Lesson 2 - Creating Space to Win a Point
Tactical Skills Development
•Year 3
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed around court perimeters for easy access
Alternative: Large sponge balls, bean bags for easier catching
Used to create court boundaries and nets
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
To distinguish teams during activities
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts
Placed in corners and key court areas for target practice
Alternative: Hoops, poly spots
Key Vocabulary
Hitting or throwing the ball to an area that forces your opponent to move, leaving open areas on the court
Returning to the centre of the court after each shot to be ready for the next ball
A throwing technique that replicates the forehand groundstroke in tennis
Using tactics and strategy to gain an advantage over your opponent
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
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