Lesson 2 - Forehand & Ball Control
Strategic Play & Competition
•Year 6
•Tennis
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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
Check grip size appropriate for student hand size
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, table tennis bats for smaller hands
Use stage 3 (red) balls for easier control
Alternative: Foam balls, low compression balls for beginners
For warm-up game identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, fabric strips
Mark court boundaries and target areas
Alternative: Spot markers, rope lines
Create multiple small court areas
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, cone lines
Key Vocabulary
A tennis shot played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke
Holding the racket handle with thumb and index finger forming a V shape
Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, weight on balls of feet, racket pointing toward opponent
The backward motion of the racket before striking the ball
Controlling where the ball lands through technique and aim
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
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