Lesson 8 - Fair Play in Competition
Rally Building Basics
•Year 3
•Tennis
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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
Check racket grip size appropriate for Year 3 students
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for smaller hands
Use softer balls for students developing confidence
Alternative: Foam balls, larger slower balls for easier control
Create 6-8 small courts with clear boundaries
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries
Key Vocabulary
A continuous exchange of shots between players over the net
Balanced stance with racket up, knees bent, ready to move in any direction
Serving by dropping the ball and hitting it upward over the net
Playing honestly, following rules, and showing respect for opponents
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
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