🎾

Lesson 3 - Overhead Shot Technique

Skills & Game Strategy

•

Year 5

•

Tennis

•

45 min

Big Question

How can mastering the overhead shot transform your tennis game from defensive to attacking play?

Learning Objectives

Recognise components of an overhead shot and know when to use it
Use overhead shot technique to clear the ball from the back of the court
Describe tactical situations where overhead shots are most effective

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct overhead shot technique with consistent contact above the head
Students will successfully apply overhead shots in game situations to clear defensive positions
Students will explain tactical advantages of overhead shots in tennis rallies

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racquet grip size is appropriate for student hand size

Alternative: Badminton racquets, table tennis bats for modified practice

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Use softer balls for students who are apprehensive

Alternative: Sponge balls, foam balls for safety and easier control

Cones

20-30

Create clear target areas and court boundaries

Alternative: Hoops, chalk lines, rope boundaries

Goals

6-8

Position at varying distances for differentiated challenges

Alternative: Buckets, marked circles, rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Overhead shot

A tennis stroke played above the head, typically used to clear the ball high over opponents

Contact point

The optimal position where racquet meets ball for maximum control and power

Ready position

Athletic stance with knees slightly bent, racquet up, prepared to move in any direction

Court clearance

Hitting the ball high enough to pass over players positioned in mid-court

Rally

A sequence of shots exchanged between players during a point

Defensive shot

A stroke used to return the ball when under pressure or in a difficult position

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racquet grip and ready position
Forehand and backhand ground strokes
Understanding of court positioning and basic rally play

Current Skills

Overhead shot preparation and technique
Contact point timing above the head
Tactical awareness for shot selection

Next Steps

Advanced overhead shot variations
Combination shot sequences
Competitive game situations with overhead shots

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact above head height

Ball trajectory clears imaginary net player

Appropriate shot selection in rallies

Key Teaching Points

Contact point must be above head at maximum reach for effective overhead shots
Overhead shots are primarily defensive tools to buy time and create space
Ball trajectory should be high enough to clear players positioned at net
Smooth, controlled technique is more important than power for accuracy
Tactical understanding of when to use overhead shots is crucial for game application
Partner cooperation builds confidence before competitive situations
Progressive challenge maintains engagement while building skill

Common Misconceptions

Thinking overhead shots are only attacking weapons - they're primarily defensive
Believing harder contact always equals better results - control beats power
Assuming overhead shots should be used for every high ball - timing and situation matter
Expecting immediate success - overhead shots require significant practice to master
Thinking it's just like other tennis shots - unique technique and applications

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear movement boundaries, offer leadership roles for engagement

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls initially, provide extra practice time for technique, break down movements into smaller components

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use visual timetable for lesson progression

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal cues for ball position, establish clear audio signals for activity changes

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations prominently, establish clear hand signals for instructions, provide written technique reminders

physical disability

Adapt overhead movement to seated position if needed, modify target distances, use lighter racquets or adapted equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in overhead shots, gravity effects on ball flight, biomechanics of shoulder and arm movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork in partner activities, resilience when learning challenging new skills, supporting others' learning

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity area to observe all students, focusing on areas with overhead practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct contact point above head, safe spacing between students, and appropriate tactical application

Intervention Points

Step in if overhead swings appear unsafe, if students struggling with basic technique, or if tactical understanding unclear

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, emphasise contact point with exaggerated reaching, show tactical situations with court positioning

Verbal Cues

•'Reach up high - contact at the top!'
•'High and deep - clear that imaginary player!'
•'Smooth swing - don't rush the contact!'
•'Space yourselves safely for those big swings!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space for safe overhead swings and ball travel

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards. Check for adequate grip underfoot.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis racquets for loose strings or damaged frames
•Ensure tennis balls are not split or damaged
•Verify cones and targets are stable and positioned safely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet collisions during overhead swings
•Ball strikes from high velocity overhead shots
•Shoulder strain from repetitive overhead movements
•Trips and falls during rapid directional changes

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain minimum 4-metre spacing between students during overhead practice
•Use softer balls for students who are apprehensive about ball contact
•Provide clear boundaries and ensure students stay within designated areas
•Monitor for fatigue and provide rest breaks during intensive practice

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe overhead swing mechanics and safe spacing
•Monitor high-activity rally areas for safe play
•Watch for signs of shoulder or arm fatigue
•Ensure clear communication during partner rotations

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs. Assess injury severity. Apply appropriate first aid and seek additional support if needed.