Lesson 3 - Backhand Shots & Tactics
Technical & Tactical Growth
•Year 5
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use backhand shots tactically to control the game and outmanoeuvre our opponents?
Learning Objectives
- Develop backhand stroke technique with consistency and control
- Apply tactical awareness when playing shots near the net
- Demonstrate understanding of grip changes for different strokes
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute backhand shots with improved consistency
- Students will show tactical awareness in game situations
- Students will understand and apply appropriate grip adjustments
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket grip size appropriate for students
Alternative: Table tennis bats for beginners
Ensure balls are properly pressurised
Alternative: Foam balls for less confident students
Mark small courts 8m x 5m
Alternative: Chalk lines on hard court
Height approximately 80cm for small courts
Alternative: Rope or tape at net height
Position for clear view of technique
Alternative: Not essential but beneficial
Key Vocabulary
A tennis stroke played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot
Slight rotation of hand position on racket handle for different shots
Understanding where and when to place shots to gain advantage
Gentle, controlled shots requiring precise touch and loose grip
Balanced stance with racket up, ready to move in any direction
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ready position and footwork
- Forehand stroke technique
- Ball control with racket
Current Skills
- Backhand grip adjustment
- Backhand stroke execution
- Tactical shot placement
Next Steps
- Advanced rally tactics
- Volleys and net play
- Match play strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Grip rotation is subtle - anti-clockwise from forehand position
- Strike ball early and in front of body for best control
- Tactical awareness develops through guided questioning
- Rally cooperation more important than winning points
- Safety maintained through controlled feeds and adequate spacing
- Peer assessment builds technical understanding
- Video analysis supports tactical development
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking backhand requires completely different grip - it's a rotation not a change
- Believing power is more important than placement in tactical play
- Assuming only one backhand technique is correct - both single and double-handed are valid
- Thinking rallies are about winning rather than cooperation and skill development
- Believing tactical awareness can't be taught - it develops through guided practice
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement between tasks
dyspraxia
- Simplified grip techniques, larger equipment, extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet practice areas available
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, tactile grip guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, peer buddy system
physical disability
- Adapted rackets with enlarged grips, seated playing options, modified court sizes
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring court dimensions, counting rally scores, calculating angles of shots
Science
Forces in ball flight, lever systems in racket use, trajectory and gravity
Geography
Court mapping, spatial awareness, directions and positioning
PSHE
Peer assessment skills, constructive feedback, resilience in skill development
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between courts to observe technique, position centrally for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for grip changes, body positioning, and tactical decision making
Intervention Points
Step in if technique is unsafe, rallies become too competitive, or students struggle with concepts
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, slow demonstrations for grip changes, exaggerate technique points for visibility
Verbal Cues
- •'Rotate that grip slightly!'
- •'Strike early, in front of your body!'
- •'Think tactics - where's the space?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large sports hall or outdoor tennis courts, minimum 30m x 20m
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or equipment hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket grips secure and appropriate size
- •Ensure balls are not split or damaged
- •Verify nets are properly tensioned and secure
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket contact between students
- •Slips during quick movement
- •Ball strikes to head or body
Risk Mitigation
- •Maintain adequate spacing between courts (minimum 2m)
- •Controlled ball feeds to prevent wild shots
- •Clear boundaries and safety zones established
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts
- •Monitor partner activities for safe distance
- •Watch for fatigue affecting concentration
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid as needed, contact emergency services if required