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Lesson 1 - Forehand 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 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

Tennis Rackets

4-6

Check racket size appropriate for Year 5 - junior rackets preferred

Alternative: Plastic rackets, badminton rackets, table tennis bats for progression

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Consider using slower balls for skill development

Alternative: Foam balls, larger sponge balls for beginners, low-compression balls

Cones

Use bright colours for clear court definition

Alternative: Markers, spots, small hurdles for court boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

Balanced stance with feet apart, knees bent, and eyes on ball, ready for quick movement

Forehand Groundstroke

Tennis shot hit after ball bounces, using dominant side of body with racket face open

Centre of Racket

The sweet spot in middle of racket strings where contact produces best power and control

Topspin

Forward rotation of ball created by brushing racket upward over ball at contact

Court Positioning

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

Consistent centre-racket ball contact

Smooth swing from low to high with follow-through

Quick transition from ready position to hitting position

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