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Lesson 3 - Backhand Drive Development

Tennis Strokes Basics

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Year 9

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Tennis

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Big Question

How can mastering the backhand drive transform your tennis game and open up new tactical opportunities?

Learning Objectives

Describe and perform the backhand drive technique with increasing accuracy in practice situations
Evaluate partner performance using technical criteria and provide constructive feedback for improvement
Apply tactical understanding of court positioning and shot placement in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved backhand drive technique with correct grip and footwork
Students will provide specific, actionable feedback to help partners improve their backhand technique
Students will use backhand drives strategically in game situations to control rallies and win points

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per court (4 nets)

Check racquet condition before lesson, ensure appropriate size for each student

Alternative: Junior racquets for smaller students, different grip sizes available

Tennis Balls

2 per pair for additional support (15 balls)

Ensure balls have good bounce, replace any damaged balls

Alternative: N/A for this lesson focus

Cards

1 set per pair (15 sets)

Weather-resistant cards showing key teaching points and common errors

Alternative: Laminated technique posters around court area

Hoops

8-12 hoops

Various sizes for different challenge levels

Alternative: Cones or chalk circles on court surface

Markers Cones

20-30 cones

Mark modified court sizes for differentiation

Alternative: Chalk lines or tape if permanent courts available

Key Vocabulary

Backhand drive

A groundstroke played on the non-dominant side of the body with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Backhand grip

Hand position on the racquet handle with the knuckles slightly rotated towards the non-dominant side compared to forehand grip

Ready position

Athletic stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, racquet held centrally at waist height

Contact point

The optimal position where the racquet meets the ball, typically level with the front hip for backhand drives

Follow-through

The continuation of the swing after ball contact, finishing across the body at shoulder height

Rally

Continuous exchange of shots between players, keeping the ball in play

Constructive feedback

Specific, actionable advice that helps a player improve their technique or performance

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can perform a forehand drive with basic consistency
Students understand ready position and basic court positioning
Students can work cooperatively in pairs and small groups

Current Skills

Developing backhand grip technique and hand positioning
Learning backhand swing mechanics and follow-through
Applying backhand drives in rally and game situations

Next Steps

Combining forehand and backhand drives in extended rallies
Developing serve and volley techniques
Advanced tactical play including net play and court coverage

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact point in front of the body

Smooth transfer of weight from back foot to front foot

Controlled follow-through across the body

Ability to direct shots to different areas of the court

Key Teaching Points

Backhand grip requires only a quarter-turn rotation from forehand grip using the non-hitting hand
Ready position for backhand features sideways stance with non-hitting shoulder pointing towards target
Footwork sequence: back foot steps across first, then front foot steps forward into the shot
Contact point for backhand drive should be level with front hip, racquet face perpendicular to ground
Follow-through finishes across the body at shoulder height with weight transferred to front foot
Cooperative phase in games builds confidence before competitive pressure is applied
Quality of feed determines success of practice - feeders have crucial responsibility for partner improvement

Common Misconceptions

Grip change requires major hand repositioning - actually only needs small quarter-turn adjustment
Backhand is weaker shot than forehand - with proper technique can be equally powerful and accurate
Must hit hard to be effective - control and placement more important than power
Can use same stance for forehand and backhand - backhand requires distinct sideways preparation
Competition should start immediately in games - cooperative phase essential for skill development
Advanced students don't need to focus on basics - fundamental technique applies at all levels

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear movement boundaries, regular positive feedback, leadership roles to channel energy positively

dyspraxia

Larger, slower balls for easier tracking, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, focus on one technical element at a time

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routine structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available, advance warning of transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and racquets with high contrast, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations with written instruction cards, hand signals for game rules, ensure student can see teacher's mouth when speaking

physical disability

Adapted racquets with modified grips, wheelchair-accessible court areas, modified rules for limited mobility, seated versions of activities

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in racquet swing mechanics, friction between ball and court surface, aerodynamics of ball flight, biomechanics of human movement

Design and Technology

Equipment design and material properties, racquet and ball engineering, court surface technology and maintenance

Mathematics

Angle measurement in grip changes and shot direction, counting consecutive rallies and statistical tracking, geometric understanding of court positioning and ball flight paths

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, giving and receiving constructive feedback, resilience when facing challenges, leadership development through peer teaching

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around court perimeter for optimal observation of all groups, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for technical progress, quality of peer feedback, safety awareness, and inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with grip change, technique breakdown under pressure, or poor sportsmanship

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to highlight key technical points, demonstrate both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Quarter turn of the grip - just like turning a door handle!'
•'Step across first, then forward into the shot!'
•'Control first, power later!'
•'Cooperative shots first - help each other succeed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Tennis courts or marked areas minimum 15m x 8m per group of 4, clear run-off areas around all courts

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip court surface free from debris, water, or damaged areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racquets for cracks or loose strings before use
•Verify balls are in good condition with proper bounce
•Ensure nets are securely fastened and at correct height
•Coaching cards laminated and free from sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from powerful shots or poor control
•Collisions between students during movement or rallies
•Slips and falls on court surface, especially during quick movements
•Overexertion or strain from repetitive swinging motions
•Racquet contact between students working in close proximity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established with adequate spacing between groups
•Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic activities
•Emphasis on control over power throughout lesson
•Regular safety reminders about awareness of others
•Proper warm-up and cool-down to prevent injury

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all court areas
•Monitor high-activity areas during game situations
•Watch for signs of fatigue that could lead to poor technique or accidents
•Intervene quickly if competitive play becomes too aggressive

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal recognised by all students, clear access routes for first aid, contact details for emergency services readily available