Lesson 2 - Forehand Control and Consistency
Technical & Tactical Growth
•Year 5
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check all rackets for damage, ensure appropriate size for Year 5
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets
Use appropriate pressure balls for skill level
Alternative: Foam balls, low-compression tennis balls
Easy to tuck into waistband securely
Alternative: Coloured bands, bean bags
Create clear boundaries for game areas
Alternative: Cones, chalk lines, rope
Central reference points for group movement
Alternative: Cones, hula hoops
Key Vocabulary
A tennis shot where the ball is hit with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the shot
The balanced stance a player takes between shots, ready to move in any direction
The backward movement of the racket before striking the ball
The correct way to hold a tennis racket with thumb and forefinger forming a V shape
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
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