Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Racket Grip
Technical & Tactical Growth
•Year 5
•Tennis
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How can we use the ready position and correct grip to improve our tennis performance?
Learning Objectives
- To develop understanding and application of the ready position in tennis
- To learn and practise correct racket grip for forehand and backhand shots
- To link movement skills with racket skills in simple game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate the ready position consistently during activities
- Students will show correct V-grip technique and adapt grip for backhand
- Students will combine movement and striking skills in competitive situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket sizes appropriate for Year 5 students
Alternative: Table tennis bats, badminton rackets for grip practice
Use mix of pressurised and low-pressure balls for differentiation
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for easier catching
Various colours for different court markings and targets
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, sports tape
For students needing easier option during activities
Alternative: Playground balls, sponge balls
Key Vocabulary
Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, weight on balls of feet, hands together in front of body
Tennis grip where the V formed by thumb and index finger aligns with the racket frame
The back boundary line of a tennis court
Tennis stroke played on the dominant side of the body
Tennis stroke played across the body on the non-dominant side
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of court games and boundaries
- Ability to work cooperatively with partners
Current Skills
- Ready position for tennis
- Correct racket grip techniques
- Basic striking and returning to centre
Next Steps
- Developing forehand and backhand techniques
- Understanding court positioning and tactics
- Playing modified tennis games with scoring
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position is foundation for all tennis movement and must be consistently reinforced
- V-grip technique with relaxed wrist enables proper racket control and power generation
- Sideways body position for striking creates optimal contact point and accuracy
- Returning to centre court position after each shot provides maximum court coverage
- Progressive skill building from catching to hand tennis to racket work ensures success
- Competitive elements maintain engagement while reinforcing technical requirements
- Self-assessment and reflection consolidate learning and promote independent improvement
Common Misconceptions
- Students think gripping racket tightly improves control - emphasise relaxed grip for wrist flexibility
- Standing still after shots rather than returning to ready position - constantly reinforce movement patterns
- Believing power comes from arm strength rather than technique and positioning
- Thinking competition means abandoning technique for winning - maintain technical focus during games
- Assuming hand tennis skills don't transfer to racket work - explicitly connect the progressions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, emphasise positive behaviour, provide additional movement opportunities within structure
dyspraxia
- Break down grip technique into smaller steps, use larger equipment initially, provide additional practice time for motor skills
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for lesson progression, offer quiet space if overwhelmed by competition
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of ready position, work with sighted partner for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, written instruction cards for key points, ensure clear line of sight for all demonstrations
physical disability
- Adapt ready position for seated players, modify grip for limited hand function, adjust court size and equipment as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring court distances, scoring systems, angles of ball trajectory and racket position
Science
Forces in ball striking, balance and centre of gravity in ready position, friction between ball and court surface
Geography
Court layout and spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Fair play and sportsmanship, cooperation in partner work, resilience when learning new skills, self-assessment and honesty
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations and key teaching points
Observation Focus
Ready position consistency, correct grip technique, safe racket handling, positive partner interaction
Intervention Points
Step in if safety concerns arise, provide individual support for grip difficulties, manage competitive intensity
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for ready position, show grip technique at close range for all students to see, demonstrate ball striking with emphasis on control
Verbal Cues
- •'Ready position - bounce on your toes!'
- •'Show me your V-grip!'
- •'Side-step back to centre!'
- •'Soft hands, controlled shots!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor hard court area, minimum 30m x 20m
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for quick movement and racket work
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis rackets for loose strings or damage
- •Ensure balls are in good condition and appropriate pressure
- •Cone stability and appropriate height for activities
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision between students during movement activities
- •Racket contact with other students during swinging
- •Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
- •Ball strikes to face or body during partner work
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between working pairs
- •Emphasis on controlled racket work and safe ball speeds
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Constant awareness of surrounding students and activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all working pairs
- •Monitor racket handling technique for safety
- •Watch for appropriate intensity during competitive elements
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid and seek additional support if needed