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Lesson 3 - Developing the Volley

Tactical Partnerships

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Year 5

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use the volley to win points by hitting the ball into open spaces?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate forehand and backhand volley technique
To understand when and where to use volleys in tennis
To demonstrate the ability to direct volleys into open spaces

Key Outcomes

Students will execute controlled volleys using correct grip and body position
Students will demonstrate tactical understanding by aiming for open spaces
Students will apply volley techniques in competitive game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket sizes are appropriate for student grip

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, table tennis bats for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

2 per pair (30 total)

Use slower balls for beginners to allow more reaction time

Alternative: Foam balls, low compression balls for easier control

Cones

12 (for court boundaries)

Create mini courts approximately 6m x 4m

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, sports tape

Hoops

8 (2 per court)

Place hoops as targets on one side of each court

Alternative: Cones, chalk circles, rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Volley

Hitting the ball before it bounces on your side of the court

Continental Grip

Racket grip where the base knuckle of index finger is on the top of the handle

Ready Position

Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, ready to move in any direction

Open Space

Areas of the court where the opponent is not positioned

Court Positioning

Where a player stands on court to be most effective

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and control
Understanding of net and wall game principles
Basic feeding and catching skills

Current Skills

Accurate volley technique development
Tactical awareness of court positioning
Controlled ball placement into target areas

Next Steps

Advanced volley combinations
Match play incorporating volleys
Serve and volley tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball before bounce

Accurate placement of volleys into target areas

Quick recovery to ready position after volley

Key Teaching Points

Continental grip essential for both forehand and backhand volleys
Contact ball in front of body with firm wrist position
Short, compact swing motion - control not power
Quick feet to get in position before ball arrives
Hit into open spaces away from opponent position
Return to ready position immediately after each shot
Watch ball closely onto racket strings

Common Misconceptions

Volleying means hitting hard - actually requires control and placement
Only use forehand volleys - both sides equally important
Stand still and reach for ball - movement and positioning crucial
Aim for opponent - should aim for open spaces
Big swing needed - compact motion more effective

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, break skills into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, use wall targets for consistency

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual timetables, quiet zones available, consistent routines and predictable progressions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, use tactile markers for positioning

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written or picture cards for key teaching points

physical disability

Adapt grip with foam padding, use lighter rackets, modify court size, allow seated volleying where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful volleys, calculating success percentages, measuring court dimensions and target distances

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, angles of trajectory, reaction time and coordination

Geography

Court positioning and spatial awareness, directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and honest scoring

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between court areas to provide individual feedback, position to see all groups during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for grip consistency, contact point timing, tactical decision-making, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if feeding becomes dangerous, technique deteriorates significantly, or students show frustration

Demonstration Notes

Use student demonstrations where possible, exaggerate key teaching points, show common mistakes and corrections

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball onto your racket!'
•'Small swing, big control!'
•'Choose your target before you hit!'
•'Move your feet to get in position!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m indoor space or outdoor courts, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, appropriate for quick movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket handles for cracks or splinters
•Ensure racket heads are secure
•Balls should be in good condition without splits
•Hoops placed securely to avoid tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students during movement
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Slips during quick direction changes
•Racket contact between students

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each court area
•Adequate spacing between pairs (minimum 3m)
•Controlled feeding technique emphasised
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to oversee all court areas simultaneously
•Monitor feeding technique for safety
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified