Lesson 2 - Two-Handed Backhand Skills
Doubles Strategy & Communication
•Year 6
•Tennis
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How can we use the two-handed backhand shot effectively to control the ball and create strategic advantages in tennis?
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate correct stance and technique for a two-handed backhand shot with increasing control and consistency
- Identify and explain when and why to use a backhand shot in game situations for tactical advantage
- Apply backhand technique effectively during rally situations whilst maintaining good court positioning
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform two-handed backhand shots with improved control and accuracy
- Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by selecting appropriate shots during gameplay
- Students will sustain longer rallies using both forehand and backhand techniques
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racquet grip size is appropriate for student hand size
Alternative: Foam paddles or larger-headed junior racquets for students needing support
Use different coloured balls for different ability groups
Alternative: Foam balls or low-pressure tennis balls for easier control
Mark out multiple small courts and target areas
Alternative: Markers or chalk for court boundaries
Adjust height to encourage successful shots over the net
Alternative: Benches, rope between posts, or badminton nets
Two distinct colours for team identification
Alternative: Different coloured wristbands or headbands
Key Vocabulary
A tennis shot played with both hands on the racquet handle, typically used when the ball approaches the non-dominant side
Body position where the side faces the net, allowing for proper rotation and power generation
The twisting motion of the torso that generates power and control in the shot
A sequence of shots between players where the ball is kept in play continuously
Strategic placement of oneself on the court to effectively return shots and control the rally
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racquet grip and control from previous tennis sessions
- Forehand shot technique and application
- Understanding of court boundaries and basic game rules
- Experience with simple rally activities
Current Skills
- Two-handed backhand stance and preparation
- Backhand swing mechanics with body rotation
- Shot selection and tactical awareness
- Rally maintenance using varied shots
Next Steps
- Advanced backhand variations (slice, topspin)
- Serve and return combinations
- Match play with scoring systems
- Advanced court positioning and movement patterns
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Sideways stance is fundamental for effective backhand technique and power generation
- Two-handed grip provides better control and stability for young players learning backhand
- Body rotation drives the shot - encourage full shoulder turn for power and accuracy
- Shot selection depends on ball position and tactical situation - teach decision-making alongside technique
- Cooperative rally play builds confidence before introducing competitive elements
- Early preparation and quick feet help students get into correct position for success
- Follow-through direction determines ball placement and control in rallies
Common Misconceptions
- Students often think backhand is just for balls on their 'wrong' side - teach tactical applications too
- Many believe harder swings equal better shots - emphasise control and placement over power
- Students may try to use forehand grip for backhand - reinforce importance of grip change
- Some think they should wait for perfect ball position - teach movement and adaptation skills
- Students often rush to competitive play before mastering cooperative rallying skills
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, immediate feedback and praise, movement breaks built into activities, clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Slower demonstrations with repeated modelling, larger/lighter equipment options, extra practice time for technique, simple verbal cues and visual reminders
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet spaces available if needed, consistent language and predictable progressions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and audible signals for activity changes, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards available, ensure student can see teacher clearly during instructions
physical disability
- Adapt stance requirements, provide seated playing options, modify grip or use adaptive equipment, adjust court size and rules as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring court dimensions, calculating rally totals, analysing angles of shots and body rotation during technique
Science
Understanding forces in racquet sports, body mechanics and leverage in two-handed shots, trajectory and ball physics
Geography
Court spatial awareness, understanding directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns during rallies
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork during partner activities, resilience when learning new techniques, respect and fair play in games
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear sight lines to all activity areas, move between pairs during practice to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct sideways stance adoption; Check two-handed grip consistency; Monitor swing path for safety and effectiveness; Observe shot selection decisions during rallies
Intervention Points
["Step in if technique creates safety risks", "Provide hands-on support for stance difficulties", "Adjust activity level if students struggling or bored", "Intervene if rallies become overly competitive"]
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clear visibility, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance first!'
- •'Two hands together on the grip!'
- •'Shoulder across to your target!'
- •'Soft hands, controlled swing!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m area, preferably tennis court or large hall with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from water, debris or obstacles that could cause falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racquet grips are secure and appropriate size
- •Inspect balls for damage or excessive wear
- •Ensure nets/benches are stable and at safe height
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racquet collision between students during swinging
- •Balls hitting students unexpectedly
- •Trips and falls during rapid movement
- •Overexertion during sustained rally activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Adequate spacing between pairs during all activities
- •Clear swing zones established and maintained
- •Controlled ball speed appropriate to skill level
- •Progressive activity intensity with rest periods
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all courts and activities simultaneously
- •Monitor high-activity areas like net games closely
- •Check technique to prevent strain or injury
- •Watch for fatigue and adjust intensity accordingly
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately on whistle signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if serious injury occurs