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Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Court Movement

Tactical Skill Progression

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Year 4

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Tennis

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Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

30-40

Start with balls in central circle, distribute for activities

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students needing easier catching

Tennis Rackets

15 (1 per student)

Check strings and grips before lesson, appropriate weight for Year 4

Alternative: Table tennis bats, foam paddles for beginners

Cones

20-30

Use to mark courts, nets, and boundaries - bright colours preferred

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Sun Markers

4-6 courts

6x6 yard areas minimum, clear boundary lines

Alternative: Chalk, rope, or tape for temporary courts

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, weight on balls of feet, ready to move

Anticipation

Reading the game and getting into position before the ball arrives

Centre Court

The middle area of your side of the court where you should return after each shot

Forehand

Hitting the ball on the same side as your dominant hand

Backhand

Hitting the ball on the opposite side to your dominant hand

Baseline

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

Maintains ready position between shots without prompting

Moves confidently to forehand and backhand sides

Shows tactical awareness in competitive situations

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