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Lesson 2 of 6
  • Year 9

Bilateral movement and groundstroke consistency

I can perform a basic forehand and backhand hitting action with direction and depth.

Lesson 2 of 6
New
New
  • Year 9

Bilateral movement and groundstroke consistency

I can perform a basic forehand and backhand hitting action with direction and depth.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: fast feet and consistent foot placement behind and to the side of the ball improves groundstroke consistency.
  2. Move: taking back the racket in a C-shape then swinging through low to high improves consistency of shots.
  3. Think: moving early and staying still when hitting helps improve control and accuracy.
  4. Feel: confidence is built by starting simple then progressing at your own pace.
  5. Connect: pushing each other slightly outside your comfort zone requires collaboration and helps you improve.

Keywords

  • Bilateral - using both sides of the body together in a coordinated way.

  • Forehand - a stroke where the player hits the ball with their dominant hand, with the palm of their hand facing the direction of the ball.

  • Backhand - a stroke where the ball is hit on the opposite side of the body to the dominant hand, with the back of the hand facing the ball at the moment of contact.

Common misconception

Pupils add their non dominant hand to the bottom of the grip when hitting backhands.

It is essential that your dominant racket hand is at the bottom of the grip and if you add your other hand for extra control or power it must go further up the racket shaft.


To help you plan your year 9 physical education lesson on: Bilateral movement and groundstroke consistency, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Get pupils working in small groups of similar ability so they can switch partners regularly and progress to more challenging activities as soon as they are ready.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 tennis ball per pupil; 1 tennis racket per pupil; tennis posts and nets; floor markers (lines and spots)

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Where should you always start off rallying with a partner to warm up?

at the baseline
Correct answer: close to net
across the tramline

Q2.
What do we call a shot that is hit from the baseline after it bounces?

Correct answer: a groundstroke
a volley
a serve

Q3.
When should you move into the ready position?

before serving
preparing to smash
Correct answer: between every shot

Q4.
If you want to improve, where should you be relative to your comfort zone?

inside it
Correct answer: just beyond it
just below it

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
If you are left handed, where do you put your right hand for a double handed backhand?

below your left
Correct answer: above your left
bottom of grip

Q2.
What is required to get in the same position relative to the ball for every shot?

a C-shaped swing
Correct answer: fast footwork
the ready position

Q3.
What is it called when you use both sides of the body together in a coordinated way?

ambidextrous
Correct answer: bilateral
dominant sided

Q4.
What is improved by starting with simple practices and progressing the difficulty at your own pace?

Correct answer: confidence
strength
speed