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Lesson 2 - Introducing the Volley

Tactical Partnerships

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Year 5

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Tennis

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Big Question

How can mastering the volley transform our tennis game and give us a tactical advantage?

Learning Objectives

To introduce and develop the volley technique using both forehand and backhand grips
To understand when and where to use the volley shot tactically in tennis
To apply volley skills in game situations with increasing accuracy and control

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct volley technique on both forehand and backhand sides
Students will position themselves effectively near the net to execute volleys
Students will apply volley skills in competitive game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check grip size is appropriate for students' hands

Alternative: Paddle bats, badminton rackets for control practice

Tennis Balls

2 per pair (30 balls)

Use slower balls (orange or red dot) for better control

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for initial practice

Cones

22 cones

Used to mark mini court boundaries and net lines

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Bibs

15 (half the class)

To identify partners and teams during activities

Alternative: Different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Volley

A shot played before the ball bounces, typically near the net

Net Position

Standing close to the net to intercept the ball before it bounces

Ready Position

Balanced stance with racket out front, ready to react quickly

Recovery

Returning to the ready position after playing a shot

Court Positioning

Understanding where to stand on the court for different shots

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can perform basic forehand and backhand groundstrokes
Students understand cooperative rally play (Rally 1,2,3)
Students can grip the racket correctly for groundstrokes
Students understand basic court positioning and movement

Current Skills

Introduction to volley technique and positioning
Understanding when and where to use volleys
Developing hand-eye coordination for volleys
Applying volleys in simple game situations

Next Steps

Combining volleys with other shots in longer rallies
Advanced volley placement and power control
Using volleys tactically in competitive match play
Developing serve and volley combinations

Milestone Indicators

Students can demonstrate volley technique without the ball bouncing

Students position themselves correctly near the net

Students can switch between forehand and backhand volleys

Students understand tactical applications of the volley

Key Teaching Points

Volley is hit before the ball bounces - this is the fundamental difference from groundstrokes
Position close to the net but not touching - optimal distance for volley success
Use short, compact 'punching' motion rather than long swing
Contact point out in front of body for better control and direction
Return to ready position after each volley for next shot preparation
Develop both forehand and backhand volleys for complete court coverage
Make tactical decisions about when volley is appropriate vs other shots

Common Misconceptions

Thinking volley requires powerful swing like groundstrokes - actually needs controlled, compact motion
Believing you must volley every ball near the net - sometimes groundstroke is better choice
Assuming volley is just for advanced players - basic volley is accessible to all levels
Standing too close to net thinking closer is better - optimal distance needed for effective volleys
Trying to hit winners with every volley - placement and control more important than power

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular feedback, movement breaks built into lesson structure

dyspraxia

Larger, slower balls, simplified technique focus, extra practice time, reduced complexity in initial stages

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent partner pairings

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for positioning, tactile markers for court boundaries, partner guidance system

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations emphasised, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication, buddy system for support

physical disability

Seated volley practice, modified equipment (lighter rackets), adapted court size, alternative targets at different heights

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring court distances, calculating rally success rates, angles of volley placement, timing measurements

Science

Forces in ball contact, trajectory and velocity, reaction time and reflexes, body mechanics in movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, mapping movement patterns, understanding directions and angles

PSHE

Partnership cooperation, resilience when learning difficult skills, respect in competitive situations, self-confidence building

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between mini courts to observe and provide individual feedback, position at corner for full court visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct volley timing (before bounce), proper net positioning, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic volley concept, address safety concerns immediately, provide additional demonstrations as needed

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show volley technique, contrast with groundstroke swing, emphasise net positioning throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Before it bounces!'
•'Punch it back!'
•'Ready position!'
•'Move to the net!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor court space, divided into mini courts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris, check for any cracks or holes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket grips are secure and strings intact
•Ensure balls are appropriate pressure for skill level
•Verify cone markers are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions when running to net position
•Ball strikes from close range volleys
•Slips and falls on outdoor surfaces
•Racket contact between students in close proximity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each mini court
•Adequate spacing between practice areas
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving
•Emphasis on controlled, not powerful volleys

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor high-activity net areas closely
•Watch for fatigue during intensive rally games

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have emergency contact readily available