Lesson 3 - Tactical Play and Winning Points
Tactical Skills Development
•Year 3
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use smart tactics to win points and beat our opponents in tennis?
Learning Objectives
- Apply prior learning of different ways to win points in competitive mini games
- Demonstrate understanding of court positioning and ready position
- Create and execute tactical plays to challenge opponents
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully apply tactical knowledge in 1v1 ladder tournaments
- Students will demonstrate improved court positioning and recovery
- Students will show understanding of creating space to win points
Equipment & Resources Required
Store in bucket at side of area for easy access
Alternative: Large foam balls, playground balls
Use to mark court boundaries and nets
Alternative: Bean bags, markers
Create 6 mini courts in ladder formation
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope
One per pair for keeping track of points
Alternative: Clipboards with paper
Key Vocabulary
Deliberately throwing the ball to a specific area to gain an advantage
Returning to the centre of your court after playing a shot
Balanced stance with knees bent, ready to move in any direction
Making your opponent move to open up areas of their court
A competition format where winners move up and losers move down courts
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing technique
- Understanding of court boundaries
- Knowledge of when points are won/lost
Current Skills
- Tactical shot placement
- Court positioning and recovery
- Game application under pressure
Next Steps
- Introduction to racket use
- More complex tactical patterns
- Doubles play concepts
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always look at opponent position before throwing to identify space
- Recovery to centre baseline position is essential after every throw
- Tactical thinking is more important than throwing power
- Sportsmanship and fair play are fundamental to competitive tennis
- Creating space through opponent movement opens up winning opportunities
- Ready position with bent knees and balanced stance enables quick movement
- Tournament pressure is an opportunity to show learning under challenge
Common Misconceptions
- Throwing harder will always win points - correct with emphasis on tactical placement
- Staying in throwing position is advantageous - teach immediate recovery movement
- Random throwing is acceptable - develop systematic tactical thinking
- Winning is only about lucky shots - emphasise skill and strategy development
- Court position doesn't matter - demonstrate importance of centre baseline positioning
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter game segments, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger target areas, simplified tactical concepts, extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Clear tournament structure explained in advance, quiet area available, consistent routines
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and clear verbal descriptions of court positions, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all tactics, written rule cards, clear hand signals for game management
physical disability
- Seated throwing version, modified court sizes, adapted equipment and distances as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Scorekeeping, counting points, understanding tiebreak scoring to 7, spatial reasoning with court positioning
Science
Forces in throwing, trajectory and angles, cause and effect in tactical decisions
Geography
Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping court spaces
PSHE
Sportsmanship, resilience, managing competitive emotions, fair play and honesty
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Rotate between courts during tournament, central position during instruction
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical decision-making, recovery positioning, and sportsmanship
Intervention Points
Step in if rules disputes arise or safety concerns develop
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for tactical concepts, emphasise positive examples from student play
Verbal Cues
- •'Look where they are!'
- •'Throw away from them!'
- •'Sprint back to centre!'
- •'Great tactical thinking!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m area for 6 mini courts with safe movement space
Surface Check
Dry, level surface free from hazards, suitable for dynamic movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are not overinflated or damaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify court markers are securely placed
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during competitive play
- •Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
- •Ball strikes from throws
- •Overexertion during tournament play
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries with adequate spacing
- •Controlled throwing technique emphasised
- •Progressive skill building before competition
- •Regular monitoring of intensity levels
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts
- •Monitor competitive intensity and sportsmanship
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required