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Lesson 2 - Forehand & Ball Control

Strategic Play & Competition

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Year 6

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Tennis

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1h 17min

Big Question

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

Learning Objectives

To develop consistent forehand shot technique with control
To understand how to strike balls away from opponents using positioning
To reflect on and recognise success in self and others

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved forehand consistency and ball placement
Students will show understanding of sideways-on positioning and backswing technique
Students will effectively assess their own and peers' performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check grip size appropriate for student hand size

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, table tennis bats for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

2 per student initially, then 1 per student (60 total)

Use stage 3 (red) balls for easier control

Alternative: Foam balls, low compression balls for beginners

Coloured Bibs

6-8 bibs

For warm-up game identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, fabric strips

Cones

15-20 cones

Mark court boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Spot markers, rope lines

Benches

5.5

Create multiple small court areas

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, cone lines

Key Vocabulary

Forehand

A tennis shot played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke

V grip

Holding the racket handle with thumb and index finger forming a V shape

Ready position

Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, weight on balls of feet, racket pointing toward opponent

Backswing

The backward motion of the racket before striking the ball

Ball placement

Controlling where the ball lands through technique and aim

Rally

Continuous hitting of the ball back and forth between players

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and ball handling skills
Understanding of ready position
Experience with cooperative games and activities

Current Skills

Forehand shot technique with sideways-on position
Ball control and placement skills
Self and peer reflection abilities

Next Steps

Backhand shot development
Rally consistency over longer periods
Game strategy and tactics

Milestone Indicators

Can maintain rally for 10+ consecutive shots

Shows consistent sideways-on body position

Demonstrates full backswing motion

Key Teaching Points

Maintain correct V grip throughout all activities for optimal racket control
Emphasise ready position as foundation for all successful tennis shots
Develop full backswing motion for power and accuracy in forehand striking
Strike ball in front of body for optimal timing and control
Foster cooperative rather than competitive approach during skill development
Encourage honest self-reflection and recognition of others' achievements
Balance individual skill development with partner cooperation activities

Common Misconceptions

Power comes from arm strength rather than proper technique and timing
Ready position is just standing normally rather than athletic preparation stance
Ball should be hit beside the body rather than in front for forehand shots
Winning games is more important than developing consistent technique
Only tennis 'naturals' can learn to play well rather than all students improving with practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with regular changes, clear boundaries and expectations, frequent positive feedback, movement-based learning emphasised

dyspraxia

Larger equipment options, extra practice time for new skills, simplified instructions, focus on personal improvement rather than comparison

autism spectrum

Clear activity structure with visual schedule, quiet practice zones available, consistent routines and familiar patterns, advance warning of transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and rackets, provide verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile guidance for grip

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, hand signals for common commands, written activity cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated versions of activities, modified grips or adaptive equipment, reduced court size, partner assistance for mobility

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in ball striking, gravity effects on ball flight, momentum in racket swings, friction between ball and surface

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, court directions and boundaries, pathway mapping during Follow My Leader activities

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning difficult skills, celebrating others' success, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate actively to check individual technique, position centrally during demonstrations, move to corners during games for full court visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct V grip maintenance, ready position consistency, full backswing development, and cooperative partner work

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with basic grip, when safety spacing breaks down, or when competitive activities become too intense

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations, show both correct and common mistake versions for contrast

Verbal Cues

•'V grip - thumb and finger pointing to shoulder!'
•'Ready position - balanced and alert!'
•'Full backswing - rotate those shoulders!'
•'Strike in front - not beside your body!'
•'Soft hands for trapping the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m area, clear of obstacles, with additional wall space if available for rally practice

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for quick movement and direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all rackets for loose strings or damaged frames
•Ensure balls are appropriate pressure and condition
•Verify grip sizes are suitable for student hand sizes
•Check cones and markers are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions during juggling or close activities
•Ball strikes to head or body during games
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Over-stretching during shot attempts

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain adequate spacing between students during individual activities
•Clear communication of activity boundaries and safety zones
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Emphasis on controlled rather than powerful shots

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor high-activity areas like King of Court games
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Ensure proper ready positions maintained

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, resume only when safe