Inspect balls for damage that could cause unpredictable bounces
- •Ensure net heights are safe and secure
- •Verify cone placement doesn't create trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during quick movements
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Trips over equipment or court boundaries
- •Overexertion during competitive games
- •Racquet contact injuries
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries with adequate spacing between activities
- •Controlled ball feeding to prevent unpredictable bounces
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Continuous supervision with clear sightlines
- •Regular equipment checks and safe storage
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all courts simultaneously
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Circulate during pair work for individual feedback
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact medical support if required