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Tennis

infoWhy this? Year 9 tennis develops consistent serving and groundstrokes alongside volleys, lobs, drop shots, and smashes. Constructing points through variation, responding to an opponent’s position, and coordinating doubles coverage develop tactical intelligence, resilience, and independent match play.

scheduleWhy now? Year 8 established basic forehand, backhand, serve, movement, recovery, and scoring. Pupils are now ready to add net and overhead play, select shots strategically, and combine techniques more consistently in competitive singles and doubles.

neurologyYou need to know

  • The continental grip is commonly used for the tennis serve, volley and smash because it helps control the racket face for these shots.
  • In an overarm serve, the ball toss should be in front of the body and slightly to the dominant side to allow full extension at contact.
  • Full extension at contact in a serve helps generate height, power and a better angle into the service box.
  • A serve must land in the diagonally opposite service box to be in.
  • Following through across the body after a serve helps the player transfer momentum and control the direction of the shot.
  • A forehand or backhand groundstroke is usually played from a side-on stance with a low-to-high swing path to lift the ball over the net.
  • A drop shot is a soft attacking shot played with a short backswing and an open racket face so the ball lands close to the net.
  • Shot selection in tennis should be based on the opponent's position, such as using a drop shot when they are deep in the court.
  • A split step is a small hop initiated just before the opponent strikes the ball, with the player landing as, or immediately after, contact is made, ready to move quickly in either direction.
  • A volley is usually played near the net using a punch action with minimal backswing to control the ball before it bounces.
  • Staying low and balanced during a volley helps the player control the racket face and recover for the next shot.
  • A smash is an attacking overhead shot used when the ball is high, often after an opponent plays a weak lob.
  • Pointing at the ball with the non-dominant hand during a smash helps track the ball and position the body correctly.
  • A lob is a high shot played over an opponent, especially when the opponent is close to the net.
  • An open racket face and brushing up the back of the ball help create the height needed for an effective lob.
  • In doubles, clear communication helps partners avoid confusion about who should play the ball.
  • Effective doubles tactics include using angles, hitting into space and covering the court with a partner.
  • Recovering after each shot means returning to a position where the player can respond effectively to the opponent's next shot.

rocket_launchYou must be able to

  • Serve overarm using a continental grip, tossing the ball in front and slightly to the dominant side, contacting it at full extension and following through across the body.
  • Aim serves into the correct diagonal service box with enough accuracy and tactical intent to pressure the receiver.
  • Perform forehand and backhand groundstrokes from a side-on stance, swinging low to high to send the ball over the net with control.
  • Play a drop shot with a short backswing, open racket face and soft hands so the ball lands close to the net.
  • Select an appropriate shot during a rally by judging the opponent’s position, such as using a lob against a net player or a drop shot against a deep player.
  • Volley using a continental grip, initiating a split step just before the opponent strikes the ball, landing as, or immediately after, contact is made, staying low and punching the ball with minimal backswing.
  • Execute a smash by moving behind the ball, pointing with the non-dominant hand, reaching full extension and swinging down with power and accuracy.
  • Play a lob by opening the racket face and brushing up the ball to create enough height to clear an opponent at the net.
  • Work effectively in doubles by communicating clearly, covering space with a partner and using angles to move opponents out of position.


Revision Quiz

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