Lesson 1 - Forehand Groundstroke Development
Technique to Competition
•Year 5
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use the ready position and perfect timing to master the forehand groundstroke?
Learning Objectives
- To develop correct forehand groundstroke technique with consistent ball contact
- To understand and apply the ready position for quick movement and reaction
- To demonstrate tactical awareness by choosing appropriate placement for shots
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform forehand groundstrokes with correct technique 7 out of 10 attempts
- Students will consistently start from the ready position before each shot
- Students will demonstrate tactical shot placement by hitting to spaces away from opponents
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket size appropriate for Year 5 - junior rackets preferred
Alternative: Plastic rackets, badminton rackets, table tennis bats for progression
Consider using slower balls for skill development
Alternative: Foam balls, larger sponge balls for beginners, low-compression balls
Use bright colours for clear court definition
Alternative: Markers, spots, small hurdles for court boundaries
Key Vocabulary
Balanced stance with feet apart, knees bent, and eyes on ball, ready for quick movement
Tennis shot hit after ball bounces, using dominant side of body with racket face open
The sweet spot in middle of racket strings where contact produces best power and control
Forward rotation of ball created by brushing racket upward over ball at contact
Where player stands on court to best receive and return shots
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Can throw and catch a ball accurately from different distances
- Understands basic ready position from invasion games
- Has experience with hand-eye coordination activities using bats/rackets
Current Skills
- Develop correct forehand grip and swing technique
- Master the ready position for tennis-specific movement
- Apply tactical awareness in shot placement
Next Steps
- Develop backhand groundstroke technique
- Learn to serve underarm and overarm
- Apply tactics in competitive rally situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position is foundation for all tennis movement and reaction
- Forehand contact should be made when racket face points toward target
- Low-to-high swing path creates topspin and better ball control
- Tactical placement is more important than powerful hitting
- Consistent technique practice leads to improved performance
- Encouragement and positive feedback build confidence and skill
- Safety awareness prevents accidents during racket sports
Common Misconceptions
- Students think hitting harder always produces better results - emphasise control and placement
- Many believe ready position is just standing still - show active, balanced positioning
- Students often think racket face should be sideways at contact - demonstrate forward-facing contact
- Assumption that tennis is too difficult for primary age - build confidence through progressive skill development
- Belief that winning is only measure of success - emphasise skill improvement and effort
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, frequent equipment changes, movement breaks, clear boundaries and rules
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment options, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routines established, visual timetable for lesson sections, quiet practice areas, consistent partner pairings
visual impairment
- Use bright yellow tennis balls, audio cues for ball location, partner guidance system, larger racket heads
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations emphasised, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication, visual start/stop signals
physical disability
- Seated tennis variations, lighter rackets, larger balls, modified court sizes, assistance with movement
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful shots, measuring court distances, calculating angles for shot placement, timing activities
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, gravity effects on bouncing balls, energy transfer from racket to ball
Geography
Court directions and positioning, spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around court
PSHE
Resilience when making errors, teamwork in partner activities, respect for rules and opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all pairs/groups, position for maximum visibility during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct ready position, smooth forehand technique, safe racket handling, positive interaction
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is unsafe, provide individual support for struggling students, manage group dynamics
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key elements multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Ready position - feet apart, knees bent!'
- •'Turn sideways, swing low to high!'
- •'Watch the ball onto your racket!'
- •'Look for space, hit away from defenders!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m area with clear boundaries, indoor or outdoor court surface
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles, appropriate for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis rackets for secure strings and undamaged frames
- •Ensure balls are not cracked or damaged
- •Cones placed safely to avoid trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head/body during activities
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Racket contact with other students during swings
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing maintained between working groups
- •Emphasis on controlled movements and technique
- •Students aware of others' positions before swinging
- •Stop signals established and practised
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups simultaneously
- •Move around actively to monitor technique and safety
- •Be alert during game activities with multiple students moving
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if required