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Lesson 4 - Forehand and Backhand Volleying

Technical & Tactical Growth

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Year 5

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Tennis

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Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket condition and appropriate size for each student

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for students needing lighter equipment

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair plus extras)

Use slightly deflated balls for easier control during learning

Alternative: Foam balls for students needing slower-moving balls

Markers Cones

20-30

Mark 7m distances between partners and court boundaries

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or playground markings

Goals

5.5 sets

Set up multiple small courts for King of the Court game

Alternative: Benches, rope between posts, or imaginary net lines

Key Vocabulary

Volley

Hitting the ball before it bounces on the ground

Deflection

Redirecting the ball's path using the racket face rather than striking hard

Ready position

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

V grip

Relaxed grip where thumb and index finger form a V shape on racket handle

Opposite foot forward

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

Consistent contact with ball above net height

Ball deflection downwards with control

Smooth transition between forehand and backhand volleys

Effective use of volleys in game situations

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