Tennis Unit

During the month of February I taught a tennis unit with my secondary students.  We spent 4 weeks (45 minutes each week) working on the following tasks.  I first went over safety procedures for swinging the racquets and then introduced the equipment.  We then went over how to hold the racquet with one hand, forehand swings, backhand swings, and serving.  Given the short amount of class time I have each week, I introduced 2-3 tasks each week and let the students try each new task as well as work on the previous taught tasks at their own pace during classtime.  Myself, paraprofessionals, and peer buddies would spend time working with each student on the daily tasks.

Here is what we did!

Activity Goal:  Students will practice ball and racquet control while engaging in various tennis related activities.

Motor Concepts:  Eye hand coordination, visual tracking, striking,  balance, moving safely through general space

Equipment:  tennis racquet and large foam ball (spinner ball) or tennis balls for each student

Tennis Tasks:  

Ball Balance:  students balance ball in the center of the racquet.

One leg balance: students balance ball on racquet while standing on one leg/switch legs.

Ready position hops: students balance ball on racquet while hopping on one foot.

Ball roll on racquet: students roll ball around racquet without it falling off or touching the rim of the racquet.

Toss and catch: students launch ball up in the air just above shoulders/head and catch on racquet without bouncing.

Bump ups: students hit ball up into the air just above head or shoulder level; then see how many bumps they can get in a row.

Flip flops: students hit ball up into the air then flip over the racquet to the other side, then hit up again.

Spinning: students hit and spin the ball in a continuous motion, flicking the wrist sideways back and forth.

Bump downs: students hit ball down to the floor continuously.

Wall hits: students hit against a wall hitting ground strokes or serving.

Partner Skills: Students work together performing various tasks listed above.  Both students may have a racquet, or one with and one without. 

Low Variations:  Teacher or partner bounces or tosses ball for the student.  Use a bean bag or a balloon rather than a ball.  Use a strap or scarf to assist students who cannot grasp or hold on to the racquet handle.  Hand over hand assistance.  Use larger or brightly colored balls. Connect a ball to the racquet using string so student does not have to chase the ball across the gym.  Use foam paddles rather than tennis racquets. 

High Variations:  Use one ball between 2 students.  Give challenging goals.  Use smaller balls or tennis balls.  Lengthen the distance when hitting to a wall or partner. Perform challenges while moving.

Informal Assessment Questions:  Is the student able to hold the racquet correctly?  Balance the ball stationary or while moving?  Is the student able to volley the ball with the racquet?  Is the student able to toss or bounce the ball with one hand and strike it with the racquet in the other hand?