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Lesson 6 - Tactical Tennis Tournaments

Skills & Tactics Integration

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Year 3

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Tennis

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Big Question

How can I use tactics to outplay my opponent and recognise their strengths and weaknesses?

Learning Objectives

To use simple tactics against an opponent in competitive situations
To identify my own and my opponent's strengths and weaknesses during gameplay
To demonstrate specific tactical awareness through strategic decision-making

Key Outcomes

Students will apply tactical strategies to gain advantage over opponents
Students will recognise and adapt to opponents' playing styles and abilities
Students will demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship in competitive scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

4-6 nets

Check grip size appropriate for students, inspect for damage

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, table tennis bats for beginners

Tennis Balls

4-6 per court (24 total)

Use slower balls for better rallies and control

Alternative: Foam tennis balls, low-bounce balls for control

Sun Markers

24 cones

Mark service boxes, baselines, and net lines clearly

Alternative: Chalk, line paint, rope boundaries

Coloured Bibs

6 (for Pacman game)

Bright colours for visibility during warm-up activity

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Springboard

6 (one per court)

Large enough for all students to see results clearly

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, whiteboard markers

Coloured Cones

4 different colours

Place in corners of area for self-assessment activity

Alternative: Coloured hoops, markers, zones marked on ground

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Strategic plans or methods used to gain an advantage over an opponent

Strengths

The things a player does well in their tennis game

Weaknesses

Areas of a player's game that need improvement or can be exploited

Drop shot

A softly hit shot that lands just over the net, close to the net

Diagonal serve

Serving the ball across the court into the opposite service box

Tournament

A competition where multiple players or teams compete against each other

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tennis strokes (forehand, backhand)
Understanding of court boundaries and basic rules
Experience with competitive gameplay
Ability to serve diagonally into service box

Current Skills

Tactical decision-making in competitive situations
Opponent analysis and adaptation
Strategic positioning and shot selection
Tournament play and umpiring skills

Next Steps

Advanced tactical combinations and patterns
Consistent execution under pressure
Leadership in competitive environments
Analysis of professional tennis tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistently chooses appropriate tactics for different opponents

Can explain tactical decisions clearly to others

Demonstrates resilience when tactics aren't working

Shows excellent sportsmanship regardless of result

Key Teaching Points

Tactical awareness develops through observing and adapting to opponents' playing styles
Effective tactics include targeting weaknesses, varying shot placement, and using deception
Sportsmanship is as important as winning in competitive tennis situations
Self-assessment and reflection help students understand their tactical development
Tournament play provides authentic contexts for applying tactical knowledge
Different opponents require different tactical approaches and adaptations
Resilience and positive attitude are essential when tactics don't work immediately

Common Misconceptions

Hitting harder always wins points - teach placement and tactical variety
Tactics are only for advanced players - show how beginners can use simple tactics
Good players don't need to adapt - demonstrate importance of opponent analysis
Losing means bad tactics - explain how learning from defeats improves tactical understanding
Sportsmanship is separate from tactics - show how fair play enhances tactical development
Tactics are just luck - help students understand deliberate decision-making processes

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game segments, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement between roles, immediate feedback on tactical decisions

dyspraxia

Larger tennis balls, shorter rackets, simplified tactical choices, extra time for decision-making, clear positional markers

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure displayed visually, predictable rotation schedule, quiet space available, consistent umpiring partners

visual impairment

Use bright yellow tennis balls, clear verbal umpiring calls, tactile court boundary markers, buddy system for court navigation

hearing impairment

Visual hand signals for umpiring, written tournament fixtures and rules, clear visual boundaries and scoring displays

physical disability

Modified court sizes, lower nets, seated play options, adapted racket grips, shorter game durations

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, statistical analysis of wins/losses, geometric understanding of court angles and diagonal serves

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, reaction times in tactical decisions, physics of spin and ball bounce

Geography

Spatial awareness of court positioning, directional understanding for tactical placement, mapping opponent movement patterns

PSHE

Resilience in competitive situations, managing emotions under pressure, celebrating others' success, fair play values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location to observe multiple courts, rotate between games to provide feedback

Observation Focus

Tactical decision-making, adaptation to opponents, sportsmanship under pressure

Intervention Points

When tactical awareness isn't developing, when competitive pressure affects sportsmanship, when students need tactical prompts

Demonstration Notes

Use successful student examples during stops, film clear tactical decisions for feedback, model positive competitive attitudes

Verbal Cues

•'Where's their weakness?'
•'Try a different tactic!'
•'Great tactical thinking!'
•'How can you challenge them?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple tennis court areas minimum 15m x 8m each, clear separation between courts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from loose balls and equipment hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket handles secure and appropriate size
•Inspect nets for proper height and stability
•Ensure balls are in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between adjacent courts
•Ball strikes from powerful shots
•Tripping over court markers or equipment
•Overexertion during competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain minimum 3m separation between courts
•Clear call system for 'ball on court' warnings
•Regular equipment inspection and replacement
•Monitor competitive intensity and provide breaks

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple courts simultaneously
•Monitor emotional responses during competition
•Ensure umpiring students stay in safe positions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, clear communication to other courts