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Lesson 3 - Underarm Serving and Rally Games

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 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

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket size is appropriate for Year 3 students

Alternative: Plastic paddles, large spoons, or hands

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Use slightly deflated balls for easier control

Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags, balloons

Cones

20-30

Use bright colours for clear target visibility

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops

Benches

4-6

Height should be approximately 60cm for Year 3

Alternative: Rope between chairs, cones with ribbons

Bibs

15 (half the class)

For organising pairs and groups effectively

Alternative: Different coloured cones to identify teams

Key Vocabulary

Underarm serve

A serving technique where the racket swings upward from below to hit the ball

Sideways stance

Standing with your side facing the net, feet shoulder-width apart

Service

The shot that starts each point in tennis

Rally

When players hit the ball back and forth to each other

Diagonal serving

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

Consistent sideways stance when serving

Ball released at appropriate height

Follow-through motion completed

Serves reach partner consistently

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