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Lesson 3 - Backhand Drive Technique

Strategic Foundations & Mastery

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Year 8

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Tennis

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Big Question

How can mastering the backhand drive transform your defensive play into attacking opportunities?

Learning Objectives

Describe and perform the backhand drive with correct technique in practice and game situations
Evaluate a partner's performance using specific criteria and provide constructive feedback to improve performance
Apply tactical awareness to game situations using width, depth, direction and varied power

Key Outcomes

Students will execute backhand drives with improved control and consistency
Students will use reciprocal assessment cards to provide meaningful feedback to partners
Students will demonstrate tactical shot placement in competitive game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

4-6 nets (depending on court availability)

Check racquets for broken strings or damaged frames before lesson; store safely when not in use

Alternative: Mix of adult and junior racquets; badminton racquets for students with very low strength

Tennis Balls

20-30 balls

Check balls are adequately pressurised; replace flat balls

Alternative: Use for advanced students who can generate and control power

Orange Tennis Balls

15-20 balls

Slower bounce gives more time for preparation and positioning

Alternative: For students requiring additional support or those with coordination difficulties

Cards

15 sets (1 per pair)

Cards should include: grip, stance, swing path, contact point, follow-through, and assessment checkboxes

Alternative: Laminated cards with backhand drive key points and assessment criteria; digital version on tablets

Cones

40-50 cones

Used to mark court boundaries, target zones, and feeding positions

Alternative: Chalk, floor tape, rope for court boundaries

Hoops

12-16 hoops

Used for differentiation and accuracy challenges

Alternative: Chalk circles, cones, spots

Key Vocabulary

Backhand drive

A groundstroke played after the ball bounces, hitting across the body on the non-dominant side with a long swinging motion

Backhand grip

Hand position rotated slightly anti-clockwise from forehand grip (for right-handers), allowing the racquet face to meet the ball squarely on backhand side

Ready position

Athletic stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, racquet held centrally at waist height, prepared to move in any direction

Footwork

The movement patterns and steps used to position the body optimally to play each shot

Width

Tactical placement of shots towards the sidelines to move opponents laterally across the court

Depth

Hitting the ball deep towards the baseline to push opponents back and reduce their attacking options

Reciprocal assessment

A structured peer observation method where partners take turns performing and assessing using specific criteria cards

Feed

A controlled, cooperative throw or hit to a partner to allow them to practice technique

Volley

A shot played before the ball bounces, typically at the net

Rally

A continuous sequence of shots between players where the ball remains in play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students have developed forehand drive technique in previous lessons
Students understand basic rally skills and court positioning
Students can demonstrate ready position and basic footwork patterns
Students have experience with peer assessment and feedback

Current Skills

Backhand grip adjustment from forehand grip
Backhand drive technique with correct stance and swing path
Controlled feeding and cooperative rallying
Self and peer assessment using reciprocal cards
Tactical shot placement using width and depth

Next Steps

Combining forehand and backhand drives in rally sequences
Developing backhand slice and topspin variations
Advanced tactical play including approach shots and passing shots
Tournament play with scoring and match strategies

Milestone Indicators

Student can switch grip smoothly between forehand and backhand

Student maintains consistent contact point in front of body

Student demonstrates weight transfer through the shot

Student can sustain 10+ shot rallies using backhand drives

Student places shots intentionally rather than randomly

Key Teaching Points

Backhand grip is only a quarter-turn from forehand grip - demonstrate the subtle rotation rather than complete hand change
Early shoulder turn is crucial for backhand drive - emphasise 'show your back to where the ball is coming from' as soon as ball direction identified
Contact point must be in front of body at waist height - common error is letting ball drift behind body causing weak shot
Low-to-high swing path creates topspin and control - use cue 'sweep the floor then lift to the ceiling' to reinforce upward trajectory
Follow-through must be complete over opposite shoulder - incomplete follow-through reduces power and control; ensure racquet finishes high
Weight transfer from back foot to front foot generates power - encourage stepping towards the ball not remaining static
Return to ready position after every shot - recovery footwork is as important as shot execution for sustained rallies and tactical positioning

