This advanced tennis unit transforms Year 6 students from basic ball strikers into tactical players who understand how technical mastery enables strategic thinking. The progression deliberately builds from fundamental positioning and grip work to sophisticated shot selection and competitive match play, reflecting the cognitive and physical readiness of upper Key Stage 2 students for complex sport-specific challenges.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Ready Position & Grip
1h 11min

Big Question:

How does the ready position and correct grip give me the foundation for all successful tennis shots?

Key Objectives:

  • • Master the ready position for optimal court coverage and shot preparation
  • • Develop correct forehand and backhand grips for effective striking

Lesson 2

Forehand & Ball Control
1h 17min

Big Question:

How can I consistently control where my tennis ball goes using forehand technique?

Key Objectives:

  • • To develop consistent forehand shot technique with control
  • • To understand how to strike balls away from opponents using positioning

Lesson 3

Backhand Technique
1h 40min

Big Question:

How can mastering the backhand shot give us tactical advantages in tennis?

Key Objectives:

  • • To develop consistent backhand technique with appropriate grip adjustment
  • • To demonstrate tactical awareness through court positioning and shot selection

Lesson 4

Volleying Mastery
1h

Big Question:

How can mastering the volley transform your tennis game from defensive to attacking?

Key Objectives:

  • • To execute accurate forehand and backhand volleys with proper technique
  • • To understand the tactical advantages of volleying in tennis gameplay

Lesson 5

Shot Linking & Match Play
1h

Big Question:

How can we combine different tennis shots strategically to outplay our opponents?

Key Objectives:

  • • To develop advanced tennis shots including smash, lob, and serve
  • • To understand and apply tactical shot combinations in game situations

Lesson 6

Tournament Play & Tactics
1h

Big Question:

How can I use tactical awareness to outwit my opponents and succeed in competitive tennis?

Key Objectives:

  • • To apply tactical awareness against opponents during competitive play
  • • To demonstrate a range of ground strokes in tournament situations