Tennis Strokes Basics
•Year 9
•Tennis
•Check grip size appropriate for each student's hand size
Alternative: Shorter/lighter racquets for less experienced players
Use different coloured balls to help with visual tracking
Alternative: Green dot (75% pressure) or orange balls for beginners
Position cards at each practice station for easy reference
Alternative: Laminated technique sheets or mobile device videos
Use to create target areas and court boundaries
Alternative: Chalk lines or tape markers
Place in various court positions for accuracy practice
Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles
A tennis stroke played on the dominant side of the body with a full swing from low to high
Athletic stance with racquet up, knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move in any direction
Body position turned perpendicular to the net with non-dominant shoulder pointing toward target
Continuous exchange of shots between players where the ball remains in play
Deliberately placing the ball accurately for a partner to practice a specific stroke
Tactical concepts using the full court dimensions - hitting wide to move opponents and deep to push them back
The ability to change direction quickly and efficiently while maintaining balance and control
Ability to place the ball accurately with appropriate pace and height consistently
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Calculating rally totals, measuring court distances, understanding angles of shot placement and geometric court areas
Forces involved in topspin generation, physics of ball bounce and trajectory, biomechanics of efficient movement patterns
Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding directional concepts of width and depth in tactical play
Partnership and teamwork skills, resilience when facing challenges, leadership development through peer coaching
Move around perimeter of practice areas for optimal visibility, position near challenging groups for support
Watch for correct technique development, safe practice habits, positive peer interaction, and progressive skill improvement
Step in when technique is unsafe, when pairs need communication support, or when game rules need clarification
Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique clarity, exaggerate key movement patterns, show common mistakes alongside correct technique
Minimum 30m x 20m for multiple court areas, access to tennis courts or marked areas ideal
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for quick direction changes and ball bouncing
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support, incident reporting as required
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