🎾

Lesson 1 - Ball Approach & Stroke Skills

Skills & Game Strategy

•

Year 5

•

Tennis

•

1h 10min

Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check grip size is appropriate for each student's hand size

Alternative: Short tennis racquets, badminton racquets for smaller students

Tennis Balls

2 per pair (30 balls)

Use balls appropriate for indoor/outdoor surface

Alternative: Low compression balls, foam balls for beginners

Cones

40-50 mixed colours

Use to mark court boundaries and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries

Nets

6-8 portable nets

Height appropriate for Year 5 (approximately 80cm)

Alternative: Benches, rope between posts, cones as net markers

Sun Markers

Sets for 6-8 courts

Courts approximately 8m x 4m for pairs work

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape for indoor courts

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

Balanced stance with knees bent, racquet held in front, ready to move in any direction

Forehand

Tennis stroke played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Backhand

Tennis stroke played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Second Bounce

When the ball bounces twice on one side of the court, resulting in loss of point

Approach

Moving towards the ball to get into the best position to play a shot

Follow-through

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

Consistent approach to ball with correct timing

Smooth stroke production with follow-through

Successful return of serves in game situations

Understanding of point-scoring opportunities

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