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'I need to completely change my grip for backhand.' Reality: It's only a small quarter-turn adjustment from forehand grip, not a complete change. Show side-by-side comparison.
Misconception: 'I should wait until the ball arrives to turn my shoulders.' Reality: Early preparation is essential - turn shoulders as soon as you see the ball coming to backhand side, before it bounces.
Misconception: 'Power comes from swinging the racquet really hard with my arm.' Reality: Power is generated through weight transfer from back foot to front foot and body rotation, not just arm strength.
Misconception: 'I should hit the ball flat for control.' Reality: Low-to-high swing path creating topspin gives better control and allows you to hit harder while keeping ball in court.
Misconception: 'Once I've hit the ball, my job is done.' Reality: Recovery to ready position immediately after shot is crucial - you must be ready for the next ball quickly.
Misconception: 'In games, I should just hit it back anywhere to keep it going.' Reality: Even in cooperative phases, think about placement - use width and depth tactically from the start.
Misconception: 'If I'm struggling with technique, using a lighter racquet will help.' Reality: While lighter racquets can help, the fundamental issue is usually technique not equipment - focus on correct movement patterns first.

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Keep activity segments short with frequent changes and variety; provide clear, concise instructions - one or two points at a time; use visual and physical demonstrations not lengthy verbal explanations; build in regular high-intensity activity breaks; position near teacher during instructions to maintain focus; provide immediate, specific feedback rather than delayed; use clear boundaries and structure for all activities; allow movement and fidgeting during seated reflection times; set short-term achievable goals with regular praise; use competitive elements and challenges to maintain engagement; provide extra equipment to reduce waiting time; offer leadership roles (demonstrating, leading warm-up) to channel energy positively; minimise distractions during skill practice; use timers to create urgency and focus

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter equipment: larger grip racquets, foam/orange balls for easier control; reduce complexity of movements: simplify to three stages initially rather than five; provide additional practice time for skill development before progressing; use visual and tactile cues for technique (coloured tape on racquet/floor for positioning); reduce speed of practice: slower feeds, more time to prepare; partner with patient peer who provides supportive feeds; reduce court size and distances; allow practice without ball first (shadow swings) for longer; break skills into smaller component parts; provide physical guidance to help learn movement patterns; celebrate small progressions; avoid time pressure; build confidence through achievable targets; use wall/fence practice instead of partner initially if coordination very limited; provide additional verbal encouragement

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule showing lesson structure and timing at start of lesson; give advance warning of transitions between activities ('In 2 minutes we will move to games'); maintain consistent routines and familiar structure across lessons; allow student to take short breaks in designated quiet zone if overwhelmed by noise/activity; provide clear, concrete instructions with minimal ambiguity; use visual coaching cards with pictures showing technique; reduce sensory overload: smaller group for student, quieter area of hall if possible; allow student to wear headphones during busy activities if sound sensitivity; provide clear expectations for game rules written or pictured; pair with patient, understanding partner; praise effort and specific achievements frequently; allow repetition of familiar activities before introducing new variations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tennis balls (orange or yellow) with high contrast against court surface; use audible balls (bells inside) for students with severe visual impairment; provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations with clear spatial language ('racquet starts low by your right hip'); use tactile guidance to help students feel correct grip and swing path; reduce court size and use boundary ropes students can feel; pair with sighted buddy for spatial orientation and feedback; increase ball size if helpful; provide high-contrast court markings or tactile markers; ensure good lighting in indoor venues

hearing impairment

Ensure student can see teacher's face during all instructions (stand in well-lit area, face students); use visual demonstrations extensively - show more than tell; provide written/pictorial coaching cards with technique points; use clear hand signals for key instructions (stop, go, good, adjust); pair with hearing buddy who can relay instructions; use visual countdown timers for activity durations; ensure student understands whistle/stop signals through visual cues; position student at front during demonstrations; check understanding through physical demonstration not verbal response; British Sign Language support if available

physical disability

Wheelchair tennis: ensure court access and appropriate space, use standard tennis rules adapted for wheelchair (two bounces allowed); reduce court size if mobility limited; provide chair/stool for seated practice if standing difficult; use lightweight racquets or short-handled racquets for reduced strength; use larger, slower orange balls for easier contact and control; reduce distance between practice partners; allow catching ball instead of hitting for students with coordination difficulties; provide alternative activities targeting same learning objectives (e.g., underarm throwing and catching focusing on trajectory and placement); ensure accessible positioning near demonstration area; peer support for equipment collection

