Lesson 5 - Volley Skills in Games
Advanced Skills & Tactics
•Year 6
•Tennis
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How can mastering the volley technique give you a tactical advantage in tennis?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate forehand and backhand volley technique
- To apply volley skills effectively in competitive game situations
- To demonstrate leadership skills in warm-up activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute controlled volleys with consistent technique
- Students will make tactical decisions about when to use volleys in games
- Students will lead peers through structured warm-up routines
Equipment & Resources Required
Used to mark court boundaries, 4-6 cones per court area
Alternative: Markers, tennis court lines, rope boundaries
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, low-compression tennis balls
Size-appropriate rackets, check grip size and weight
Alternative: Different sized rackets for varying abilities, paddles for beginners
Key Vocabulary
Hitting the ball before it bounces on your side of the court
Balanced stance with knees bent, racket in front, ready to move in any direction
Short, sharp hitting movement without a long swing
The ideal position where racket meets ball, in front of the body
Accurately throwing or hitting the ball to a partner for practice
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket grip and ready position
- Forehand and backhand groundstrokes
- Understanding of court boundaries and scoring
Current Skills
- Forehand volley with punchy action
- Backhand volley technique
- Tactical application of volleys in game situations
Next Steps
- Advanced volley positioning and movement
- Serving and return techniques
- Complex doubles strategies and communication
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position is foundation of all volleys - knees bent, racket in front
- Contact point must be in front of body, not beside or behind
- Punchy action with no backswing - compact and controlled
- Ball should be hit downwards over net to land in court
- Move feet to maintain good position for every volley
- Communication with partner essential in doubles play
- Tactical use of volleys to attack and finish points quickly
Common Misconceptions
- Volleys need big swings like groundstrokes - correction: Use compact punchy action
- Any ball can be volleyed successfully - correction: Position and timing are crucial
- Hitting hard makes volleys better - correction: Control and placement are more important
- Ready position only needed at start - correction: Return to ready position after each shot
- Volleys are just for advanced players - correction: Basic volleys can be learned at any level
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified techniques, extra practice time, step-by-step instructions
autism spectrum
- Clear routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for ball position, buddy system for court positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Adapted rackets, seated play options, modified court sizes and distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Scoring systems, counting volleys and rallies, timing activities, measuring court dimensions
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, reaction times, biomechanics of hitting actions
Geography
Court layouts and spatial awareness, angles and trajectories of shots
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience and perseverance, fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all pairs, position at corner for full court visibility during games
Observation Focus
Watch for contact point, ready position recovery, tactical decision-making in games
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, technique breakdown, or scoring disputes
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve confident students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Racket in front!'
- •'Punch, don't swing!'
- •'Ready position!'
- •'Move your feet!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 6m x 12m per court area, clear of obstacles and boundaries
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for tennis activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket handles secure and appropriate size for students
- •Tennis balls properly inflated and in good condition
- •Cones stable and visible, no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket contact between students
- •Fast-moving balls causing injury
- •Slips and falls during quick movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between pairs and groups
- •Controlled ball speed during practice
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts
- •Monitor technique to prevent overexertion
- •Watch for competitive intensity during games
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid response, contact emergency services if required