Backhand Stroke Development

Overview

This 60-minute lesson (Lesson 5 of 16 in the unit "Serve and Score: Tennis & Lacrosse") introduces Year 6 students to the backhand stroke technique, with a focus on developing appropriate footwork and accurate targeting skills during tennis and lacrosse drills. It aligns with the Australian Curriculum v9 for Health and Physical Education for Years 5 and 6, scaffolding students' skill acquisition, tactical understanding, and cooperation in movement contexts.

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Curriculum Alignment

Content Descriptions from Australian Curriculum (v9) - Health and Physical Education (Years 5 and 6):

• AC9HP6M07
  Predict and test the effectiveness of applying different skills and strategies in a range of movement situations.
  Students develop and apply movement skills like the backhand stroke and adapt footwork and targeting strategies for improving performance.

• AC9HP6M09
  Participate positively in groups and teams by contributing to group activities, encouraging others, and negotiating roles and responsibilities.
  Demonstrates positive teamwork and communication during paired/ group drills.

• AC9HP6M03 (Years 7 & 8 but relevant foundation)
  Demonstrate and explain how movement concepts related to effort, space, time, objects and people can be manipulated to improve movement outcomes.
  Encourages students to understand body positioning and footwork adjustments in relation to stroke execution.

General Capabilities: Critical and creative thinking (problem-solving strategy development), Personal and social capability (teamwork, communication).

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify and demonstrate the correct technique for a backhand stroke in tennis and lacrosse contexts.
2. Execute efficient footwork patterns to position themselves to hit the backhand stroke effectively.
3. Apply targeting skills to aim the ball or lacrosse ball accurately during simple drills.
4. Demonstrate positive cooperation and communication in paired practice.

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Resources and Equipment

• Tennis racquets and balls
• Lacrosse sticks and balls (if applicable and available)
• Cones for target zones / markers
• Whistle and timer
• Open playing space (tennis court or field area suitable for lacrosse drills)
• Optional: visual aids (charts illustrating backhand grip and stance)

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Lesson Structure and Timing

Time	Activity	Description
0-5 min	Warm-up and Introduction	Dynamic warm-up focusing on foot agility (side steps, quick pivots, forward/backward runs). Teacher introduces the concept of the backhand stroke, showing correct grip and stance with emphasis on foot positioning.
5-15 min	Teacher Demonstration & Explanation	Teacher demonstrates the backhand stroke slowly for tennis and lacrosse separately, highlighting:

• Grip
• Foot placement and stepping into the stroke
• Swing path
• Follow-through
  Visual aids may be used. Students practise grip and stance off to the side. | | 15-30 min | Footwork and Positioning Drills | In pairs or small groups, students practice footwork:
• Side-step to cone
• Pivot and step into a backhand position
• Shadow swings with focus on body rotation
  Teacher circulates giving corrective feedback and reinforcing technique. | | 30-45 min | Targeting Accuracy Drills | Using cones or marked zones, students practice:
• Hitting to target areas using the backhand stroke (tennis balls or lacrosse balls).
• Begin with stationary balls from partner or off a wall rebounder if available.
• Progress to light movement catching and hitting drills to promote timing. | | 45-55 min | Mini Games and Application | Modified games such as 'Backhand Rally' where pairs try to keep the ball in play using backhand strokes only. Or relay-style targeting races using backhand strokes to hit targets quickly and accurately. Emphasise teamwork, communication, and encouragement. | | 55-60 min | Cool down and Reflection | Gentle stretching. Brief class discussion — students share what helped their technique improve and how footwork and targeting skills made a difference. Teacher highlights learning points against curriculum outcomes. |

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Assessment

• Formative assessment via teacher observation during drills: accuracy of backhand stroke technique, foot positioning, and ability to hit targets.
• Peer feedback encouraged during paired practice focusing on cooperation and communication (linked to AC9HP6M09).
• Self-reflection prompt at end: “What was one thing I did well with my backhand today? One thing I want to improve?”

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Adaptations for Differentiation

• Provide varied equipment sizes and ball types for skill-level adjustment.
• Use visual step-by-step cards for students needing extra support.
• Challenge advanced students to vary the angle or speed of strokes during targeting drills.
• Allow students with limited motor skills to focus initially on stance and footwork before adding full swing.

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Health and Safety Considerations

• Ensure warm-up adequately prepares muscles to prevent strain.
• Check all equipment is safe and appropriate size.
• Maintain safe spacing to avoid collisions especially in footwork drills.
• Instructor to monitor student hydration needs.

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This lesson plan offers a comprehensive, curriculum-aligned approach to Year 6 students acquiring the backhand stroke skills in tennis and lacrosse with emphasis on biomechanics, footwork, and accuracy—key foundations for confident gameplay and further skill progression in the unit "Serve and Score: Tennis & Lacrosse"【3:AC9HP6M07.md】【3:AC9HP6M09.md】【3:AC9HP6M03.md】.