Lesson 3 - Underarm Serving and Rally Games
Rally Progression Techniques
•Year 3
•Tennis
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How can we use an underarm serve to start exciting rally games with our friends?
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate an underarm serve technique with correct stance and ball placement
- Explain when and why serving is used in tennis and other racket sports
- Serve with increasing accuracy to targets and partners
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to perform an underarm serve using sideways stance and controlled ball release
- Students will understand the strategic importance of serving in racket sports
- Students will demonstrate improved accuracy when serving to specific targets and areas
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket size is appropriate for Year 3 students
Alternative: Plastic paddles, large spoons, or hands
Use slightly deflated balls for easier control
Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags, balloons
Use bright colours for clear target visibility
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops
Height should be approximately 60cm for Year 3
Alternative: Rope between chairs, cones with ribbons
For organising pairs and groups effectively
Alternative: Different coloured cones to identify teams
Key Vocabulary
A serving technique where the racket swings upward from below to hit the ball
Standing with your side facing the net, feet shoulder-width apart
The shot that starts each point in tennis
When players hit the ball back and forth to each other
Serving the ball across the court to the opposite service box
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of ready position in tennis
- Experience with hitting a ball with a racket
Current Skills
- Underarm serving technique with correct stance
- Ball placement and timing for serving
- Understanding serving rules and strategy
Next Steps
- Developing overarm serving technique
- Advanced serving placement and spin
- Competitive serving under pressure
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Sideways stance is fundamental to effective serving technique and power generation
- Ball release height directly affects serving accuracy - practice gentle, consistent tosses
- Follow-through motion helps with accuracy and prevents injury to serving arm
- Two-bounce rule makes tennis accessible while maintaining rally excitement
- Positive encouragement between partners builds confidence and creates inclusive environment
- Serving is both a technical skill and strategic tool in racket sports
- Progressive distance challenges build confidence while developing power control
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking they need to hit serves as hard as possible - emphasise control over power
- Believing that serving is just throwing the ball up and hitting it - teach importance of technique sequence
- Assuming tennis serves must always be overarm - explain underarm serving as valid technique for beginners
- Thinking serves must always land in exact spots - focus on getting ball to partner first, accuracy second
- Believing that only one person serves in tennis - teach about service alternation and diagonal serving rules
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter practice segments with frequent changes, clear boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time for serving sequence, simplified technique breakdown, larger target areas, supportive equipment adaptations
autism spectrum
- Clear routine for serving practice, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet spaces available, consistent partner pairings
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of serving technique, buddy system for positioning, tactile cues for racket grip
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations of serving steps, hand signals for instruction, written step-by-step cards, peer buddy support
physical disability
- Adapted serving positions (seated or supported), larger/lighter balls, shorter serving distances, modified scoring systems
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting rally scores, measuring serving distances, calculating angles for diagonal serving, time management during rotations
Science
Understanding forces and motion in ball flight, investigating trajectory and gravity effects, exploring cause and effect in serving technique
Geography
Directional awareness for diagonal serving, understanding court boundaries and spatial relationships, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Developing resilience when serving is difficult, showing respect during competitive play, building confidence through skill mastery
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between teaching area for demonstrations and around pairs/groups for individual support
Observation Focus
Watch for correct serving technique, safe equipment use, and positive partner interaction
Intervention Points
Step in if serving technique unsafe, students becoming frustrated, or equipment being misused
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate serving technique slowly and clearly, use students as helpers for rallying demonstrations, emphasise safety throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance like a warrior!'
- •'Gentle throw, gentle swing!'
- •'Watch the ball all the way to your racket!'
- •'Celebrate your partner's good serves!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m indoor hall or outdoor court area with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from obstacles, appropriate for movement in multiple directions
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket handles are not slippery and appropriate size for Year 3 hands
- •Ensure tennis balls are not over-inflated and safe for catching
- •Verify benches/nets are stable and appropriate height for serving over
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body during serving practice
- •Racket contact between students during partner work
- •Slips and falls during energetic rally play
- •Overexertion during competitive elements
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for serving practice with adequate spacing
- •Emphasis on controlled serving technique over power
- •Graduated progression from static to dynamic activities
- •Regular hydration breaks during active portions
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during partner serving practice
- •Move between pairs to provide individual safety guidance
- •Monitor emotional responses during competitive activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed