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Lesson 5 - Volley Skills in Games

Advanced Skills & Tactics

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Year 6

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

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

Cones

Used to mark court boundaries, 4-6 cones per court area

Alternative: Markers, tennis court lines, rope boundaries

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, low-compression tennis balls

Tennis Rackets

As available

Size-appropriate rackets, check grip size and weight

Alternative: Different sized rackets for varying abilities, paddles for beginners

Key Vocabulary

Volley

Hitting the ball before it bounces on your side of the court

Ready Position

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

Punchy Action

Short, sharp hitting movement without a long swing

Contact Point

The ideal position where racket meets ball, in front of the body

Feed

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

Consistent contact point in front of body

Controlled ball placement over net

Appropriate shot selection in games

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