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Lesson 4 - Volley Technique & Tactics

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 give you a tactical advantage in tennis?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate forehand and backhand volley technique
To understand when to use volleys tactically in game situations
To demonstrate precise underarm feeding skills for partner practice

Key Outcomes

Students will execute volleys with correct punchy technique and racket control
Students will identify optimal moments to use volleys for attacking play
Students will feed balls accurately to support partner skill development

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per 2 students (15 total)

Distribute balls around court perimeters for easy collection

Alternative: Foam balls or larger practice balls for beginners

Tennis Rackets

9 (optional)

Check grip sizes are appropriate for student hand sizes

Alternative: Shorter junior rackets or paddle bats for smaller students

Cones

60 total

Mark court boundaries, nets, and warm-up areas

Alternative: Chalk lines or rope for court marking

Key Vocabulary

Volley

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

Punchy action

Short, sharp hitting motion without a big swing

Ready position

Balanced stance with racket in front, prepared to move in any direction

Underarm feed

Throwing the ball gently upward using an underarm motion for partner practice

Attacking shot

A tennis shot designed to put pressure on your opponent and win the point

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand and backhand ground strokes
Understanding of tennis court areas and net play
Experience with rally counting and scoring

Current Skills

Forehand volley technique with punchy action
Backhand volley timing and placement
Tactical awareness for volley selection

Next Steps

Advanced volley angles and placement
Combination shots linking ground strokes to volleys
Competitive match play incorporating all tennis skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with centre of racket strings

Downward ball trajectory over net without big swing

Quick decision-making between ground stroke and volley options

Key Teaching Points

Volley technique uses punchy action, not full swing like ground strokes
Ready position with racket in front is crucial for quick volley reactions
Contact point must be in front of body for control and power
Volleys are attacking shots designed to pressure opponents with quick returns
Both forehand and backhand volleys use same grip and punchy principle
Accurate underarm feeding is essential for effective partner practice
Tactical volley use focuses on net position and reducing opponent reaction time

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking volleys need big swings like ground strokes - emphasise punchy, compact action
Believing volleys are defensive shots - reinforce attacking nature and tactical advantage
Assuming backhand volleys need different grip - explain same grip, different direction
Thinking power comes from arm swing - teach that control and placement are more important
Expecting immediate success with backhand volleys - normalize that backhand is more challenging
Confusing tennis volleys with volleyball actions - clarify tennis-specific technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, regular active breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate feedback and encouragement

dyspraxia

Larger equipment options, simplified technique focus, extra practice time, breaking skills into smaller components

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule showing lesson progression, quiet zones available, consistent partner pairings

visual impairment

Use bright yellow tennis balls, verbal descriptions of court layout, tactile markers for court boundaries, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of technique, hand signals for game instructions, written key teaching points, clear visual scoring systems

physical disability

Seated volley versions, modified rackets or paddles, reduced court sizes, adapted feeding techniques from closer range

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting volley rallies, calculating bonus points in games, measuring court distances and angles

Science

Forces and motion in ball contact, trajectory analysis for downward volley hits, reaction times in volleys vs ground strokes

Geography

Court direction and positioning, spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around net area

PSHE

Partnership cooperation, fair play and honest scoring, resilience when learning difficult backhand volleys, leadership in game organisation

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts for individual feedback, position at corners for visibility of multiple pairs during practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct punchy technique, safe spacing, accurate feeding, and tactical volley application

Intervention Points

Step in if students using dangerous swinging motions, struggling with partner cooperation, or showing frustration

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show punchy vs swinging actions, demonstrate from both forehand and backhand sides, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Punch, don't swing!'
•'Hit in front of your body!'
•'Ready position first!'
•'Attack with your volley!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 30m outdoor hard court area or large sports hall, multiple court spaces for partner work

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris, suitable for quick movement and safe racket use

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis rackets for damage, loose strings, or sharp edges
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition and not overly hard
•Verify cones are stable and positioned to avoid tripping hazards
•Test net height and stability if using permanent nets

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions between students during volleys
•Ball strikes to head or body during practice
•Slips and falls on court surface during quick movements
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain adequate spacing between practice pairs (minimum 3m)
•Establish clear court boundaries and practice areas
•Emphasise controlled feeding and moderate power volleys
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Regular hydration breaks during competitive games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts and practice areas
•Monitor spacing between students during volley practice
•Watch for fatigue or frustration affecting safety
•Ensure equipment is used appropriately and safely

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, complete accident report if necessary