Lesson 3 - Backhand Technique
Strategic Play & Competition
•Year 6
•Tennis
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How can mastering the backhand shot give us tactical advantages in tennis?
Learning Objectives
- To develop consistent backhand technique with appropriate grip adjustment
- To demonstrate tactical awareness through court positioning and shot selection
- To apply backhand skills in game situations with increasing accuracy
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute backhand shots with improved consistency and technique
- Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by moving opponents around the court
- Students will show resilience and determination when learning challenging skills
Equipment & Resources Required
Check grip size appropriate for student hand size
Alternative: Junior rackets, table tennis bats for beginners
Use newer balls for better bounce consistency
Alternative: Foam balls, low-bounce balls for control practice
Bright colours for clear court boundaries
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Height approximately 60cm for mini courts
Alternative: Rope, cones, painted lines
8m x 5m courts for practice activities
Alternative: Chalk, tape, existing court lines
Key Vocabulary
A tennis stroke played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot
Rotating the hand slightly anticlockwise from forehand to backhand grip
Understanding court positioning and shot selection to gain advantages
Controlling the centre of the court to limit opponent's options
A sequence of shots between players before a point is won
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic forehand technique and grip
- Understanding of court boundaries and scoring
- Ability to track and position for incoming balls
Current Skills
- Backhand grip adjustment and technique
- Tactical court positioning
- Consistent rally building
Next Steps
- Advanced backhand variations (slice, topspin)
- Complex tactical play and match situations
- Serving technique and game management
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Backhand grip requires only slight anticlockwise rotation from forehand grip
- Contact point must be in front of body for effective backhand shots
- Tactical awareness involves court positioning and opponent movement
- Consistency and accuracy are more important than power in skill development
- Peer coaching and support enhance learning for all students
- Progressive challenge builds confidence and competence
- Self-assessment develops reflective learning skills
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking backhand requires completely different grip - correct with 'slight rotation only'
- Believing power is more important than placement - emphasise accuracy and consistency
- Thinking tactical awareness is too advanced - show simple examples of moving opponents
- Assuming two-handed backhand is always easier - allow choice based on individual preference
- Expecting immediate success with difficult skills - reinforce practice and patience values
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, regular movement breaks, clear and consistent boundaries
dyspraxia
- Slower demonstration pace, larger equipment, additional practice time, simplified movement patterns
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual timetable, quiet practice spaces available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for key coaching points
physical disability
- Seated play options, larger/lighter equipment, modified court sizes and rules as appropriate
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting rally shots, measuring court dimensions, calculating success percentages in accuracy challenges
Science
Understanding forces in racket striking, momentum transfer from racket to ball, angles of shot trajectory
Geography
Court mapping and positioning, understanding angles and directions for tactical shot placement
PSHE
Resilience when learning difficult skills, cooperation in partner work, fair play in competitive games
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between court areas for maximum visibility, demonstrate from central location
Observation Focus
Watch grip changes, contact point positioning, tactical decision making
Intervention Points
Step in if technique creates safety concerns or students show frustration
Demonstration Notes
Use slow motion for grip changes, exaggerate body positioning for visibility
Verbal Cues
- •'Grip change!' for backhand preparation
- •'Contact in front!' for timing
- •'Think tactics!' for shot selection
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor/outdoor space minimum 30m x 40m, multiple court areas possible
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential for quick directional changes and safe movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all rackets for cracks or loose strings
- •Ensure balls are in good condition for consistent bounce
- •Secure nets properly to prevent tripping hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Racket contact between students
- •Slips and falls on court surface
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
- •Controlled swing technique taught and enforced
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic practice
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all court areas
- •Monitor backhand technique for safety
- •Watch for appropriate challenge levels in games
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal understood by all, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation routes identified