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Lesson 2 - Forehand Control and Consistency

Technical & Tactical Growth

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Year 5

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use good technique and positioning to control where we hit the ball in tennis?

Learning Objectives

To develop consistent forehand shot technique with proper backswing
To control ball direction and placement during rallies
To reflect on performance and recognise success in self and others

Key Outcomes

Students will hit forehand shots with improved consistency and control
Students will demonstrate understanding of ready position and backswing technique
Students will evaluate their own and others' performance constructively

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check all rackets for damage, ensure appropriate size for Year 5

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets

Tennis Balls

1 per student initially, 2 per group for games (35 total)

Use appropriate pressure balls for skill level

Alternative: Foam balls, low-compression tennis balls

Coloured Bibs

5.5 for warm-up activity

Easy to tuck into waistband securely

Alternative: Coloured bands, bean bags

Markers Cones

5-6 lines or small courts

Create clear boundaries for game areas

Alternative: Cones, chalk lines, rope

Sun Markers

5.5 for group activities

Central reference points for group movement

Alternative: Cones, hula hoops

Key Vocabulary

Forehand

A tennis shot where the ball is hit with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Ready Position

The balanced stance a player takes between shots, ready to move in any direction

Backswing

The backward movement of the racket before striking the ball

V Grip

The correct way to hold a tennis racket with thumb and forefinger forming a V shape

Rally

A continuous exchange of shots between players

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and ball control
Simple striking and catching skills
Understanding of tennis court boundaries

Current Skills

Consistent forehand shot technique
Ready position and sideways stance
Ball control and direction

Next Steps

Backhand shot development
Advanced rally techniques
Tactical game play

Milestone Indicators

Maintains V grip throughout lesson

Shows sideways stance before striking

Achieves 5+ consecutive forehand shots

Key Teaching Points

V grip must be maintained throughout all racket activities for proper control and technique development
Ready position is the foundation - weight on balls of feet, knees soft, racket pointing forward
Sideways stance before striking allows for powerful and accurate forehand shots
Backswing preparation is crucial for generating power and improving shot consistency
Ball contact should occur just in front of the body for optimal control and direction
Cooperative rally focus develops consistency before competitive play
Self-assessment and peer feedback build reflective learners and supportive teammates

Common Misconceptions

Power comes from swinging hard - actually comes from good technique and timing
Ready position is static - it should be dynamic and alert for quick movement
Forehand is just swinging forward - requires sideways stance and proper backswing
Rally means hitting hard to beat opponent - should focus on cooperation and consistency
Good players never make mistakes - improvement comes from practice and reflection

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and expectations, frequent positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear activity structure and routines, visual schedule of lesson progression, quiet practice zones available

visual impairment

Use bright yellow balls, clear verbal descriptions of technique, partner guidance system, tactile racket grip markers

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear sight lines, written instruction cards, buddy system for communication

physical disability

Seated tennis variations, larger/lighter rackets, shorter court distances, modified scoring systems

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive hits, measuring court distances, angles of racket face and ball trajectory

Science

Forces and motion in ball striking, friction between ball and court surface, gravity effects on ball flight

Geography

Spatial awareness and direction, court dimensions and boundaries, pathways and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, respect for others and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location during instruction, circulate during practice, corner position during games for full court view

Observation Focus

V grip consistency, ready position maintenance, striking technique development, positive peer interaction

Intervention Points

Incorrect grip holding, unsafe racket use, poor sportsmanship, technique development needs

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations, highlight key technique points clearly

Verbal Cues

•'V grip - thumb and finger!'
•'Ready position - bouncy and alert!'
•'Sideways stance for power!'
•'Big backswing, small follow through!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area with additional wall space if available

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, balls, or trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all rackets for damage, loose strings, or sharp edges
•Ensure tennis balls are appropriate pressure and condition
•Verify court markers are secure and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket contact between students during movement
•Ball strikes to face or body during rallies
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Collisions during group activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing maintained between working pairs
•Controlled striking technique emphasised throughout
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Circulate during partner work to check technique
•Immediate intervention for unsafe play

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident forms if required