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Lesson 6 - Competitive Games & Scoring

Rally Progression Techniques

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Year 3

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use my tennis skills to compete fairly and score points against different opponents?

Learning Objectives

To play competitive 1v1 tennis games using forehand hitting skills to score points
To demonstrate good sportsmanship and fair play when competing against different opponents
To understand and apply tennis rules including boundaries and scoring systems

Key Outcomes

Students will compete in 1v1 tennis matches using proper rules and scoring
Students will demonstrate accurate forehand hitting to win points
Students will show respect for opponents and understand the role of fair play

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket strings and handles before distribution

Alternative: Large tennis bats, paddle bats for students with coordination difficulties

Tennis Balls

6 per court (24 total)

Have extra balls around court perimeters for quick retrieval

Alternative: Foam balls for easier control, larger sponge balls for SEND students

Lines

4 sets of markers/cones

Create 4 courts approximately 8m x 4m each

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or existing court markings

Nets

4 (1 per court)

Height approximately 60cm for Year 3 students

Alternative: PE benches, rope between posts, or imaginary net line

Scorecards

1 per student

Simple score sheets with space for opponent names and points

Alternative: Whiteboards, verbal scoring with teacher recording

Key Vocabulary

Forehand

A tennis stroke played with the palm facing forward, hitting the ball on the same side as your playing hand

Boundary

The lines that mark the edges of the tennis court - balls must land inside these lines

Umpire

The person who watches the game and makes decisions about rules and scoring

Rally

When players hit the ball back and forth continuously before a point is won

Point

A unit of scoring in tennis - awarded when opponent cannot return the ball properly

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand hitting technique with racket control
Understanding of tennis court boundaries
Experience playing cooperative tennis games

Current Skills

Competitive forehand hitting for point scoring
Movement around court to return shots
Understanding competition rules and fair play

Next Steps

Introduction of backhand shots in competitive play
More complex scoring systems
Tournament play with multiple rounds

Milestone Indicators

Consistently hits forehands within court boundaries

Moves purposefully to retrieve balls

Demonstrates good sportsmanship in all games

Understands and applies basic tennis rules independently

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that competition should enhance learning, not replace skill development
Model and expect excellent sportsmanship throughout all matches
Use umpiring role as leadership opportunity for all students
Focus on effort and improvement rather than just winning
Ensure rules are consistently applied to maintain fairness
Celebrate both skill achievement and character development
Adapt match length based on students' concentration and skill levels

Common Misconceptions

Thinking competition is only about winning - explain that learning and fun are equally important
Believing good players don't need to follow rules - emphasise that rules apply to everyone
Assuming umpires should favour friends - teach that fairness means treating everyone equally
Thinking losing means you're bad at tennis - help understand that challenge leads to improvement
Believing you can't be friends with opponents - show that competition can strengthen friendships

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter match lengths if needed, clear boundaries and movement expectations, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger, slower balls for easier tracking, simplified scoring system, extra practice time with technique

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of matches, quiet zone available for breaks, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and boundary markers, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for start/stop, hand signals for umpiring decisions, written score cards with clear symbols

physical disability

Modified court sizes, allow seated play or wheelchair access, adapted equipment like larger rackets

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening during umpiring, giving clear instructions, vocabulary development with tennis terms

Maths

Scoring systems, counting points to 5, understanding numerical progression and basic statistics

Science

Understanding forces when hitting ball, trajectory and angles of shots, body systems during exercise

PSHE

Fair play and sportsmanship, managing emotions during competition, respecting opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe all matches, position at central point for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for technique application under pressure, sportsmanship behaviours, and rule understanding

Intervention Points

Step in if disputes arise, provide technique reminders during natural breaks, ensure fair play

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Proper tournament behaviour between matches, correct umpiring technique, and positive reactions to both winning and losing points

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball onto your racket!'
•'Move your feet to get behind the ball!'
•'Great sportsmanship, well done!'
•'Remember to aim inside the boundaries!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for four courts with adequate spacing between each court

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, check for loose equipment around court boundaries

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis rackets for damaged strings or loose handles
•Ensure nets/benches are stable and at appropriate height
•Verify boundary markers are visible and securely placed
•Check tennis balls are in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students on adjacent courts
•Tripping over boundary markers or equipment
•Overexertion during competitive matches
•Tennis balls striking students not involved in current point

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between courts with adequate spacing
•Students must stay in their designated court areas
•Regular checks for fatigue and provide rest periods
•Clear 'stop' signal if balls go into other courts

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all four courts
•Monitor intensity levels during competitive matches
•Watch for signs of frustration or poor sportsmanship
•Ensure umpires are making safe decisions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, send for additional help if required