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Lesson 5 - Serving and Shot Selection

Skills & Tactics Integration

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Year 3

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Tennis

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1h 5min

Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

4-6 nets

Check racket heads are secure and grips are appropriate size

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets, or paddle bats

Tennis Balls

60 (2 per student)

Use softer balls for beginners, standard balls for advanced players

Alternative: Foam tennis balls, sponge balls, or mini tennis balls

Dish Cones

40 cones

Use bright colours for clear court boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or plastic markers

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs

Different colours for teams and special roles during activities

Alternative: Coloured bands or team pinnies

Sun Markers

4 pieces

For marking courts and target areas on playground surface

Alternative: Spray paint, tape, or rope

Key Vocabulary

Serve

The shot used to start each point, hit diagonally into the opponent's service box

Baseline

The back line of the tennis court from where serves are made

Volley

Hitting the ball before it bounces, usually when close to the net

Forehand

A shot played on the same side as your dominant hand

Backhand

A shot played on the opposite side to your dominant hand

Service Box

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

Consistent contact point when serving

Appropriate shot selection in game situations

Self-officiating with accurate rule application

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