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Lesson 1 - Creating Space & Rally Skills

Tennis Strokes Basics

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Year 9

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Tennis

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1h 15min

Big Question

How can we use space strategically to dominate a tennis match?

Learning Objectives

Understand how to create and exploit space on a tennis court through tactical positioning
Develop consistent forehand technique to maintain rallies with a partner
Apply basic tactical concepts of width and depth in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of court positioning by successfully creating space in game situations
Students will maintain rallies of 10+ consecutive shots using forehand technique
Students will apply width and depth tactics to win points in mini-games

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

4-6 portable nets

Check string tension and grip size appropriate for students

Alternative: Badminton racquets for lighter option, table tennis bats for modified activities

Tennis Balls

10-15 balls

Mix of new and used balls for different speeds

Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, softer practice balls

Cones

18 cones (3 per pair)

Bright colours for visibility, various sizes for different challenges

Alternative: Plastic bottles, bean bags, hoops

Key Vocabulary

Rally

A sequence of shots hit alternately by opponents until one player fails to return the ball

Forehand

A tennis stroke played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Width

Hitting the ball to the sides of the court to move your opponent laterally

Depth

Hitting the ball deep towards the baseline to push your opponent back

Shakehands Grip

The basic tennis grip where you hold the racquet as if shaking hands with the handle

Ready Position

Balanced stance with knees slightly bent, racquet up, ready to move in any direction

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hand-eye coordination from previous PE activities
Understanding of court games and boundaries
Experience with striking implements from rounders or cricket

Current Skills

Correct grip technique for tennis racquet control
Forehand striking technique for consistent ball contact
Tactical awareness of space creation on court
Rally maintenance through controlled shots

Next Steps

Introduction of backhand technique
Development of serving skills
Advanced tactical play including net approaches
Match play with scoring systems

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball contact with racquet face

Ability to direct ball to intended court areas

Understanding shown through verbal explanation of tactics

Sustained rallies demonstrating control over power

Key Teaching Points

Correct grip is fundamental - check and re-check throughout lesson
Emphasise accuracy over power in all striking activities
Space creation through placement, not just hitting hard
Rally cooperation before rally competition
Consistent follow-through improves accuracy and control
Footwork and positioning are as important as arm technique
Safety through control - manage equipment and movement carefully

Common Misconceptions

Hitting harder makes you win - correct with placement practice
Tennis is too difficult for beginners - use modified equipment and rules
You need perfect technique before playing - emphasise fun and gradual improvement
Only naturally athletic students can succeed - show that practice and tactics matter most
Winning is everything - emphasise cooperation, improvement, and effort

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement systems

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, larger equipment, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules, consistent routines, quiet spaces available, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright yellow balls, audible balls with bells, tactile court marking, verbal descriptions of court positions

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, visual signals for starts and stops, sign language if known

physical disability

Seated tennis options, lighter racquets, larger balls, reduced court size, alternative scoring systems

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rallies and scoring systems, measuring court dimensions, calculating angles for shot placement

Science

Forces and motion in racquet sports, physics of ball bounce and trajectory, biomechanics of movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding of angles and direction in game play

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, respectful communication with partners

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to provide individual feedback, position at court corners for maximum visibility during rallies

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip, ball contact point, court positioning, and tactical decision-making

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breakdown occurs, when safety is compromised, or when students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerated movements for key points, involve confident students as demonstration partners

Verbal Cues

•'Shake hands with your racquet!'
•'Watch the ball hit your strings!'
•'Hit it where they aren't!'
•'Soft hands, controlled swing!'
•'Move your feet to the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4 tennis courts or equivalent indoor space 200m² with 3m clearance around boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, appropriate court markings visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings are intact and grips secure
•Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks
•Verify nets are properly tensioned and secured
•Check cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Racquet contact between students
•Slips and falls during movement
•Collisions during rallies

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between courts
•Adequate spacing maintained during all activities
•Progressive skill building from controlled to dynamic
•Emphasis on control over power throughout
•Proper grip technique taught to prevent racquet loss

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all court areas
•Monitor high-activity zones during tournaments
•Watch for proper technique to prevent injury
•Ensure equipment is used correctly

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on whistle, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, send for additional help if needed