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Lesson 8 - Fair Play and Competition

Foundational Skills & Play

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Year 4

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Tennis

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36 min

Big Question

How can we compete fairly while showing respect for our opponents and the game?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate honesty and fair play when competing against others
To apply basic racket skills in competitive game situations
To understand and follow the rules of tennis scoring

Key Outcomes

Students will compete with honesty and good sportsmanship
Students will use a range of basic racket skills effectively
Students will identify areas for improvement in their game

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

Check racket size appropriate for students, distribute before lesson

Alternative: Table tennis bats, badminton rackets for modified games

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Use lower compression balls for easier control

Alternative: Foam balls, larger sponge balls for easier play

Cones

60 for court marking

Set up multiple mini courts before lesson begins

Alternative: Lines, chalk markings, rope for boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Fair play

Playing honestly and with respect for opponents and rules

Rally

Continuous hitting of the ball back and forth over the net

Double fault

Missing two serves in a row, resulting in opponent winning the point

Ready position

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

Sportsmanship

Showing respect, fairness and courtesy to opponents

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and stance
Simple underarm serves
Basic rules of tennis scoring

Current Skills

Competitive play with fair scoring
Consistent rallying techniques
Sportsmanship and respect for opponents

Next Steps

Advanced serving techniques
Tactical game play
Tournament-style competition

Milestone Indicators

Students consistently agree on scores without teacher intervention

Rallies of 5+ shots achieved regularly

Good sportsmanship demonstrated throughout lesson

Key Teaching Points

Fair play and honesty are more important than winning
Always agree the score after each point to avoid disputes
Move your feet to the ball before attempting to hit it
Return to ready position in centre of court after each shot
Show respect for opponents through good sportsmanship
Focus on controlled shots rather than power
Shake hands and congratulate opponents after each match

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that winning is more important than playing fairly - emphasise that good sportsmanship is the priority
Believing that harder shots are better - teach that control and placement are more effective
Assuming disputes are normal in sport - show that good communication prevents most disagreements
Standing still and reaching for balls - demonstrate the importance of moving feet first
Thinking that losing means failure - celebrate effort and improvement over results

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter game segments, provide clear boundaries and rules, offer movement breaks between activities

dyspraxia

Use larger rackets and balls, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time and support

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedule for lesson segments, create quiet zone if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, pair with sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for scoring, demonstrate all instructions, provide written rule cards

physical disability

Adapt serving rules, use larger/softer balls, modify court size, allow wheelchair access zones

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, vocabulary development, following and giving instructions clearly

Maths

Scoring systems, counting points, understanding number sequences in tennis scoring (15, 30, 40)

Science

Forces in racket sports, trajectory of balls, cause and effect in ball movement

PSHE

Fair play, honesty, respect for others, managing emotions in competitive situations, building relationships

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe fair play and technique, positioning for maximum visibility of all matches

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent application of racket skills, evidence of fair play, and positive competitive behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in if disputes arise over scoring, provide technique reminders during rallies, support students struggling with fair play concepts

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, model positive language for scoring discussions, show clear examples of good and poor sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Agree the score!'
•'Move your feet to the ball!'
•'Great sportsmanship!'
•'Control not power!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor courts, minimum 30m x 20m with multiple court areas

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, appropriate for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rackets for damaged strings or frames
•Ensure balls are at appropriate pressure
•Cones positioned safely without trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions between students
•Balls hitting students in face or body
•Slips and falls during quick movements
•Disputes leading to emotional upset

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain adequate spacing between courts (minimum 2m)
•Teach safe racket handling and awareness of others
•Emphasise controlled shots rather than power
•Clear rules about fair play and dispute resolution

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple courts simultaneously
•Monitor competitive play for safety and fair play
•Be alert for signs of frustration or conflict

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately if injury occurs, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely supervised