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Lesson 8 - Fair Play in Competition

Rally Building Basics

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Year 3

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together with our partner to compete fairly and improve our tennis skills?

Learning Objectives

To work collaboratively with a partner to compete against others using simple tennis tactics
To demonstrate honesty and fair play whilst competing in tennis matches
To apply scoring rules and game conventions accurately during competitive play

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully rally with a partner and apply tactics during competitive matches
Students will demonstrate fair play by agreeing scores and showing honesty throughout games
Students will understand and apply basic tennis scoring and rules during competition

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

6-8 nets or cone lines

Check racket grip size appropriate for Year 3 students

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Use softer balls for students developing confidence

Alternative: Foam balls, larger slower balls for easier control

Cones

60 for court marking

Create 6-8 small courts with clear boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Rally

A continuous exchange of shots between players over the net

Ready position

Balanced stance with racket up, knees bent, ready to move in any direction

Underarm serve

Serving by dropping the ball and hitting it upward over the net

Fair play

Playing honestly, following rules, and showing respect for opponents

Tactics

Simple strategies like hitting to space or varying shot direction

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic racket control and ball striking techniques
Understanding of ready position and court positioning
Experience with cooperative rally practice

Current Skills

Collaborative rallying with consistent returns
Application of basic tennis rules and scoring
Use of simple tactics during competitive play

Next Steps

Advanced tactical awareness and shot placement
Consistent serving technique and strategy
Tournament-style competition with multiple opponents

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rallies of 5+ shots with partner

Fair and honest scoring throughout matches

Evidence of tactical thinking during competitive play

Key Teaching Points

Always return to ready position between shots - this is fundamental to good tennis movement
Emphasise movement to the ball rather than reaching - tennis players dance to the ball
Score agreement after every point is non-negotiable - this builds character and prevents disputes
Underarm serving technique must be consistent - drop, bounce, scoop motion
Partnership collaboration is as important as individual skill development
Fair play and honesty are tennis values that extend beyond the court
Control comes before power - encourage gentle, accurate shots over hard hitting

Common Misconceptions

Thinking tennis is an individual sport - emphasise partnership collaboration throughout
Believing power is more important than control - constantly reinforce gentle, accurate hitting
Assuming winning is everything - celebrate character and improvement equally with success
Expecting to rally immediately - explain that tennis takes patience and practice
Forgetting that fair play is part of skill - integrate character development with technical skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries, immediate feedback and praise for good behaviour

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, reduced court size, extra practice time for coordination, simplified rule structure, partner support

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet area available for breaks, consistent partner pairings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal cues for court positioning, buddy system with sighted partner, tactile court boundary markers

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations for all instructions, hand signals for score communication, written rules available, visual timer for game durations

physical disability

Seated tennis option with modified court size, lighter rackets, larger slower balls, adapted serving technique allowing wheelchair access

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during score agreement, descriptive language for technical feedback, listening skills during instructions

Maths

Scoring systems, counting consecutive rallies, measuring court dimensions, calculating tournament ladder positions

Science

Forces applied to ball during hitting, trajectory and gravity affecting ball flight, physical effects of exercise on body

PSHE

Fair play and honesty, partnership collaboration, managing competitive emotions, conflict resolution

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts in circuit pattern to observe all pairs, position at court corners for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Monitor rallying technique, fair play during competition, partnership collaboration, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in when students disagree on scores, when technique needs immediate correction, or when safety is compromised

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for serve technique, show clear examples of each scoring scenario, model fair play constantly throughout lesson

Verbal Cues

•'Move your feet to the ball!'
•'Soft, controlled shots!'
•'Agree the score!'
•'Ready position between shots!'
•'Tennis players show respect!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6 courts of 8m x 4m each, clear of obstacles with 2m buffer zones

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rackets for damage, especially string tension and frame integrity
•Ensure balls are at appropriate pressure - not too hard or soft
•Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges
•Check nets are at appropriate height and securely fastened

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions between students
•Balls hitting students at close range
•Slips and falls during quick movements
•Overexertion during competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between courts (minimum 2m)
•Clear court boundaries to prevent collisions
•Controlled hitting emphasis throughout lesson
•Progressive skill building before competition
•Regular hydration breaks during intense activity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple courts simultaneously
•Monitor competitive intensity for safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure fair play is maintained

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed