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Lesson 6 - Level 1 Tennis Tournament

Tactical Skills Development

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Year 3

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use strategy and skill to win consistently in competitive tennis play?

Learning Objectives

To apply tennis skills in a competitive tournament format
To develop tactical awareness through space creation and ball placement
To demonstrate fair play and collaboration during competitive play

Key Outcomes

Students will compete successfully in a structured tennis tournament
Students will show improved tactical decision-making under pressure
Students will demonstrate excellent sportsmanship and cooperation

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15 balls)

Pre-position one ball at each court for quick tournament start

Alternative: Large foam balls, bean bags for easier catching

Cones

12 cones (2 per court)

Place cones 3 metres apart to create 6 mini courts

Alternative: Skipping ropes, chalk lines, or actual tennis nets if available

Sun Markers

24 cones (4 per court)

Create 6 courts, each 4m x 6m with clear boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers, or existing court markings

Scorecards

6 cards (1 per court)

Laminated cards with dry-wipe markers for reuse

Alternative: Simple paper and pencils for students to track scores

Timer

1 for teacher

Visible timer for 3-minute game periods

Alternative: Smartphone timer or classroom clock with second hand

Tennis Rackets

Only for most confident students as extension activity

Alternative: Wooden paddles or table tennis bats

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A series of competitive games where winners progress up and losers move down

Tactical shot

A deliberately placed throw designed to create difficulty for the opponent

Ready position

Balanced stance in the centre of your court, prepared to move in any direction

Space creation

Moving your opponent out of position to create an open area to target

Tiebreak

A special scoring system to determine a winner when games are tied

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Understanding of court boundaries and net play
Simple scoring and turn-taking

Current Skills

Tactical ball placement for competitive advantage
Tournament format participation and etiquette
Pressure performance under time constraints

Next Steps

Introduction to basic racket skills
More complex tournament formats
Advanced tactical play including volleys

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate throws into opponent's court

Evidence of tactical thinking in shot selection

Positive competitive behaviour throughout matches

Key Teaching Points

Throw into open spaces to make winning easier
Always return to ready position after throwing
Use corners and short shots to move opponents around
Tournament movement helps everyone find the right challenge level
Fair play and sportsmanship are more important than winning
Tactical thinking improves with practice and competition
Every student can improve their tennis skills through tournaments

Common Misconceptions

That harder throwing automatically wins points - correct by emphasising accuracy and placement
That losing means moving to a 'worse' court - reframe as finding the perfect challenge level
That tournaments are only for the most skilled - emphasise that everyone can compete and improve
That tactics don't matter in simple throwing games - demonstrate clear advantages of tactical play
That competitive play means being unfair - model and expect excellent sportsmanship throughout

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods, clear movement expectations, regular positive feedback and redirection

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier catching, simplified court markers, extra practice time for rule understanding

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure explained visually, quiet zones available between rounds, predictable rotation system

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal commentary of play, buddy system for court navigation

hearing impairment

Visual signals for timing, clear written rules displayed, hand signals for instructions

physical disability

Seated throwing version, modified court sizes, adapted scoring system allowing more bounces

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting points and scores, timing 3-minute rounds, calculating court movements and positions

Science

Understanding forces in throwing, trajectory and angles, physical effects of competition on body

Geography

Spatial awareness, court positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Competitive resilience, fair play values, cooperation under pressure, managing emotions in competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during play to observe tactics and provide encouragement

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical development, fair play, and competitive resilience

Intervention Points

Step in for rule disputes, safety concerns, or tactical coaching opportunities

Demonstration Notes

Use live examples from tournament play to highlight good tactics and sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Think about where they're standing!'
•'Great tactical shot!'
•'Back to ready position!'
•'Play fair and have fun!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for 6 courts with adequate spacing between courts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not damaged or cracked
•Ensure cone markers are stable and visible
•Verify court boundaries are clearly marked

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during competitive play
•Slips and falls during quick movements
•Ball strikes from enthusiastic throwing
•Competitive tension leading to disputes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between courts to prevent interference
•Emphasise controlled throwing rather than power
•Establish clear dispute resolution procedures
•Monitor competitive intensity throughout tournament

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple courts simultaneously
•Move between courts to provide live feedback
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid and support