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Lesson 7 - Tennis Scoring and Match Play

Rally Building Basics

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Year 3

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Tennis

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Big Question

How can we use tactics and rules to outsmart our opponent in tennis?

Learning Objectives

To learn how to score points in tennis using official rules
To be able to play competitively against an opponent using basic tactics
To develop fair play and honesty when self-officiating matches

Key Outcomes

Students will understand the four ways to win a point in tennis
Students will apply basic tactical thinking to outmanoeuvre opponents
Students will demonstrate honesty and fair play in competitive situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

4-6 nets

Check all strings are intact, appropriate size for Year 3 hands

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, foam paddles, table tennis bats

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Ensure balls have good bounce, not too worn

Alternative: Foam balls, sponge balls, larger bouncy balls

Cones

60 total

Use to mark court boundaries and net line

Alternative: Line markers, chalk, rope

Scorecards

1 per group of 4

Simple point tracking sheets

Alternative: Mini whiteboards, paper and pencils

Key Vocabulary

Rally

A sequence of shots between players before a point is won

Point

A unit of scoring in tennis - the smallest scoring unit

Court

The rectangular playing area marked by lines and a net

Ready position

Athletic stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, racket up

Tactics

Strategies used to outplay your opponent

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and stance
Ability to hit a ball over a net
Understanding of turn-taking in partner activities

Current Skills

Tennis scoring system and rules
Basic tactical awareness in ball placement
Competitive play with fair officiating

Next Steps

Advanced tennis strokes (backhand, volley)
More complex scoring systems (games and sets)
Tournament play with multiple opponents

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball placement away from opponent

Accurate self-officiating without teacher intervention

Demonstrating good sportsmanship in wins and losses

Key Teaching Points

Tennis has four specific ways to win a point - double bounce, net, out, and miss
Ready position with bent knees and balanced stance is crucial for effective movement
Tactical placement away from opponent is more effective than hitting hard
Honest self-officiating and fair play are as important as winning points
Moving feet to the ball and returning to ready position creates consistency
Gentle, controlled hitting maintains rallies better than powerful shots
Discussion and explanation after each point reinforces rule understanding

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking hitting harder always wins points - correct by emphasising placement and control
Believing tennis rules are negotiable or flexible - reinforce the four specific ways to win
Assuming ready position means standing still - teach active, bouncing readiness
Thinking tactics mean being unfair to opponents - explain legal tactical placement
Believing good players never make mistakes - normalise errors as part of learning
Assuming scorekeeper role is less important - emphasise crucial nature of fair officiating

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with more frequent changes, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, role variety to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Larger, slower balls to improve tracking and contact, simplified court layouts, extra practice time for skill development, paired with supportive partners

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zone available for breaks, predictable routines with advance warning of changes, simplified rule explanations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls with good contrast, provide verbal cues for ball location, buddy system for court awareness and boundary identification

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations of rules, hand signals for communication, written rule cards, ensure good positioning for lip reading

physical disability

Seated tennis version with adapted court size, lighter rackets or modified grip equipment, adjusted rules for wheelchair users including no double bounce rule

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with tennis terminology, speaking and listening through rule explanations and tactical discussions

Maths

Counting points and keeping score, measuring court distances, angles of ball trajectory and court geometry

Science

Forces in tennis - gravity affecting ball bounce, friction between racket and ball, trajectory and momentum

Geography

Court directions and spatial awareness, understanding of boundaries and areas, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Fair play and honesty, managing emotions in competitive situations, conflict resolution through rule discussions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between courts to observe play, position at corners for maximum visibility during competitive games

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical application, honest rule application, safe racket handling, and positive sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in if rules disputes become heated, if safety is compromised, or if students show frustration with competitive play

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for rule demonstrations, model positive language during competitive play, show enthusiasm for both skill and sportsmanship development

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands, gentle hits!'
•'Move your feet to the ball!'
•'What does the rule say?'
•'Great sportsmanship!'
•'Think tactically - where can you place it?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m court space, clear of obstacles with adequate run-off area

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for quick movement and direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tennis rackets for secure strings and appropriate size for Year 3
•Ensure tennis balls are not over-inflated and have appropriate bounce
•Cones positioned safely as court markers without sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions between students in adjacent courts
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Ball strikes to head or body during competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries with adequate spacing between playing areas
•Students instructed in safe racket handling and awareness of others
•Progressive skill building from cooperation to competition
•Clear rules about racket control and responsible hitting

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts and students
•Monitor competitive games for safe play and emotional responses
•Ensure adequate rest periods and hydration as needed

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid or summon help, ensure other students remain safely occupied