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening: explaining technique using technical vocabulary, giving verbal feedback to partners, asking questions for clarification. Reading: reading and interpreting reciprocal assessment cards and coaching instructions. Vocabulary development: learning and using specific tennis terminology (backhand drive, grip, width, depth, reciprocal assessment). Following and giving instructions: understanding teacher instructions and peer coaching points. Descriptive language: describing technique and tactics precisely

Maths

Counting consecutive rallies and tracking improvement numerically; measuring court dimensions and calculating area; angles of shot trajectory and racquet face; geometry of court positioning and tactical angles; data handling by recording rally lengths and creating graphs; percentages when discussing success rates ('I hit 70% of backhand drives successfully'); timing in seconds for activity durations and shot intervals

Science

Forces: force applied to ball through racquet, friction between ball and court surface, air resistance affecting ball flight. Energy: kinetic energy transfer from body through racquet to ball, potential energy at top of ball bounce. Body systems: cardiovascular system response to exercise (increased heart rate), muscular system (muscle contraction for power generation), respiratory system (breathing rate increase). Biomechanics: levers in arm and racquet acting as extension, centre of gravity and balance, Newton's third law (action-reaction in hitting). Physics of spin: topspin created by low-to-high swing path affecting ball trajectory

Computing

Data collection: recording rally lengths and technique assessment results. Analysis: identifying patterns in performance data. Video analysis: potential to record and analyse technique using tablets/cameras. Use of technology: digital reciprocal cards on tablets, QR codes linking to technique videos, apps for scorekeeping

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness: understanding court positioning using compass points (north/south sides), mapping movement patterns across court space. Tactical use of space: width (lateral movement) and depth (forward-backward positioning). Understanding international contexts: tennis as global sport, Wimbledon location and significance, Grand Slam tournament locations worldwide

History

History of tennis: development from real tennis to lawn tennis, evolution of equipment and rules. Wimbledon heritage: oldest tennis tournament, British sporting traditions. Significant tennis players throughout history and their impact on the sport's development

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation: working effectively with partners during feed-and-hit practice, supporting peers through reciprocal assessment. Communication: providing constructive feedback, listening to coaching points, verbal encouragement. Resilience: persevering when techniques are challenging, maintaining positive attitude after losing points. Managing emotions: controlling frustration during competitive games, celebrating success appropriately. Goal-setting: identifying personal targets and working towards them. Respect: sporting behaviour, fair play, accepting decisions. Leadership: student-led warm-ups and cool-downs, taking responsibility. Healthy lifestyles: understanding benefits of regular physical activity

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

During warm-up: central position with 360-degree view of all students. During skill introduction: elevated position (platform/bench) if possible for clear demonstration visibility. During skill development: circulate between pairs spending 30-60 seconds with each, but pause regularly to scan whole class. During games: central position between multiple courts, rotating observation between courts every 20-30 seconds. During cool-down: seated or standing at students' level to create inclusive discussion atmosphere.

Observation Focus

Technical focus: grip accuracy, five-stage technique execution, contact point position, swing path (low-to-high), follow-through completion. Tactical focus: shot placement using width and depth, ready position maintenance, court coverage, decision-making. Social focus: quality of communication between partners, feedback specificity and positivity, sporting behaviour in games, inclusion of all students, resilience when facing challenges. Safety focus: appropriate spacing, controlled swings, ball awareness, students following rules and protocols.

Intervention Points

Intervene immediately if: safety concerns arise (students too close, aggressive play, equipment issues), technique fundamentally incorrect and being reinforced (stop and re-teach), students off-task or disengaged (redirect and re-motivate), unfair or unsporting behaviour (address promptly), students showing distress or injury (provide support), reciprocal assessment is superficial or unhelpful (model better feedback). Pause whole class if: common technical error emerging across multiple pairs, excellent example to highlight, game rules being misunderstood, safety protocol being ignored.

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate first in real-time showing full skill, then break down into components showing each stage separately. Use exaggerated movements for visibility (larger turn, fuller follow-through). Demonstrate from multiple angles: front view (students see contact point), side view (students see swing path and footwork), rear view (students see shoulder turn). Demonstrate common errors alongside correct technique to highlight differences. Use competent students to demonstrate whenever possible to show peer success. For shadow swings, demonstrate alongside students to maintain rhythm and timing. When demonstrating tactics in games, pause actual game play and show example on court with students acting as models. Verbal commentary during demonstration: explain what you're doing as you do it.

