Lesson 3 - Backhand Drive Development
Tennis Strokes Basics
•Year 9
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check racquet condition before lesson, ensure appropriate size for each student
Alternative: Junior racquets for smaller students, different grip sizes available
Ensure balls have good bounce, replace any damaged balls
Alternative: N/A for this lesson focus
Weather-resistant cards showing key teaching points and common errors
Alternative: Laminated technique posters around court area
Various sizes for different challenge levels
Alternative: Cones or chalk circles on court surface
Mark modified court sizes for differentiation
Alternative: Chalk lines or tape if permanent courts available
Key Vocabulary
A groundstroke played on the non-dominant side of the body with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot
Hand position on the racquet handle with the knuckles slightly rotated towards the non-dominant side compared to forehand grip
Athletic stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, racquet held centrally at waist height
The optimal position where the racquet meets the ball, typically level with the front hip for backhand drives
The continuation of the swing after ball contact, finishing across the body at shoulder height
Continuous exchange of shots between players, keeping the ball in play
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
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