Tennis - Lesson 4

In the fourth lesson of a Year 6 tennis programme, students are set to learn the vital skill of positioning on the tennis court, an essential aspect for both making and receiving shots. The lesson's objectives are clear: pupils should be able to find the correct position for shot-making, receive shots effectively, and aim their shots at a designated target. To facilitate this learning, key terms such as 'ready position', 'underarm', 'overarm', 'return', and 'diagonal' are introduced. The equipment required for the lesson includes rackets, balls, and cones. The warm-up session is an engaging 10-minute activity where pupils run from the baseline to the net and back, incorporating ball and racket handling to prepare for the main activities.

The main segment of the lesson, spanning 30 minutes, focuses on practical exercises to hone pupils' accuracy and positioning. One activity involves hitting towards a target marked by cones, with students alternating between forehand and backhand shots from a ready position. To challenge the students further, variations and extensions are provided, such as hitting to different places, increasing the distance to the targets, or having one pupil throw while the other hits. A key teaching point emphasised is maintaining a balanced and alert ready position, angling the racket face towards the target, and increasing the push path for longer ball travel. The lesson concludes with a competitive element where pupils rally with the aim of hitting the opponent's cone targets. A cool-down routine wraps up the session, which includes jogging, stretching, and discussions on the techniques used during the lesson, such as quick movements, running straight, and aiming at the target while observing the ball.