🎾

Lesson 2 - Creating Space to Win a Point

Tactical Skills Development

•

Year 3

•

Tennis

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we create space on the court to outwit our opponent and win points in tennis?

Learning Objectives

To understand how to create space on the court by placing the ball in different areas
To explore thinking one shot ahead to set up winning opportunities
To apply spatial awareness tactics in competitive tennis situations

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to throw the ball to corners and open spaces to make opponents move
Students will understand the importance of recovering to the ready position after each shot
Students will demonstrate tactical thinking by creating space for their next shot

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed around court perimeters for easy access

Alternative: Large sponge balls, bean bags for easier catching

Cones

20-30

Used to create court boundaries and nets

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Bibs

15 (half the class)

To distinguish teams during activities

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts

Markers

Placed in corners and key court areas for target practice

Alternative: Hoops, poly spots

Key Vocabulary

Creating Space

Hitting or throwing the ball to an area that forces your opponent to move, leaving open areas on the court

Recovery Position

Returning to the centre of the court after each shot to be ready for the next ball

Underarm Throw

A throwing technique that replicates the forehand groundstroke in tennis

Outwitting

Using tactics and strategy to gain an advantage over your opponent

Court Position

Where you stand on the court to be best prepared for the next shot

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Understanding of court boundaries
Ability to catch and return a ball

Current Skills

Creating space through ball placement
Tactical thinking one shot ahead
Court positioning and recovery

Next Steps

Introduction of racket skills
More complex tactical combinations
Understanding of different shot types

Milestone Indicators

Consistently places ball in intended target areas

Shows understanding of space creation concepts

Demonstrates tactical thinking in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Ball placement is more important than power - accuracy creates winning opportunities
Recovery to centre court position after every shot is essential for court coverage
Thinking one shot ahead helps create tactical advantages against opponents
Underarm throwing technique must be maintained even under competitive pressure
Space creation works in all directions - corners, front court, and back court
Observing opponent position helps determine where to place the next shot
Good sportsmanship and encouragement enhance the learning environment for everyone

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Hitting harder will always win points' - Correction: Placement and accuracy are more effective than power
Misconception: 'I should stay where I hit the ball from' - Correction: Always return to centre court for best positioning
Misconception: 'Any throw over the net is good' - Correction: Tactical placement to specific areas creates advantages
Misconception: 'Tennis is just about hitting balls back and forth' - Correction: Tennis requires strategic thinking and tactical planning
Misconception: 'I don't need to watch my opponent' - Correction: Observing opponent position is crucial for effective shot selection

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with more variety, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks, positive behaviour focus

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier handling, reduced court complexity, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown, supportive partner pairing

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, designated quiet space if needed, consistent routines, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and audible balls, provide verbal descriptions of court areas, assign sighted buddy for navigation

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards, visual cues for game scoring

physical disability

Seated throwing variations, adapted court sizes, modified equipment including larger lighter balls, flexible rules for movement

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles and directions for ball placement, spatial reasoning for court positioning, counting scores and statistics

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, understanding gravity effects on throws, reaction time in movement responses

Geography

Directions and compass points for court areas, mapping movement patterns, understanding spatial relationships

PSHE

Resilience when losing points, cooperation with partners, respectful competition, goal setting for improvement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of courts to observe all students, position at corners for maximum visibility during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical ball placement, recovery positioning, throwing technique consistency, and positive social interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when students become frustrated with accuracy, provide encouragement during competitive pressure, correct technique breakdowns

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for space creation concepts, demonstrate at normal speed then slow motion, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Corner placement!'
•'Back to centre!'
•'Watch where they move!'
•'Think one shot ahead!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m clear area, or sports hall with adequate ceiling height for throwing

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not cracked or damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify adequate number of balls to avoid fighting over equipment

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students moving to catch balls
•Balls rolling under feet causing slips
•Overexertion during competitive games
•Eye contact with thrown balls

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries with adequate spacing between pairs
•Controlled throwing speeds emphasised throughout
•Students collect balls immediately after activities
•Regular reminders about watching the ball

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple courts simultaneously
•Monitor for appropriate competitive intensity
•Watch for signs of frustration or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed