Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Court Movement
Tactical Skill Progression
•Year 4
•Tennis
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How can positioning and anticipation help me become a better tennis player?
Learning Objectives
- To master the ready position and understand its importance in tennis
- To develop movement skills to get into good positions to strike a ball
- To apply tactical understanding of court positioning in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will consistently demonstrate the correct ready position
- Students will move effectively around the court to reach balls
- Students will show tactical awareness by returning to centre court after shots
Equipment & Resources Required
Start with balls in central circle, distribute for activities
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students needing easier catching
Check strings and grips before lesson, appropriate weight for Year 4
Alternative: Table tennis bats, foam paddles for beginners
Use to mark courts, nets, and boundaries - bright colours preferred
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
6x6 yard areas minimum, clear boundary lines
Alternative: Chalk, rope, or tape for temporary courts
Key Vocabulary
Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, weight on balls of feet, ready to move
Reading the game and getting into position before the ball arrives
The middle area of your side of the court where you should return after each shot
Hitting the ball on the same side as your dominant hand
Hitting the ball on the opposite side to your dominant hand
The line at the back of each side of the tennis court
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball catching and throwing skills
- Understanding of simple game rules
- Ability to work cooperatively with partners
Current Skills
- Ready position technique
- Court movement and positioning
- Basic striking technique with hands and rackets
Next Steps
- Consistent racket control and ball placement
- Advanced footwork patterns
- Tactical shot selection
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position is the foundation for all tennis movement and success
- Anticipation and court positioning are as important as striking technique
- Progression from cooperative to competitive activities builds confidence
- Correct grip technique establishes good habits for future development
- Floor tennis develops racket control before introducing bouncing balls
- Return to centre court after every shot to maintain good positioning
- Individual differentiation allows all students to experience success
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'I just need to hit the ball hard' - Reality: Control and placement are more important than power
- Misconception: 'Ready position is just standing still' - Reality: Ready position is active preparation for movement
- Misconception: 'I should stay where I hit the ball' - Reality: Return to centre court for best next shot position
- Misconception: 'Same grip works for all shots' - Reality: Grip changes help with different shot types
- Misconception: 'Floor tennis isn't real tennis' - Reality: Develops essential racket control skills for progression
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear short instructions, physical activity outlets, immediate feedback on performance
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, slower ball speeds, extra practice time, break skills into smaller components
autism spectrum
- Clear visual court boundaries, consistent routines, quiet zones available, predictable activity structure
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written court rules displayed
physical disability
- Adapted rackets or larger hitting implements, modified court sizes, seated tennis options where appropriate
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting rally scores, measuring court dimensions, calculating win/loss ratios, geometry of court angles
Science
Forces in ball striking, trajectory and bounce physics, balance and centre of gravity in ready position
Geography
Court positioning and spatial awareness, directions (left/right, forward/back), mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Fair play and sportsmanship, perseverance through skill development, teamwork and communication
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around courts to observe all students, position for clear demonstration visibility
Observation Focus
Ready position technique, court movement patterns, racket grip and control, tactical understanding
Intervention Points
Step in if safety concerns, provide individual technique support, manage competitive intensity
Demonstration Notes
Exaggerate ready position for visibility, show incorrect then correct techniques, use students for positive examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Ready position - feet apart, knees bent!'
- •'Move to the ball, then back to centre!'
- •'Gentle push with the racket, control not power!'
- •'Use the right grip for forehand and backhand!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor court area, minimum 20m x 30m for multiple courts
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, clear of water or debris, appropriate for racket sports
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis rackets for string condition and grip security
- •Ensure tennis balls are in good condition
- •Verify cone stability and visibility
- •Check for appropriate racket size for Year 4 students
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Racket contact with others during swing practice
- •Trips and falls during court movement
- •Ball strikes from powerful throwing/hitting
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing between playing areas
- •Emphasise controlled movements and gradual skill progression
- •Teach safe racket handling and awareness of others
- •Progressive intensity from cooperative to competitive activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all courts during activities
- •Monitor racket technique for safety
- •Watch for aggressive play during competitive sections
- •Check individual students coping with equipment and activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed