Lesson 3 - Backhand Groundstroke Development
Technique to Competition
•Year 5
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we master the backhand technique to become confident tennis players?
Learning Objectives
- To develop returning the ball using a backhand groundstroke
- To understand the key technical points of the backhand stroke
- To apply backhand technique in cooperative and competitive situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved backhand technique with proper grip and stance
- Students will successfully return balls using backhand strokes in practice situations
- Students will show cooperative play and understanding of tennis scoring
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket condition and appropriate size for students
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, foam paddles for beginners
Use lower compression balls for easier hitting
Alternative: Foam balls, larger trainer balls for beginners
Create court boundaries and target areas
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
A tennis stroke played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot
Using both hands on the racket handle for greater control and power
Positioning the body perpendicular to the net before hitting
Creating topspin by sweeping the racket upward across the back of the ball
Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, ready to move
The continuation of the swing after ball contact
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket grip and control
- Underarm throwing and catching
- Simple ball striking skills
- Understanding of court boundaries
Current Skills
- Two-handed backhand grip
- Sideways stance and preparation
- Low to high swing path with follow-through
- Cooperative feeding and returning
Next Steps
- One-handed backhand development
- Backhand slice techniques
- Tactical use of backhand in rallies
- Advanced court positioning
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Two-handed grip with dominant hand at bottom provides better control for young players
- Sideways stance with shoulder pointing to target is essential for proper technique
- Low to high swing path creates natural topspin and better ball control
- Brushing over the ball rather than hitting through it improves consistency
- Follow-through finishing high over opposite shoulder completes the swing
- Practice feeding accuracy is crucial for partner's success and confidence
- Game application should focus on technique maintenance under pressure
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they need to hit hard for the ball to go far - emphasise control and technique
- Many believe backhand is weaker than forehand - show how it can be more reliable
- Assumption that one-handed is better - explain advantages of two-handed for learning
- Students may think they must use backhand when ball comes to that side - teach choice
- Misconception that topspin is too advanced - show how natural brushing action creates it
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger rackets and balls, reduced complexity of movements, extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and role rotation, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection time
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for court awareness
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written score cards
physical disability
- Seated tennis adaptations, modified court sizes, alternative striking implements
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting points and scores, measuring court distances, angles of shots and movements
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, friction between racket and ball, body systems during exercise
Geography
Court dimensions and spatial awareness, directional language and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, fair play and honesty in scoring
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear view of all courts, rotate to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, stance, swing path, and ball contact timing
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggling with technique or safety becoming compromised
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Exaggerate key positions for visibility. Use slow-motion for technique, normal speed for timing
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance!'
- •'Two hands on racket!'
- •'Low to high swing!'
- •'Brush over the ball!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m per court, clear of obstacles and other activities
Surface Check
Even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and stopping safely
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket condition and appropriate size for students
- •Ensure balls are in good condition and appropriate compression
- •Cones positioned safely away from hitting areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket collisions during swinging
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Slips and falls during movement
- •Collisions between students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear space requirements enforced between courts
- •Supervised racket handling during demonstrations
- •Controlled ball feeding to prevent hard hits
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Check individual technique to prevent injury
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid or support, clear area if needed