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Lesson 3 - Backhand Groundstroke Development

Technique to Competition

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Year 5

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

Variable (optional)

Check racket condition and appropriate size for students

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, foam paddles for beginners

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Use lower compression balls for easier hitting

Alternative: Foam balls, larger trainer balls for beginners

Cones

Create court boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Backhand

A tennis stroke played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Two-handed grip

Using both hands on the racket handle for greater control and power

Sideways stance

Positioning the body perpendicular to the net before hitting

Brush over the ball

Creating topspin by sweeping the racket upward across the back of the ball

Ready position

Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, ready to move

Follow-through

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

Consistent contact with racket face open

Smooth swing from low to high position

Successful returns over net after feed

Demonstration of topspin brush technique

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