Lesson 2 - Forehand Groundstroke Development
Technique to Competition
•Year 5
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I use proper technique to consistently return the ball with control and accuracy?
Learning Objectives
- To develop returning the ball using a forehand groundstroke with improved technique
- To understand the importance of footwork and positioning in tennis
- To apply forehand skills in competitive rally situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved forehand technique with sideways stance and proper swing path
- Students will show better court positioning and footwork when moving to the ball
- Students will successfully maintain rallies using forehand groundstrokes
Equipment & Resources Required
Check grip sizes are appropriate for student hand sizes
Alternative: Paddle bats, badminton rackets for smaller hands
Use appropriate pressure balls - consider low-compression balls for this age group
Alternative: Foam balls, softer tennis balls for beginners
Use to mark court boundaries, target areas, and queue positions
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines if on tarmac
Key Vocabulary
A tennis shot hit after the ball bounces, using the dominant hand side of the body
The starting stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, racket held in front
Body position turned perpendicular to the net with non-dominant shoulder facing the net
Continuous exchange of shots between players without stopping
The back boundary line of the tennis court
Where you stand on the court to best return the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket handling and ball control skills
- Understanding of ready position in tennis
- Experience with simple hand-eye coordination activities
- Basic knowledge of tennis court areas
Current Skills
- Forehand groundstroke technique development
- Improved footwork and court positioning
- Rally skills and ball placement
- Competitive game application
Next Steps
- Backhand groundstroke introduction
- Advanced rally tactics and shot selection
- Serving technique development
- Match play with scoring systems
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position is the foundation - balanced, alert, and prepared to move in any direction
- Sideways stance allows proper body rotation and power generation in forehand groundstroke
- Low-to-high swing path creates topspin and control, preventing balls from flying out of court
- Footwork and positioning are as important as arm technique for successful shot execution
- Cooperative rallying develops consistency better than competitive power hitting
- Peer coaching and team support enhance learning and create positive learning environment
- Technique should be maintained even under competitive pressure during games
Common Misconceptions
- Students think power is more important than technique - emphasise control and placement throughout
- Many students rush the swing instead of developing smooth rhythm - encourage patience and timing
- Some students forget to turn sideways and try to hit facing forward - constant reinforcement needed
- Students often start swing too high rather than from low position - demonstrate exaggerated low start
- Common belief that harder hits win rallies - show how controlled shots lead to longer, more successful rallies
- Some students think tennis is individual sport - emphasise cooperation and team elements throughout lesson
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Include frequent activity changes, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use energetic but controlled activities, offer leadership roles to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Break down skills into smaller steps, provide additional practice time for coordination, use larger equipment for easier control, offer verbal prompts for movement sequences
autism spectrum
- Provide clear, structured routines for each activity, use visual schedules showing lesson progression, offer quiet zones for sensory breaks, maintain consistent language and instructions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and rackets, provide verbal descriptions of all movements, use larger balls for easier tracking, ensure clear verbal instructions for positioning
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide written instruction cards, use hand signals for key teaching points, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip reading
physical disability
- Adapt to seated tennis where appropriate, use larger rackets or different grip adaptations, modify court size and distances, provide alternative scoring methods
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting consecutive hits in rallies, measuring court distances, calculating angles for shot placement, scoring and statistics in team games
Science
Understanding forces in racket swing, ball trajectory and spin effects, reaction time and coordination, energy transfer from body to ball
Geography
Court orientation and spatial awareness, understanding directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns around court
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation in partner activities, resilience when learning difficult skills, leadership roles in team games, respect for others' abilities
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between courts and pairs to observe technique development, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for correct sideways stance, proper swing path from low to high, effective weight transfer, and safe spacing between students
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe racket handling, provide individual technique support during partner practice, manage competitive intensity during team games
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated, slow-motion movements for technique demonstration, involve confident students in demonstrations, repeat key movements multiple times for clarity
Verbal Cues
- •'Ready position first!'
- •'Turn sideways to the ball!'
- •'Start low, finish high!'
- •'Watch the ball all the way to your racket!'
- •'Move your feet to get in position!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear area with additional space around perimeter for safe movement
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick directional changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all rackets for damage, secure grips, and appropriate sizes
- •Ensure tennis balls are in good condition and appropriate pressure
- •Verify cones are stable and visible, with no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket collisions between students during activities
- •Slips and falls during quick movements and directional changes
- •Ball strikes from errant shots or poor control
- •Overcrowding in court areas during team games
Risk Mitigation
- •Maintain adequate spacing between students during all activities
- •Establish clear boundaries and movement patterns
- •Emphasise controlled shots over power throughout lesson
- •Monitor equipment handling and storage carefully
- •Ensure proper warm-up before intensive activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all court areas
- •Monitor technique to prevent unsafe swing patterns
- •Watch for fatigue levels affecting coordination
- •Ensure equipment is used appropriately throughout
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required