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Lesson 1 - Ready Position & Grip

Strategic Play & Competition

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Year 6

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Tennis

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1h 11min

Big Question

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

Learning Objectives

Master the ready position for optimal court coverage and shot preparation
Develop correct forehand and backhand grips for effective striking
Link movement skills to create smooth sequences from ready position to shot execution

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent ready position with proper body alignment
Students will show correct grip changes between forehand and backhand shots
Students will execute fluid movement patterns from preparation to striking

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket size suits students - should be able to hold comfortably

Alternative: Junior rackets, table tennis bats for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Have extras available as balls will be hit around court

Alternative: Foam balls, soft tennis balls for beginners

Cones

Use to mark baselines, nets, and court boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Bibs

30 (5 each of 6 colours)

For warm-up team identification and organisation

Alternative: Team bands, coloured pinnies

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

Athletic stance with feet shoulder-width apart, weight on balls of feet, hands together in front of body

Baseline

The back line of the tennis court that marks the playing boundary

V-Grip

Forehand grip where the V between thumb and forefinger aligns with the racket frame

Sideways Position

Body position with non-dominant shoulder facing the net for optimal striking power

Anticipation

Reading the game to predict where the ball will go before it arrives

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of spatial awareness in games
Experience with striking implements in other sports

Current Skills

Ready position with dynamic balance
Forehand and backhand grip techniques
Movement patterns for court positioning
Basic striking with racket control

Next Steps

Develop consistent shot technique and power
Learn tactical shot placement
Master net play positioning

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ready position throughout rallies

Seamless grip changes without looking

Anticipates and moves to ball early

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is foundation - feet apart, weight forward, hands together
V-grip alignment between thumb and forefinger with racket frame
Sideways body position essential for effective striking technique
Return to centre court position after every shot for tactical advantage
Grip changes must become automatic - forehand to backhand smoothly
Control before power - accuracy and placement over force
Link skills together - ready position to movement to striking to recovery

Common Misconceptions

Students think staying where they played last shot is correct - teach centre recovery
Belief that hitting harder means better tennis - emphasise control and placement
Assumption that ready position is static - demonstrate dynamic, active stance
Thinking one grip works for all shots - show importance of grip changes
Misconception that tennis is only about the shot - teach positioning and anticipation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified grip instructions, extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual schedule, consistent routines, quiet space available if overwhelmed, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tennis balls, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, partner with sighted student for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking

physical disability

Seated tennis version using table tennis bats, shorter rackets or adapted grips, reduced court dimensions

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces in striking and ball movement, friction between ball and surface, physics of bouncing and trajectory

Geography

Spatial awareness, court mapping, understanding directions and positioning, navigation around playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, managing competitive emotions, supporting others' learning

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for clear view of all students, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ready position technique, safe racket handling, and positive partner interaction

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe racket use, provide individual support for grip difficulties, mediate any partner conflicts

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples whenever possible, demonstrate with exaggerated movements for clarity, connect all techniques back to tennis game application

Verbal Cues

•'Bounce lightly on your toes!'
•'Shake hands with your racket!'
•'Sideways to the ball!'
•'Return to ready position!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full tennis court or playground area minimum 30m x 15m, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from loose balls, cones, and other trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rackets are appropriate weight and size for Year 6 students
•Ensure racket heads are not cracked or damaged
•Tennis balls properly inflated and not split
•Cones stable and visible, not creating trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket contact between students during movement
•Slips and falls during lateral movement
•Ball strikes to face or body during throwing activities
•Collision between pairs during floor tennis

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between working pairs
•Adequate spacing maintained throughout all activities
•Controlled throwing and striking emphasised over power
•Ready position taught as foundation for safe movement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all working pairs simultaneously
•Monitor racket handling and swing control continuously
•Watch for students maintaining safe distances during movement

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on 'STOP' command, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident report if required