Lesson 8 - Fair Play and Competition
Foundational Skills & Play
•Year 4
•Tennis
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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
Check racket size appropriate for students, distribute before lesson
Alternative: Table tennis bats, badminton rackets for modified games
Use lower compression balls for easier control
Alternative: Foam balls, larger sponge balls for easier play
Set up multiple mini courts before lesson begins
Alternative: Lines, chalk markings, rope for boundaries
Key Vocabulary
Playing honestly and with respect for opponents and rules
Continuous hitting of the ball back and forth over the net
Missing two serves in a row, resulting in opponent winning the point
Balanced stance in centre of court, prepared to move in any direction
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
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