Introduce backhand shots with a racket
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can play a backhand shot using a tennis racket and understand when and where to play a backhand shot in a game.
Key learning points
- Move: When hitting a backhand shot, the dominant hand should be at the bottom of the grip and the other hand above.
- Move: tracking the ball is important so we can move our feet quickly to play a forehand or backhand shot into space.
- Think: it is important to aim for space on the court to increase our chances of scoring more points than our opponent.
- Feel: trying our best even if we find the backhand technique difficult demonstrates excellent self-motivation.
- Connect: listening to feedback and congratulating our opponents when they win a point shows that we are respectful.
Keywords
Backhand - when you hit a ball with a racket with your arm across your body and the back of your hand facing the ball
Space - an open area where your opponent isn't standing
Aim - pointing or looking at something you want to hit or reach
Common misconception
Pupils may switch hands if the ball is hit towards their backhand side rather than using two hands on the racket to hit the ball. Pupils may place their dominant hand at the top of the racket handle.
Pupils should keep their dominant hand at the bottom of the racket handle for control and place their non dominant hand at the top to play a backhand shot with both hands on the grip. Explain that the hand at the bottom provides the control.
Teacher tip
Find a pupil who can demonstrate good technique for the backhand so the group can observe. Make sure pupils feed the ball accurately to their partner's backhand side and that pupils adopt the ready position after each shot. Provide alternatives such as smaller rackets and different sized balls.
Equipment
1 tennis racket per pupil, 1 tennis ball per pupil (or alternative), 30+ cones of different colours
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Before hitting our forehand shot, what are we looking for at the other side of the court?
Q2.What do you show if you play fairly and stick to the rules of the game?
Q3.If we continue to try our best when we find tasks difficult, what are we showing?
Q4.To make our opponent move, where on the court should we avoid hitting our shots?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is a key skill to have when demonstrating respect?
Q2.Where should we aim for on the court to help us win more points?
Q3.If you are about to hit a backhand shot, which side do you turn to if you are right handed?
Q4.If we are right handed, where should the left hand be positioned on the grip of the racket when hitting a backhand?
To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Introduce backhand shots with a racket, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Introduce backhand shots with a racket, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Net and wall games: tactics to overcome an opponent through tennis unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.