Lesson 5 - Serving and Shot Selection
Skills & Tactics Integration
•Year 3
•Tennis
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How can I use different tennis shots to outplay my opponent and win points?
Learning Objectives
- To serve accurately from the baseline into the opponent's court
- To move into correct positions to play forehand, backhand and volley shots
- To understand basic tennis rules and scoring system
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved serving accuracy with consistent contact point
- Students will show tactical awareness by moving to play appropriate shots
- Students will apply tennis rules correctly during competitive play
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket heads are secure and grips are appropriate size
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets, or paddle bats
Use softer balls for beginners, standard balls for advanced players
Alternative: Foam tennis balls, sponge balls, or mini tennis balls
Use bright colours for clear court boundaries and target areas
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or plastic markers
Different colours for teams and special roles during activities
Alternative: Coloured bands or team pinnies
For marking courts and target areas on playground surface
Alternative: Spray paint, tape, or rope
Key Vocabulary
The shot used to start each point, hit diagonally into the opponent's service box
The back line of the tennis court from where serves are made
Hitting the ball before it bounces, usually when close to the net
A shot played on the same side as your dominant hand
A shot played on the opposite side to your dominant hand
The rectangular area where serves must land to be legal
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket and ball control from previous tennis units
- Understanding of rally concept and hitting over a net
- Simple movement patterns and spatial awareness
Current Skills
- Serving technique with proper stance and ball toss
- Shot selection based on ball position and court awareness
- Game understanding including rules and scoring
Next Steps
- Advanced serving variations (placement and spin)
- Complex tactical play including doubles strategies
- Tournament play with official rules and etiquette
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Serve with sideways stance and high ball toss for control and power
- Prepare racket early for all shots to ensure good timing and technique
- Keep ball in play rather than trying to hit winners during rallies
- Encourage teammates and opponents equally to develop good sportsmanship
- Self-officiate honestly and fairly to build integrity and respect
- Move to position early to allow proper shot preparation and execution
- Use appropriate grip and follow-through for each different shot type
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'I need to hit the ball as hard as possible to win points' - Focus on placement and consistency over power
- Misconception: 'Serves don't matter much in tennis' - Emphasise serving as the most important shot in tennis
- Misconception: 'I should always try to hit winners' - Teach patience and rally building over aggressive shot making
- Misconception: 'Tennis is just about individual skill' - Highlight teamwork, encouragement and sportsmanship elements
- Misconception: 'If I'm not naturally good, I can't improve' - Demonstrate how practice and effort lead to technical development
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity rotations, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate feedback, regular movement breaks built in
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns, step-by-step instruction breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine with visual schedule, quiet zones available, consistent rules and expectations, warning before activity changes
visual impairment
- Use bright yellow tennis balls, verbal cues for ball location, tactile court boundary markers, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, hand signals for game instructions, written rules cards available
physical disability
- Seated tennis adaptations, larger/softer balls, modified rackets, shorter court distances, wheelchair accessible courts
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Scoring systems, angles of shots, measuring court dimensions, counting rally lengths
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, friction between ball and court, body movement and balance
Geography
Court orientation, spatial awareness, directions and positioning on court
PSHE
Fair play and honesty, handling competition pressure, supporting teammates and opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between stations and courts to provide individual feedback while maintaining overview
Observation Focus
Watch for technical development, tactical understanding, and positive social interactions
Intervention Points
Step in when safety is compromised, technique needs correction, or conflicts arise
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, normal speed for game application, always emphasise key coaching points
Verbal Cues
- •'Racket back early!'
- •'Hit through the ball!'
- •'Great encouragement!'
- •'Safety first - look around you!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m outdoor space or large sports hall for multiple courts
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis rackets for secure heads and appropriate grip sizes
- •Ensure balls are not split or damaged
- •Verify nets are securely attached and at correct height
- •Confirm cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students when moving to balls
- •Being struck by tennis balls during play
- •Slips and falls when changing direction quickly
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries established with adequate spacing
- •Controlled ball distribution to prevent overcrowding
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Regular water breaks and intensity monitoring
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts and activities
- •Monitor technical execution to prevent injury from poor technique
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration affecting safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid response, ensure other students are safely supervised