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Lesson 6 - Tactical Awareness and Competition

Tactical Skill Progression

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Year 4

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Tennis

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Big Question

How can I use tactics to outsmart my opponent in tennis?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate specific tactical awareness in competitive tennis situations
To identify and exploit opponent's strengths and weaknesses
To apply tennis rules accurately while umpiring games

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate tactical thinking by adapting their game against different opponents
Students will show understanding of their own and opponent's strengths and weaknesses
Students will umpire games fairly and accurately following tennis rules

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

6 portable nets

Check racket strings are secure and grips are appropriate size

Alternative: Shorter tennis rackets, badminton rackets for smaller students

Tennis Balls

4 per court (24)

Ensure balls have good bounce and are visible colour

Alternative: Foam tennis balls, lower compression balls for beginners

Markers Cones

20-30 cones

Mark clear court boundaries and service boxes

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, masking tape for indoor courts

Bibs

2 different colours

For identifying Pacman and tournament groups

Alternative: Team bands, different coloured t-shirts

Score Sheets

6 clipboards with paper

Visible to all students for tournament results

Alternative: Whiteboard, large paper on easel

Key Vocabulary

Tactical awareness

The ability to make smart decisions about shot selection and game strategy based on the situation

Drop shot

A soft shot that lands close to the net, forcing opponent to run forward

Backhand weakness

When a player struggles to play shots on their non-dominant side

Service box

The rectangular area on the opposite side of court where serves must land

Umpiring

Officiating a tennis match by calling shots in or out and keeping score

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand and backhand strokes
Understanding of court boundaries and serving areas
Basic rally skills and ball control

Current Skills

Tactical awareness in competitive situations
Identifying opponent strengths and weaknesses
Advanced serving strategies and shot placement

Next Steps

Complex tactical combinations and match strategy
Advanced shot selection under pressure
Leadership in coaching and developing others

Milestone Indicators

Consistently adapts game plan during rallies

Demonstrates clear tactical thinking in shot selection

Shows understanding of when to attack or defend

Key Teaching Points

Tactical awareness develops through guided questioning and observation of opponents
Tournament format provides authentic competitive experience while teaching rules and fair play
Umpiring responsibilities develop understanding of tennis rules and decision-making skills
Drop shots and targeted placement are key tactical weapons for Year 4 students
Sportsmanship and resilience are as important as tactical skill in competitive tennis
Self-assessment and peer recognition develop reflective learning and positive attitudes
Community links encourage lifelong participation beyond school tennis lessons

Common Misconceptions

Hitting harder always wins points - teach placement and consistency over power
Tactics are only for advanced players - show that simple tactics work at all levels
Winning is everything - emphasise effort, sportsmanship and improvement
Umpiring is just calling shots - teach that umpires manage the whole game experience
Tennis is only for naturally gifted students - demonstrate that tactics can overcome natural ability
Competition creates negative emotions - show how fair competition builds resilience and character

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent rotation between playing and umpiring, clear role definitions, regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger court targets, simplified tactical concepts, additional practice time for serving

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure displayed visually, predictable rotation system, quiet zone for breaks

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and rackets, verbal descriptions of court positions, buddy system for umpiring

hearing impairment

Visual signals for umpiring calls, written tournament fixtures, clear hand signals for communication

physical disability

Seated tennis adaptations, larger/lighter rackets, modified court sizes, alternative scoring systems

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development through tactical terminology, communication in umpiring

Maths

Scoring systems, tournament brackets, time management and match scheduling

Science

Forces in serving and shot-making, angles of ball trajectory and court geometry

Geography

Court layouts and spatial awareness, mapping tournament organisation

PSHE

Competition management, resilience in winning/losing, leadership through umpiring

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between courts to observe tactical play, position centrally during discussions

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, sportsmanship, and accurate rule application

Intervention Points

Step in for umpiring disputes, safety concerns, or when tactical coaching needed

Demonstration Notes

Use students to demonstrate good tactical play, model positive sportsmanship language

Verbal Cues

•'Where's the open space on court?'
•'Can you target their backhand?'
•'Great tactical thinking!'
•'Umpire, call clearly please!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6 courts each 8m x 4m, clear boundaries marked, adequate spacing between courts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, court lines clearly marked and safe

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket strings are secure and handles appropriate size
•Ensure tennis balls maintain good bounce and visibility
•Verify nets are secure and correct height (91cm at centre)

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from adjacent courts
•Collisions between students during competitive play
•Overexertion during tournament format
•Disputes over umpiring decisions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries between courts with adequate spacing
•Supervised umpiring with teacher support for disputes
•Regular water breaks and fatigue monitoring
•Clear rules about staying in designated court areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility across all courts
•Monitor competitive intensity and emotional responses
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, ensure safe evacuation route