Tactical Skill Progression
•Year 4
•Tennis
•Check racket size is appropriate for each student
Alternative: Shorter rackets for smaller students, foam paddles
Use softer balls for students needing support
Alternative: Foam balls, low compression balls for beginners
Mark court boundaries and feeding positions
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Create 7m gaps and net lines
Alternative: Chalk, rope, existing court lines
Hitting the ball before it bounces on the ground
Redirecting the ball using its existing pace rather than adding power
Balanced stance with racket up, ready to move in any direction
Stepping with the foot opposite to your hitting hand
Relaxed grip where thumb and forefinger form a V shape
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Counting volleys and successful deflections, measuring court distances and angles
Forces and deflection physics, angles of ball travel, reaction time studies
Court directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, fair play values
Central position during demonstrations, circulate during pair work, elevated position for game observation
Watch for deflection technique, opposite foot stepping, ready position return, safety spacing
Step in if unsafe technique, provide individual support for struggling students, manage game flow
Use slow motion for technique breakdown, exaggerate key points, show common mistakes for comparison
Minimum 30m x 40m area, multiple small courts for games
Dry, even surface free from hazards, non-slip area for quick movements
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if needed
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.