Tennis Grip Techniques

Overview

Unit: Tennis Fundamentals for Kids (Lesson 2 of 8)
Duration: 45 minutes
Class size: 6 students (plan adaptable for 3 students)
Age group: 7–9 years old (Key Stage 2, Years 3–4)
Curriculum alignment:

• National Curriculum for Physical Education (2014) – Pupils should be taught to:
  • Develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities
  • Use running, jumping, throwing and catching in isolation and in combination
  • Play competitive games and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending
• Ofsted Framework guidance (Physical Education emphasis) – Fostering fundamental movement skills and tactical understanding through progressive skill development

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Identify and demonstrate the three primary tennis grips: Eastern, Western, and Continental.
2. Understand when each grip is used and why it benefits particular shots.
3. Perform partner drills to apply correct grip techniques in a controlled environment.
4. Reflect on grip comfort and effectiveness to promote self-awareness and fine motor skills.

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Resources & Equipment

• Tennis rackets (scaled appropriately for children)
• Low-compression tennis balls (to enhance control and safety)
• Cones and floor markers to designate drill spaces
• Grip aids (rubber overgrips or coloured tapes for visual reinforcement)
• Visual cue cards showing grip positions
• Whistle or timer
• Whiteboard or flipchart for quick demonstrations

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Warm-Up (7 minutes)

• Objective: Prepare pupils physically and mentally for the lesson focus.
• Activities:
  • Dynamic warm-up including arm circles, wrist rotations, and light jogging around the court to increase heart rate and mobility.
  • Short discussion: "What grips do you think tennis players use? Why might holding the racket differently matter?"
• Teaching points: Reinforce the importance of grip in controlling shots and preventing injury.

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2. Grip Technique Demonstration (10 minutes)

• Objective: Introduce the three main grips with clear, age-appropriate explanations and modelling.

1. Eastern Grip
   • Simulate shaking hands with the racket handle; place hand so index knuckle is on bevel 3 (right-hander)
   • Explain: Useful for forehand groundstrokes – balance of power and spin
2. Western Grip
   • Hand rotated further under the handle; index knuckle on bevel 5
   • Explain: Generates heavy topspin, suits modern baseline play
3. Continental Grip
   • “Hammer grip”; index knuckle on bevel 2
   • Explain: Used for serves, volleys, and slices – versatile

• Use large visual cue cards; demonstrate slowly, then show close-up of hand placements.

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3. Individual Grip Practice Drills (10 minutes)

• Objective: Pupils physically experience each grip with feedback.

• Set up three stations, one for each grip, with the teacher or assistant at each station:

  • Pupils rotate every 3 minutes.
  • At each station:
    • Hold the racket using the grip demonstrated.
    • Drop bounce a ball and lightly strike it against the wall or ground focusing on keeping the grip stable.
    • Teacher provides immediate verbal feedback using positive reinforcement ("Great control!", "Try to relax your fingers here").

• For smaller groups (3 pupils), extend duration to 4 minutes per station for maximum practice.

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4. Partner Grip Application Drills (12 minutes)

• Objective: Apply grips in simple partner activities that require cooperation, control, and mindful technique.

• Split pupils into pairs; assign roles: Server and Receiver. Rotate roles after 6 minutes.

• Drill 1: Mini Rally Grip Focus

  • Stand 2 metres apart, gently rally using Eastern grip forehands.
  • Emphasise grip maintenance and watching partner’s ball trajectory.

• Drill 2: Continental Volley Practice

  • Closer stance (1.5 metres), practice volleying using continental grip.
  • Partners underhand toss ball for volley return, focus on wrist stability and grip.

• Throughout, encourage conversation between partners about grip “feel” and adjustments needed.

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5. Cool Down & Reflection (6 minutes)

• Objective: Reinforce learning and promote kinaesthetic reflection.

• Light jogging and stretching with focus on wrist and fingers.

• Circle time questions:

  • “Which grip felt easiest to use and why?”
  • “When do you think you’d use these grips in a real game?”

• Pupils draw their favourite grip on a laminated card and label parts of the hand position for at-home reference.

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Differentiation & Inclusion

• Provide larger grip rackets for pupils with smaller hands or poor grip strength.
• Use visual and tactile cues (e.g., rubber markers) for pupils with additional learning needs.
• Pair pupils strategically to promote peer support and confidence-building.

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Assessment for Learning (AfL)

• Formative assessment through ongoing observation during drills – check grip correctness and provide instant feedback.
• Use questioning to check understanding throughout (e.g., “Why do we use the Continental grip for volleys?”).
• Pupils self-assess using “thumbs up/down” to gauge comfort and confidence in each grip.

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Home/Extension Activity

• Encourage pupils to experiment with grips while hitting a balloon or light ball at home with a family member.
• Use a simple journal to record which grip felt best and when, to deepen learning through reflective practise.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Model enthusiasm and patience; grip changes can feel awkward but are crucial for skill progression.
• Use positive reinforcement frequently to build confidence.
• Consider filming a few pupil grip executions (with parental consent) to playback for visual self-feedback in later lessons.
• Maintain a high ratio of active practice vs. talk time – preferably 75% physical engagement.

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This lesson plan adopts a child-centred, hands-on approach reflecting key UK PE philosophies promoting physical literacy through progressive skill development, self-awareness and enjoyable learning. It provides teachers with highly practical activities supported by formative assessment strategies to maximise pupil progression in early-stage tennis skills.