Lesson 1 - Creating Space & Rally Skills
Tennis Strokes Basics
•Year 9
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check string tension and grip size appropriate for students
Alternative: Badminton racquets for lighter option, table tennis bats for modified activities
Mix of new and used balls for different speeds
Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, softer practice balls
Bright colours for visibility, various sizes for different challenges
Alternative: Plastic bottles, bean bags, hoops
Key Vocabulary
A sequence of shots hit alternately by opponents until one player fails to return the ball
A tennis stroke played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the shot
Hitting the ball to the sides of the court to move your opponent laterally
Hitting the ball deep towards the baseline to push your opponent back
The basic tennis grip where you hold the racquet as if shaking hands with the handle
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
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