Tactical Skills Development
•Year 3
•Tennis
•Pre-position one ball at each court for quick tournament start
Alternative: Large foam balls, bean bags for easier catching
Place cones 3 metres apart to create 6 mini courts
Alternative: Skipping ropes, chalk lines, or actual tennis nets if available
Create 6 courts, each 4m x 6m with clear boundaries
Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers, or existing court markings
Laminated cards with dry-wipe markers for reuse
Alternative: Simple paper and pencils for students to track scores
Visible timer for 3-minute game periods
Alternative: Smartphone timer or classroom clock with second hand
Only for most confident students as extension activity
Alternative: Wooden paddles or table tennis bats
A series of competitive games where winners progress up and losers move down
A deliberately placed throw designed to create difficulty for the opponent
Balanced stance in the centre of your court, prepared to move in any direction
Moving your opponent out of position to create an open area to target
A special scoring system to determine a winner when games are tied
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Counting points and scores, timing 3-minute rounds, calculating court movements and positions
Understanding forces in throwing, trajectory and angles, physical effects of competition on body
Spatial awareness, court positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns
Competitive resilience, fair play values, cooperation under pressure, managing emotions in competition
Move between courts during play to observe tactics and provide encouragement
Watch for tactical development, fair play, and competitive resilience
Step in for rule disputes, safety concerns, or tactical coaching opportunities
Use live examples from tournament play to highlight good tactics and sportsmanship
Minimum 30m x 20m for 6 courts with adequate spacing between courts
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes
Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid and support
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