Lesson 4 - Volleying Mastery
Strategic Play & Competition
•Year 6
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can mastering the volley transform your tennis game from defensive to attacking?
Learning Objectives
- To execute accurate forehand and backhand volleys with proper technique
- To understand the tactical advantages of volleying in tennis gameplay
- To demonstrate the ability to link volleying skills in sequences of movement
Key Outcomes
- Students will consistently volley with deflection rather than striking
- Students will demonstrate different techniques for forehand and backhand volleys
- Students will explain when and why to use volleys tactically in a game
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket tension and grip size appropriate for each student
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for smaller students
Use softer balls for students with less experience
Alternative: Foam balls, sponge balls for beginners
Mark feeding positions, court boundaries, and target areas
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope lines
Key Vocabulary
Hitting the ball before it bounces on your side of the court
Using the racket to redirect the ball's path rather than striking it forcefully
Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, prepared to move in any direction
Holding the racket handle with thumb and forefinger forming a V shape
Keeping the wrist stable and locked during ball contact to maintain control
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students can hold a tennis racket with a relaxed V grip
- Students understand ready position and can demonstrate it
- Students can distinguish between forehand and backhand strokes
Current Skills
- Executing controlled volleys on both forehand and backhand sides
- Using deflection technique rather than striking when volleying
- Applying volleying skills in competitive game situations
Next Steps
- Combining volleys with other tennis strokes in rallies
- Using volleys strategically in net play and doubles games
- Developing advanced volley techniques like drop volleys
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Volleying is deflection, not striking - use the ball's pace rather than generating power
- Firm wrist throughout contact is essential for control and consistency
- Opposite foot steps forward for both forehand and backhand volleys
- Ready position between volleys allows quick reaction to next ball
- Racket face angled slightly downwards to deflect ball to ground
- Minimal backswing keeps technique simple and effective under pressure
- Tactical advantage of volleying is controlling the net and pressuring opponents
Common Misconceptions
- Volleying requires big swings like groundstrokes - actually needs short, controlled deflection
- Power comes from arm swing - actually comes from firm wrist and using ball's pace
- Same foot steps as hitting hand - actually opposite foot provides better balance and power
- Volleying is just hitting the ball hard - actually about placement and control
- Ready position not important between volleys - actually crucial for quick reactions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular activity changes, clear boundary markers, frequent positive reinforcement, movement breaks between skill practices
dyspraxia
- Larger/lighter equipment options, simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time, visual technique guides
autism spectrum
- Clear routines for practice rotations, visual schedule of lesson progression, quiet zones available for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of technique, establish clear audio cues for feeding and volleying
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for game instructions, written technique reminders available
physical disability
- Seated volleying options, modified equipment sizes, adjusted court dimensions, alternative target scoring systems
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Using technical vocabulary accurately, giving clear peer feedback, explaining tactical concepts to others
Maths
Calculating angles for racket deflection, measuring court distances, counting consecutive successful volleys, analysing success percentages
Science
Understanding forces and deflection, exploring angle of incidence and reflection, investigating how ball speed affects technique required
PSHE
Building resilience through skill challenge, developing teamwork during partner activities, showing respect and encouragement to others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move actively between groups during practice, position at corner of area during games for full visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for proper volleying technique, safe feeding, appropriate competitive intensity, and positive peer interactions
Intervention Points
Step in when technique deteriorates significantly, if safety concerns arise, or when students need tactical guidance
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, show common mistakes and corrections, provide visual contrast between correct and incorrect form
Verbal Cues
- •'Firm wrist, deflect down!'
- •'Opposite foot steps forward!'
- •'Ready position between volleys!'
- •'Let the ball do the work!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m area with clear sight lines, adequate space for multiple courts and feeding practice
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for running and quick directional changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all tennis rackets for loose strings or damaged frames
- •Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks
- •Verify nets are securely set up and appropriate height
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes from feeds or volleys
- •Collisions between students in adjacent courts
- •Racket contact between partners during practice
- •Slips and falls during quick movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established between practice areas
- •Controlled feeding technique taught to prevent dangerous balls
- •Adequate spacing maintained between pairs and teams
- •2-metre safety line enforced during net play activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
- •Monitor feeding technique to ensure controlled throws
- •Watch for appropriate spacing and safe movement patterns
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, and seek additional support if needed