Verbal Cues

•'Ready position - knees bent, weight forward!' (cue athletic stance)
•'Turn early - show me your back!' (cue shoulder rotation)
•'Low to high - sweep the floor to the ceiling!' (cue swing path)
•'Step and hit - move into the ball!' (cue weight transfer)
•'Finish high over your opposite shoulder!' (cue follow-through)
•'Soft hands, soft touches!' (cue control over power)
•'Hit the corners - make them run!' (cue width)
•'Deep to the baseline - push them back!' (cue depth)
•'Recover to the middle - ready for the next shot!' (cue court positioning)
•'Quality feed - help your partner succeed!' (cue cooperative feeding)

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Indoor sports hall or outdoor tennis courts; minimum 20m x 30m; for multiple courts operating simultaneously, minimum 2 metres spacing between adjacent courts; adequate run-off space beyond baselines (2-3 metres)

Surface Check

Ensure playing surface is dry, even, and free from debris; check for trip hazards such as loose balls, damaged court surfaces, or equipment; verify nets are securely fastened and at appropriate height; confirm adequate lighting for indoor venues; check outdoor courts for weather-related hazards (puddles, leaves, wet lines)

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tennis racquets for broken or damaged strings, loose grips, and cracked frames before distribution
•Verify racquet sizes are appropriate for students (junior racquets for smaller students)
•Ensure tennis balls are adequately pressurised and not damaged (flat balls can cause unpredictable bounces)
•Check nets are securely attached with no sharp edges or protruding parts
•Verify cones and markers have no sharp edges or broken parts
•Ensure reciprocal cards are laminated with no sharp corners

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students when chasing balls across courts
•Being struck by tennis ball, particularly during competitive games
•Being struck by partner's or opponent's racquet during swing
•Slips, trips, and falls on court surface, particularly when changing direction quickly
•Tripping over loose balls on court surface
•Overexertion leading to muscle strain, dehydration, or heat exhaustion
•Racquet slipping from sweaty hands during swing

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear court boundaries using cones/markers and enforce strict 'stay on your court' rule
•Implement 'stop' protocol: all students freeze when teacher calls 'stop' - practice at lesson start
•Ensure minimum 4-5 metres spacing during shadow swings and racquet activities
•Require students to call 'ball!' when ball enters another court; pause play to retrieve safely
•Regularly collect loose balls from playing area and return to baskets
•Ensure adequate spacing between pairs during feed-and-hit practice (6-8 metres minimum)
•Enforce 3-shot cooperative rule in games to prevent overly aggressive play
•Teach controlled swings first; emphasise technique over power throughout lesson
•Provide regular water breaks, particularly in warm conditions
•Ensure students wear appropriate footwear with good grip (non-marking soles for indoor courts)
•Differentiate intensity based on weather conditions and student fitness levels
•Ensure students understand to grip racquets firmly but not tensely; wipe grips if sweaty
•Position teacher strategically to observe all courts/pairs during activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position yourself to observe maximum number of students/courts simultaneously; avoid turning back to large groups
•During feed-and-hit practice, circulate between pairs but maintain awareness of whole class
•During King of the Court, position centrally to observe multiple courts; rotate observation focus
•Monitor high-activity areas where collisions are more likely (near nets, corners)
•Watch for signs of fatigue, overheating, or distress; intervene immediately
•Supervise equipment distribution and collection carefully to prevent accidents
•Position yourself near less confident or higher-risk students during competitive games
•Maintain vigilant observation during transitions between activities when incidents are more likely

Emergency Procedures

STOP signal: blow whistle/call 'STOP' - all students freeze immediately. ASSESS: quickly determine nature and severity of incident. Minor injury (stumble, slight knock): student sits out briefly, rejoins when ready. Moderate injury (ball strike causing pain, twisted ankle): student sits out, ice applied if available, teacher monitors, first aider called if needed. Serious injury (head injury, suspected fracture, severe pain, unconsciousness): stop all activity, send responsible student to alert first aider/office, do not move injured student, keep calm and reassure, follow school medical emergency protocol. All incidents recorded in school accident book. First aid kit accessible at courtside. Teacher maintains mobile phone for emergency contact.