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Lesson 3 - Split Step & Rally Skills

Advanced Skills & Tactics

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Year 6

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How does the split step help tennis players react quickly and maintain control in rallies?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate correct split step technique for quick directional movement
To apply split step timing in rally situations
To maintain continuous rallies using appropriate groundstrokes

Key Outcomes

Students will execute split steps with correct timing and technique
Students will demonstrate improved reaction time and court positioning
Students will sustain rallies of 4+ shots using forehand and backhand strokes

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

As available

Check grip size appropriate for students, distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Padder tennis bats, short tennis rackets

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Use stage 2 or 3 balls for better control, store in baskets at court edges

Alternative: Low compression tennis balls, foam balls for beginners

Dish Cones

60 (assorted colours)

Include 4 different colours per pair for 'X' activity, various sizes for court boundaries

Alternative: Flat markers, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Split Step

A small two-footed jump that prepares a player to move quickly in any direction

Rally

Continuous hitting of the ball back and forth between players

Ready Position

Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, ready to move in any direction

Groundstroke

A tennis shot hit after the ball bounces once on the court

Court Recovery

Returning to an optimal court position after playing a shot

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand and backhand grip
Understanding of ready position
Experience with underarm feeding
Basic court awareness and positioning

Current Skills

Split step technique and timing
Quick directional movement from split step
Rally maintenance with consistent returns
Court positioning and recovery

Next Steps

Advanced rally tactics and shot placement
Serving technique introduction
Net play and volley skills
Match play strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-footed split step landing

Quick reaction to ball direction after split step

Maintenance of 6+ shot rallies

Smooth transition from split step to stroke execution

Key Teaching Points

Split step timing is crucial - jump as opponent releases ball
Land with two feet, knees bent, ready to push off in any direction
Split step is small and controlled, not a big jump
Always return to centre court position after each shot
Quality of split step affects speed of reaction to ball
Split step connects to all tennis movements - serving, returning, rallying
Cooperation in practice leads to better improvement for both partners

Common Misconceptions

Bigger split steps are better - actually small, controlled jumps are more effective
Split step should happen when ball bounces - actually should occur as opponent hits
Split step is only for professional tennis - it benefits players at all levels
You don't need to split step if you're already moving - timing is still crucial
Split step is just jumping - it's about preparation and reaction, not height

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for split step technique, simplified instruction stages, larger target areas

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for safety

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for timing, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Adapted split step from seated position, larger equipment if needed, modified court sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring court distances, timing intervals, counting rallies and successful returns, calculating improvement percentages

Science

Understanding forces in jumping and landing, reaction times and nervous system responses, physics of ball bounce and racket contact

PSHE

Partnership skills, cooperation, resilience when techniques don't work immediately, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all pairs, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Split step technique, timing with ball movement, safety during quick movements

Intervention Points

Step in when students not performing split step, unsafe movement, or poor cooperation

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate split step movement for visibility, show timing clearly with ball release, demonstrate both successful and less effective techniques for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Split step first!'
•'Two feet, then react!'
•'Light and quick!'
•'Back to centre!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m indoor/outdoor space, or access to tennis courts

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential for jumping and quick directional changes, clear of any obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rackets for damaged strings or loose grips
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during quick directional movements
•Slips and falls from split step jumping
•Racket contact between students
•Ball strikes to face or body

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between pairs
•Controlled racket swinging in designated areas only
•Emphasis on looking before moving
•Progressive skill building to develop control

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple pairs simultaneously
•Monitor high-energy activities like 'Catch Me If You Can'
•Be especially vigilant during rally activities with rackets

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on whistle, assess injury, apply first aid if trained, seek medical assistance if required