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Tennis Skills and Movement

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Tennis Skills and Movement

Read the court scenario and use your tennis knowledge to make smart movement and shot choices. For written responses, explain how your choice helps you reach or return the next ball.

Read the rally

At a school tennis session in Aotearoa New Zealand, Keira is practising singles. Her opponent sends a ball wide to Keira’s forehand. Keira moves towards it, hits a controlled cross-court shot, then returns towards the centre of her court to prepare for the next ball.

1.In the rally, Keira moves out to reach the ball and then returns towards the centre. What is the name for this return movement, and why is it useful?

2.Keira sees that the ball is travelling wide to her forehand. Which response is the best starting movement?

Stand upright and wait for the ball to arrive.
Use small adjustment steps, turn towards the ball and move into its path.
Run backwards towards the baseline without watching the ball.
Move to the centre and leave the ball to bounce twice.

3.In tennis, which area of the court is nearest the net? Name one reason a player might move into this area during a rally.

4.A split step—a small, balanced hop as the opponent hits—can help a player react in either direction. True or false? Explain briefly.

5.Match each tennis skill with the most accurate description.

Forehand
Backhand
Volley
Serve

A shot hit before the ball bounces
A shot played on the racquet-side of the body
The shot that starts a point
A shot played across the body, usually with one or two hands

Plan the next point

Freya is serving. Her opponent tends to stand close to the baseline and move slowly towards the sides. Freya wants to make the opponent move, while keeping enough time to prepare for the return.

6.Which serve placement is most likely to challenge an opponent who is slow moving sideways?

Aim consistently towards the opponent’s position in the middle.
Vary the serve between the left and right sides of the service box.
Serve as softly as possible straight at the opponent.
Aim outside the court so the opponent has to chase it.

7.Explain how changing serve direction could affect the opponent’s movement and Freya’s next shot.

8.After hitting a shot, move back towards a balanced position so you can respond to different directions.

9.Zoe reaches a wide ball but is off balance when she hits it. Give two practical adjustments she could make to improve control and prepare for the next shot.

10.Create a partner drill that practises moving to a ball and recovering to the centre. State the equipment or space needed, the steps, and one way partners can give helpful feedback.

11.During a close line call, what is one respectful action a player can take to support fair play and whanaungatanga (building positive relationships)?