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Lesson 4 - Volleying Mastery

Strategic Play & Competition

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Year 6

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Tennis

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Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

2-3 portable nets

Check racket tension and grip size appropriate for each student

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for smaller students

Tennis Balls

15-20 balls

Use softer balls for students with less experience

Alternative: Foam balls, sponge balls for beginners

Markers Cones

20-30 cones

Mark feeding positions, court boundaries, and target areas

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope lines

Key Vocabulary

Volley

Hitting the ball before it bounces on your side of the court

Deflection

Using the racket to redirect the ball's path rather than striking it forcefully

Ready Position

Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, prepared to move in any direction

V Grip

Holding the racket handle with thumb and forefinger forming a V shape

Firm Wrist

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

Consistent ball contact with racket face angled downwards

Appropriate footwork with opposite foot stepping forward

Smooth transition between forehand and backhand volleys

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