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Lesson 5 - Rally Skills & Cooperation

Rally Progression Techniques

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Year 3

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to keep a tennis ball moving back and forth for as long as possible?

Learning Objectives

To perform in a rally with a partner, playing cooperatively to keep the ball moving over the net
To keep track of the score and aim to beat previous rally records through teamwork
To describe and apply the skills needed to maintain a successful rally

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully participate in rallies lasting 5+ consecutive hits
Students will demonstrate cooperative play by sending balls to their partner's dominant side
Students will understand and explain key techniques for maintaining rallies

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket condition and appropriate size for Year 3 students

Alternative: Table tennis bats, small tennis rackets, or even hands for beginners

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Use slightly deflated balls for easier control if needed

Alternative: Foam balls, sponge balls, or larger slower balls for easier control

Cones

5 per pair for starter activity

Bright coloured cones for clear visibility

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or small equipment

Benches

1 per 2-3 pairs (5-8 total)

Set up at appropriate height for Year 3 (approximately 60cm)

Alternative: Rope between posts, cones with bands, or imaginary net lines

Markers

Various colours and sizes

Place in strategic positions for aiming practice

Alternative: Hoops, chalk circles, or taped areas

Key Vocabulary

Rally

A sequence of hits between players where the ball travels back and forth without losing control

Ready position

The stance used when waiting to receive the ball - knees bent, racket up, weight on toes

Dominant side

The side of the body that is stronger and more comfortable for hitting (usually right side for right-handed players)

Cooperative play

Working together with your partner to achieve a shared goal rather than competing against them

Ball placement

Deliberately sending the ball to a specific area to help your partner or achieve a goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and ball striking techniques
Understanding of sending and receiving in tennis
Experience with partner cooperation activities

Current Skills

Cooperative rally play with consistent ball placement
Tactical awareness of helping partner succeed
Score tracking and target setting in rallies

Next Steps

Competitive rally games with multiple pairs
Introduction of more advanced rally techniques
Applying rally skills in mini-tennis games

Milestone Indicators

Maintains rallies without losing control

Demonstrates consistent ready position

Shows cooperative mindset in partner activities

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise cooperation over competition throughout - students work together to achieve high rally scores
Ready position is crucial - knees bent, racket up, weight on balls of feet, ready to move quickly
Ball placement should help partner succeed - send to their dominant side at appropriate height and speed
Control is more important than power - gentle, accurate hits maintain rallies better than hard shots
Counting together builds teamwork - both partners should count hits out loud for shared achievement
Progressive challenges build confidence - start easy and gradually increase difficulty as skills develop
Adaptation is key - adjust technique and strategy based on partner's ability and changing challenges

Common Misconceptions

Rallying is about beating your opponent - actually about working together to achieve shared goals
Hitting harder makes rallies better - gentle, controlled hits maintain rallies more effectively
Ready position means standing still - actually involves active preparation and light movement on toes
Only the best players can demonstrate - all students have techniques worth sharing with others
Rallies must go over nets - many valuable rally skills can be practiced without net obstacles
Different partners mean starting over - each new partner brings opportunities to practice adaptation skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear physical boundaries marked, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time for skill development, step-by-step skill breakdown, additional demonstrations as needed

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure with visual schedule, designated quiet areas if overwhelmed, consistent partner pairings, advance notice of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured or larger balls for better visibility, provide verbal cues for ball location, use buddy system for navigation and positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards, vibrant visual cues for activity changes

physical disability

Seated rallying options available, use larger/lighter rackets as needed, adjust net height, provide support for racket grip if required

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rally hits and tracking score improvements, measuring distances between partners, calculating success rates and setting numerical targets

Science

Understanding forces involved in ball hitting, examining angles needed for net clearance, exploring how ball bounce relates to surface and impact force

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning relative to partner, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping court positions and boundaries

PSHE

Developing cooperation and teamwork skills, building resilience when rallies break down, managing emotions during challenges and celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all pairs, position at corner for maximum visibility during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for controlled hitting, cooperative ball placement, safe spacing between pairs, and positive partner interactions

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if students hitting too hard, showing competitive rather than cooperative behaviour, or if safety spacing is compromised

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for ready position, always emphasise cooperative over competitive mindset, show both helpful and unhelpful ball placement for contrast

Verbal Cues

•'Help your partner succeed!'
•'Gentle hits, controlled swings!'
•'Ready position - knees bent, racket up!'
•'Count together - work as a team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m indoor hall or outdoor tennis court area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for quick movement and safe landings

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis rackets for cracks, loose strings, or sharp edges
•Verify balls are appropriate pressure - not too hard or too soft
•Ensure benches/nets are stable and positioned safely
•Check cones and targets have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during partner changes
•Ball strikes to face or body during rallies
•Trips over equipment or nets
•Racket contact during energetic swings

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each pair with adequate spacing
•Emphasis on controlled swings and gentle hitting throughout
•Progressive skill building from hand-hitting to racket use
•Constant monitoring during partner swapping and transitions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all pairs during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas particularly during equipment transitions
•Watch for students becoming over-excited and losing control
•Ensure immediate intervention if unsafe behaviour observed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately with clear signal, assess any injury appropriately, provide first aid if qualified, seek additional medical support if required