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Lesson 2 - Volley Techniques and Movement

Skills & Game Strategy

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Year 5

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can we position ourselves and prepare our racquet to successfully volley a ball before it bounces?

Learning Objectives

Identify and demonstrate the key techniques required for effective volley shots
Develop the ability to move quickly and efficiently towards the ball to perform volleys
Understand when and why volley shots are used strategically in tennis

Key Outcomes

Students will perform controlled volley shots with improved technique
Students will demonstrate effective court positioning and movement
Students will explain the tactical advantages of volley shots in tennis

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

4-6 courts

Check grip size appropriate for students' hands

Alternative: Badminton racquets, table tennis bats for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Use lower bounce balls for better control during learning

Alternative: Softer tennis balls, foam balls for beginners

Markers Cones

22 cones

Mark clear court boundaries and feeding positions

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers

Key Vocabulary

Volley

Hitting the ball before it bounces on the ground

Ready Position

Balanced stance with racquet up, ready to react quickly

Feeder

The player who throws or hits the ball to their partner for practice

Net Play

Playing close to the net to intercept balls with volleys

Contact Point

The moment and position where the racquet meets the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racquet grip and ball control
Understanding of court boundaries and basic tennis rules
Simple throwing and catching skills

Current Skills

Volley technique with racquet control
Movement patterns for net play
Understanding volley tactics and timing

Next Steps

Advanced volley placement and angles
Combination shots linking volleys with other strokes
Competitive volley games and match situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball contact with controlled volley technique

Smooth movement to ball with balanced ready position

Clear understanding of when to use volley shots tactically

Key Teaching Points

Volley means hitting the ball before it bounces - emphasise this distinction throughout
Ready position is crucial - racquet up, knees bent, weight on toes for quick reactions
Minimal swing for control - let the ball hit the racquet rather than large backswing
Movement to ball is essential - position feet first, then hit with control
Partner cooperation is vital - good feeding creates successful volleying
Safety through spacing - maintain adequate distance when using racquets
Progressive challenge - master close distance before increasing difficulty

Common Misconceptions

Thinking volleys need big swings - correct with 'blocking' demonstration and practice
Confusing volley timing with groundstrokes - use clear bounce vs no-bounce demonstrations
Believing power is more important than control - emphasise accuracy and consistency first
Assuming feeding is easy - highlight feeding as an important skill requiring practice
Not understanding when to use volleys - explain tactical advantages of net position
Dropping racquet between shots - reinforce ready position maintenance throughout

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, immediate feedback and praise, movement breaks between skills, clear boundaries and rules

dyspraxia

Larger, slower balls for easier tracking, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks, consistent routines and expectations, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright yellow tennis balls, provide audio cues for ball location, establish buddy system for guidance, use tactile court markers

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapted racquets with straps if needed, seated volley options, modified court dimensions, alternative throwing activities

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful volleys and keeping score, measuring distances for court setup, angles of ball contact and return

Science

Forces and motion in ball contact, reaction time and hand-eye coordination, balance and stability during movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of court dimensions and boundaries, directional language

PSHE

Partnership skills and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, communication and encouragement of others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of practice area for optimal view of all pairs and ready intervention during movement activities

Observation Focus

Watch for volley technique consistency, safe spacing during practice, positive partner interactions, and appropriate challenge levels

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with technique, safety concerns arise, or partnership dynamics need support

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison, involve confident students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Racquet up and ready!'
•'Gentle contact, let the ball hit your racquet!'
•'Move your feet to the ball!'
•'Great feeding - you're helping your partner succeed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m with multiple court areas, clear of obstacles and adequate ceiling height

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry conditions, free from debris or hazards that could cause trips or falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet grips are secure and appropriate size for students
•Inspect balls for damage or excessive wear
•Ensure nets are stable and at safe height (80cm)
•Verify adequate spacing between practice areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet contact between students during close practice
•Ball impact injuries from hard hitting
•Trips and falls during movement activities
•Collisions during running to volley exercises

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain minimum 2-metre spacing during racquet use
•Emphasise control over power in all activities
•Clear movement pathways established
•Progressive skill building to ensure competence before adding complexity
•Constant supervision and intervention as needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor closely during transition between activities
•Focus on high-risk areas during movement phases
•Ensure students follow safety instructions consistently

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if trained, seek additional support as needed