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Lesson 1 - Forehand Groundstroke Development

Advanced Skills & Tactics

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Year 6

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use the forehand groundstroke to control the ball and win points in tennis?

Learning Objectives

To develop and demonstrate the forehand groundstroke technique with increasing accuracy
To understand and apply the ready position in tennis game situations
To work cooperatively with partners to improve tennis skills

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct forehand groundstroke technique
Students will consistently return balls using forehand strokes
Students will show improved ball control and placement

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

As available

Check racket condition and appropriate grip size

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Use age-appropriate ball type (green or orange dot)

Alternative: Foam balls, low-compression balls for beginners

Cones

Set up court boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, rope for boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Forehand groundstroke

A tennis shot hit with the racket across the body on the same side as the playing hand

Ready position

The starting stance with feet apart, knees bent, and racket up in front

Racket face

The hitting surface of the tennis racket

Contact point

The exact moment and position where the racket meets the ball

Follow through

The continuation of the swing after hitting the ball

Rally

Continuous hitting of the ball back and forth between players

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of personal space and safety
Experience with simple striking games

Current Skills

Forehand groundstroke technique
Ready position and movement
Ball control with racket
Partner feeding and catching

Next Steps

Backhand groundstroke development
Serve technique introduction
Advanced rally patterns
Court positioning and tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with centre of racket

Ball travels to intended target area

Smooth swing motion from low to high

Quick recovery to ready position

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is the foundation for all tennis movements - feet apart, knees bent, racket up
Contact point for forehand should be when racket face points toward target
Swing path moves from low to high to create topspin and control
Control and placement are more important than power for successful tennis
Cooperation with partners enhances learning for everyone
Moving to the ball position is essential for consistent contact
Recovery to ready position after each shot prepares for next ball

Common Misconceptions

Students think hitting harder makes them better - emphasise control and accuracy first
Many believe they should hit the ball when it's in front of them - teach contact to the side
Some think tennis is only about individual skill - highlight teamwork and cooperation elements
Students may focus only on getting ball over net - teach importance of placement and consistency
Common belief that you need expensive equipment to play well - show success with basic equipment

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with variety, clear boundaries and rules, immediate positive feedback, physical activity to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls for easier tracking, slow down demonstrations, provide extra practice time, simplified instructions

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet area available if needed, consistent partner pairing

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with supportive partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for key teaching points

physical disability

Modify grip for limited hand function, use lighter rackets, seated version for wheelchair users, adjust court distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive hits during rally practice, measuring court distances, angles of racket face contact, timing and rhythm patterns

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, friction between ball and court surface, momentum transfer from racket to ball, physics of spin and bounce

Geography

Court orientation and directions, spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of personal and playing space boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience when learning difficult skills, fair play and sportsmanship, goal setting and personal development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the area to observe all students, position where you can see majority during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for safe racket handling, proper technique development, positive interactions between students

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play observed, technique needs immediate correction, or conflicts arise between students

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with student or teaching assistant when possible, exaggerate key teaching points for clarity, repeat demonstrations as needed

Verbal Cues

•'Swing low to high like painting a fence!'
•'Ready position - superhero stance!'
•'Point your racket face where you want the ball to go!'
•'Gentle control beats wild power!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor court area, minimum 30m x 20m clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, no water or debris, appropriate for tennis footwear

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all rackets for damage, cracks, or loose strings
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition, not split or damaged
•Verify cones are stable and visible for court boundaries

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket contact with other students during swing practice
•Ball strikes to head or body during rally practice
•Slips and falls during quick movement activities
•Collisions during team game activities

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear personal space boundaries during individual practice
•Teach proper racket handling and swing control
•Emphasise awareness of others during movement
•Position students with adequate spacing during all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during swing practice
•Monitor team games for appropriate competitive spirit
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure equipment is handled safely throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed