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Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Racket Grip

Technical & Tactical Growth

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Year 5

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Tennis

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1h 10min

Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket sizes appropriate for Year 5 students

Alternative: Table tennis bats, badminton rackets for grip practice

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Use mix of pressurised and low-pressure balls for differentiation

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for easier catching

Cones

20-30

Various colours for different court markings and targets

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, sports tape

Large Soft Balls

5-8

For students needing easier option during activities

Alternative: Playground balls, sponge balls

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, weight on balls of feet, hands together in front of body

V-Grip

Tennis grip where the V formed by thumb and index finger aligns with the racket frame

Baseline

The back boundary line of a tennis court

Forehand

Tennis stroke played on the dominant side of the body

Backhand

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

Automatically returns to ready position

Grips racket correctly without prompting

Links multiple skills in game situations

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