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Lesson 1 - Tennis Basics

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 accurate throwing and positioning to outwit our opponent in tennis?

Learning Objectives

To understand how to win points in tennis through accurate throwing
To develop underarm throwing technique that replicates the tennis forehand
To learn court positioning and the ready position for effective play

Key Outcomes

Students will throw accurately using underarm technique into target areas
Students will understand where to position themselves on court and why
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by throwing into spaces to beat opponents

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Store in bucket at side of playing area

Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags for students with catching difficulties

Cones

60 (for 15 mini courts)

4 cones per mini court (5m x 2m), 2 additional for net line

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, rope for net simulation

Coloured Bibs

15 (one colour)

One per student to distinguish sides during competitive play

Alternative: Different coloured bands, team pinnies

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm swings upward from below shoulder level

Ready position

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

Court recovery

Returning to the centre baseline position after playing a shot

Open space

Areas of the court where the opponent cannot easily reach the ball

Outwitting

Using clever tactics and placement to beat your opponent

Baseline

The back line of the tennis court where players start each point

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique from KS1
Catching skills with two hands
Understanding of taking turns and following rules

Current Skills

Accurate underarm throwing to targets
Court positioning and ready position
Tactical awareness of space and placement

Next Steps

Introduction of tennis racket technique
More complex court movement patterns
Advanced tactical play and shot selection

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy in throwing to target areas

Automatic return to ready position after each shot

Evidence of tactical thinking in shot placement

Key Teaching Points

Underarm throwing technique mirrors tennis forehand - step with opposite foot and follow through
Ready position in centre baseline allows coverage of entire court area
Court recovery after every shot is essential for defensive positioning
Tactical placement to spaces forces opponent movement and creates winning opportunities
Cooperative practice builds skills before competitive application
One bounce rule develops timing and hand-eye coordination for real tennis
Sporting behaviour and respect for opponents are fundamental to tennis culture

Common Misconceptions

Students think they should stay where they catch/throw the ball instead of recovering to centre
Belief that throwing harder rather than more accurately will win points
Confusion about when points are scored (boundaries and bounce rules)
Thinking the ready position means standing perfectly still rather than being alert and balanced
Misconception that helping opponent catch balls is still the goal during competitive play
Not understanding why centre baseline position is tactically superior to other court positions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear visual boundaries, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier handling, reduced court size, extra practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear visual court boundaries, consistent routines for each activity, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright yellow or orange balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for key instructions, written rules display

physical disability

Adapted throwing from seated position, use of ball ramps if needed, modified court sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rallies and scores, measuring court dimensions, understanding angles for throw direction, geometry of court positioning

Science

Forces in throwing (push/pull), trajectory and arc of ball flight, balance and stability in ready position

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, direction and angles, mapping court layout and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork in cooperative rallies, resilience when losing points, respect for opponents, self-improvement mindset

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand centrally during demonstrations, move between courts during practice, position for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct underarm technique, tactical decision making, sporting behaviour, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if throwing becomes too aggressive, if disputes arise during games, or if safety is compromised

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations, show common mistakes and corrections

Verbal Cues

•'Step and swing!' for throwing technique
•'Find the space!' for tactical awareness
•'Back to ready!' for court recovery
•'Bounce once, then catch!' for timing

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area to accommodate 15 mini courts with safe spacing

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are in good condition with no splits or damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify adequate quantity of equipment for all students

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students in adjacent courts
•Ball strikes to head or face
•Slips and falls during quick movements
•Overexertion during competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Minimum 2m spacing between all mini courts
•Clear instruction about underarm throwing only (no overarm)
•Emphasise controlled movement and balance
•Monitor competitive intensity to prevent over-aggression

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally for overview of all courts
•Move regularly between courts during activities
•Pay particular attention during competitive games

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required