Lesson 4 - Forehand and Backhand Volleying
Technical & Tactical Growth
•Year 5
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can mastering the volley technique give us an advantage in tennis games?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate forehand and backhand volley technique
- To understand the difference between forehand and backhand striking actions
- To apply volleying skills in game situations with control and consistency
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled volleying using deflection rather than striking
- Students will show understanding of footwork and ready position for effective volleying
- Students will link volleying skills to perform sequences of movement in game contexts
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket condition and appropriate size for each student
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for students needing lighter equipment
Use slightly deflated balls for easier control during learning
Alternative: Foam balls for students needing slower-moving balls
Mark 7m distances between partners and court boundaries
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or playground markings
Set up multiple small courts for King of the Court game
Alternative: Benches, rope between posts, or imaginary net lines
Key Vocabulary
Hitting the ball before it bounces on the ground
Redirecting the ball's path using the racket face rather than striking hard
Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, ready to move in any direction
Relaxed grip where thumb and index finger form a V shape on racket handle
Stepping forward with the foot opposite to the hitting hand
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket grip and ready position
- Forehand and backhand ground strokes
- Basic ball control and hand-eye coordination
- Understanding of court boundaries and basic tennis rules
Current Skills
- Volley technique with deflection action
- Footwork for effective volleying position
- Adapting volley to different feed heights
- Linking volley skills in game sequences
Next Steps
- Advanced volley placement and angles
- Volley and smash combinations
- Tactical use of volleys in match play
- Serving and volleying strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Volley technique uses deflection rather than striking action
- Opposite foot forward provides balance and power transfer
- Ready position enables quick reaction to both forehand and backhand
- Firm wrist and angled racket face controls ball direction
- Consistent feeding height and placement crucial for practice success
- Tactical advantage of volleying puts pressure on opponents
- Progressive skill building from static to game application
Common Misconceptions
- Students often try to swing hard at volleys like ground strokes - emphasise gentle deflection
- Many forget opposite foot forward rule - use constant reminding and visual cues
- Students may grip racket too tightly - demonstrate relaxed V grip regularly
- Confusion between when to volley vs ground stroke - clarify ball height and position
- Thinking volleying is easier than ground strokes - explain why technique matters more
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter practice segments, provide regular positive feedback, clear and consistent instructions with movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger, slower balls for practice, simplified technique breakdown, additional time for skill development and coordination
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for lesson stages, offer quiet zones for breaks when needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and rackets, provide clear verbal descriptions of technique, utilise peer buddies for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written technique cards with key points
physical disability
- Adapt racket grip and weight, modify serving distance and court size, allow seated volleying where appropriate
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating angles for volley placement, measuring court distances, counting consecutive volleys and statistics
Science
Forces and motion in ball deflection, reaction times in volleying, physics of racket and ball contact
Geography
Court orientation and spatial awareness, understanding angles and directions in game play
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation in partner activities, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between practice pairs during skill development, position centrally during games for maximum court visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for correct footwork, deflection technique, and safe equipment handling throughout lesson
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggling with basic technique, unsafe practices occur, or game rules need clarification
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate techniques from side profile for clear view, exaggerate key movements for emphasis, use student demonstrations for peer learning
Verbal Cues
- •'Opposite foot forward!'
- •'Deflect don't strike!'
- •'Ready position!'
- •'Firm wrist, soft touch!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from debris, suitable for running and quick movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rackets for damage, loose strings or sharp edges
- •Ensure balls are in good condition and appropriate pressure
- •Verify net and court markers are secure and safe
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket contact between students during close practice
- •Ball strikes to face or body during volleying
- •Slips and falls during quick movements
- •Collisions during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Maintain adequate spacing between practicing pairs
- •Emphasise controlled feeding and deflection techniques
- •Clear boundaries and movement areas in games
- •Progressive skill building before competitive activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all practice pairs during skill development
- •Monitor game areas for safe play and fair competition
- •Check technique to prevent overexertion or injury risk
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on 'Stop' command, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, report significant incidents