Lesson 1 - Tennis Basics
Tactical Skills Development
•Year 3
•Tennis
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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
Store in bucket at side of playing area
Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags for students with catching difficulties
4 cones per mini court (5m x 2m), 2 additional for net line
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, rope for net simulation
One per student to distinguish sides during competitive play
Alternative: Different coloured bands, team pinnies
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm swings upward from below shoulder level
Balanced stance in centre of court, prepared to move in any direction
Returning to the centre baseline position after playing a shot
Areas of the court where the opponent cannot easily reach the ball
Using clever tactics and placement to beat your opponent
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
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