Lesson 6 - Competitive Games & Scoring
Rally Progression Techniques
•Year 3
•Tennis
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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
Check racket strings and handles before distribution
Alternative: Large tennis bats, paddle bats for students with coordination difficulties
Have extra balls around court perimeters for quick retrieval
Alternative: Foam balls for easier control, larger sponge balls for SEND students
Create 4 courts approximately 8m x 4m each
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or existing court markings
Height approximately 60cm for Year 3 students
Alternative: PE benches, rope between posts, or imaginary net line
Simple score sheets with space for opponent names and points
Alternative: Whiteboards, verbal scoring with teacher recording
Key Vocabulary
A tennis stroke played with the palm facing forward, hitting the ball on the same side as your playing hand
The lines that mark the edges of the tennis court - balls must land inside these lines
The person who watches the game and makes decisions about rules and scoring
When players hit the ball back and forth continuously before a point is won
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
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