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Lesson 7 - Tactical Play Awareness

Foundational Skills & Play

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Year 4

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Tennis

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48 min

Big Question

How can I use clever tactics to outwit my opponent and win points in tennis?

Learning Objectives

To use simple tactics in a game to outwit an opponent
To demonstrate understanding of basic tennis scoring
To apply strategic thinking in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will use tactical placement to outmanoeuvre opponents
Students will demonstrate consistent ready position and racket skills
Students will understand and apply basic tennis scoring rules

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Use to mark court boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines for court boundaries

Hoops

Place as scoring targets in tactical activities

Alternative: Marked circles, target mats

Tennis Balls

One ball per pair for most activities

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for modified play

Tennis Rackets

Variable

One racket per student, check for damage before use

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, padder bats

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

A plan or strategy used to gain an advantage over an opponent

Ready Position

Balanced stance with knees bent, racket ready, facing the net

Court Awareness

Understanding where you are on court and where opponents are positioned

Double Fault

Missing both serve attempts, resulting in losing the point

Placement

Deliberately hitting the ball to a specific area of the court

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can hold a tennis racket correctly
Students understand basic forehand and backhand strokes
Students can hit a ball with some consistency

Current Skills

Strategic ball placement to create advantages
Understanding of scoring system and rules
Tactical awareness and decision-making

Next Steps

Advanced tactical combinations
Serving strategies and tactics
Competitive match play with complex rules

Milestone Indicators

Consistently places ball away from opponent

Anticipates opponent movement

Makes tactical decisions under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Tactical ball placement is more important than power
Working with your partner creates better scoring opportunities
The ready position helps you react quickly to opponent shots
Understanding scoring rules helps you make better tactical decisions
Observing opponent positioning reveals tactical opportunities
Communication with your partner improves tactical success
Learning from unsuccessful tactics is as valuable as celebrating successes

Common Misconceptions

Hitting harder always wins points - emphasise placement over power
Tennis is only an individual sport - highlight doubles cooperation
You must hit winners every shot - teach patience and building points
Tactics are too complex for Year 4 - demonstrate simple but effective strategies
Only talented players can use tactics - show how thinking beats pure skill

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular breaks, clear focus points for tactical discussions, movement breaks between static activities

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter equipment options, simplified court layouts, extra practice time for tactical concepts

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules for activity rotations, defined court spaces, consistent routines for equipment collection

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of court areas, use tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game starts/stops, provide written rule cards, ensure clear sightlines for demonstrations

physical disability

Modified racket grips, seated play options, shorter court distances, larger balls for easier contact

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems, counting points, measuring court areas and distances, angles of ball trajectory

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, friction effects on movement, reaction time and reflexes

Geography

Spatial awareness, position and direction, mapping court areas and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, handling competition, resilience when tactics don't work, fair play values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe tactical development, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, ball placement away from opponents, cooperative team strategies

Intervention Points

Step in if tactical concepts are misunderstood, if safety concerns arise, or if scoring disputes occur

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow demonstrations for tactical concepts, involve students in showing successful examples, emphasise decision-making process

Verbal Cues

•'Hit it away from them!'
•'Where's the empty space?'
•'Work together first!'
•'That's tactical thinking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for multiple courts, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface suitable for quick directional changes and safe movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis rackets for loose strings or damaged frames
•Ensure balls are not too hard or damaged
•Verify nets/cone lines are stable and appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players moving quickly
•Being struck by balls or rackets
•Slipping during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between courts and groups
•Controlled ball distribution and collection
•Progressive skill building to appropriate intensity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor spacing between students during movement
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overcompetitive behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, ensure other students remain safe