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Lesson 6 - Competitive Gameplay

Technique to Doubles Tactics

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Year 4

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Tennis

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Big Question

How can we use our tennis skills to compete fairly and score points strategically in match situations?

Learning Objectives

To apply forehand and backhand strokes effectively in competitive match situations
To understand and implement tennis scoring rules across different game scenarios
To demonstrate sportsmanship and teamwork during competitive and cooperative gameplay

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully use both forehand and backhand strokes to return balls during match play
Students will accurately describe various methods of scoring points against opponents
Students will demonstrate fair play and cooperation while competing in tennis matches

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racquet size appropriate for student grip and strength

Alternative: Badminton racquets, table tennis bats for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

6-8 per court (48 total)

Have extra balls available courtside for continuous play

Alternative: Foam balls, larger softer balls for beginners

Markers Cones

22 cones

Mark clear boundaries for multiple smaller courts

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, existing court markings

Nets

7 nets/benches

Ensure adequate height - approximately waist high for Year 4

Alternative: Rope between poles, no net (ground stroke practice)

Scorecards

1 per court (6-8)

Simple scoring sheets with clear point tracking

Alternative: Whiteboards, verbal scoring

Competition Planner

1 for teacher

Pre-planned rotation ensuring all students play multiple opponents

Alternative: Simple rotation list on whiteboard

Key Vocabulary

Forehand

A tennis stroke played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Backhand

A tennis stroke played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Scoring

The system of awarding points in tennis based on successful shots and opponent errors

Boundaries

The marked lines that define the playing area of the tennis court

Rally

A sequence of shots exchanged between players before a point is won

Doubles

Tennis played with two players on each side of the court

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand and backhand stroke technique
Understanding of court boundaries and playing area
Experience with partner cooperation and turn-taking

Current Skills

Applying strokes under competitive pressure
Understanding tennis scoring systems and rules
Strategic shot placement and game tactics

Next Steps

Advanced tactical awareness and game strategy
Officiating and scoring complex match situations
Leading tournaments and coaching younger students

Milestone Indicators

Consistent stroke execution during match pressure

Accurate scoring and rule application

Positive sportsmanship and fair play demonstrated

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise accuracy and placement over power in shot selection
Reinforce fair play and honest line calling throughout tournament
Encourage tactical thinking - making opponent move to create winning opportunities
Model and celebrate positive sportsmanship examples from students
Connect tennis skills to broader character development and life skills
Maintain focus on enjoyment and improvement rather than just winning
Use competition as vehicle for skill application rather than pure results focus

Common Misconceptions

Tennis is only about hitting hard - correct by teaching placement and control
Winning is the only measure of success - emphasise effort, improvement and sportsmanship
Advanced players don't need to follow basic rules - reinforce that rules apply to everyone
Tournament pressure means abandoning tactics - encourage continued application of learned skills
Individual sports don't require teamwork - highlight cooperation in doubles and support for all players

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter match times, frequent role changes, clear boundaries and movement rules, positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger racquets, slower balls, simplified court layouts, extra practice time with basic skills

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure with visual schedules, quiet zones for breaks, predictable rotation patterns

visual impairment

Use bright yellow balls, clear verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all rules, hand signals for scoring, written tournament schedules

physical disability

Seated tennis options, larger/slower balls, modified court sizes, alternative scoring systems

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, vocabulary development, reading competition schedules and instructions

Science

Understanding forces in ball strikes, trajectory and angle concepts, reaction time and coordination

Mathematics

Scoring systems, counting points, time management, geometric court layout understanding

PSHE

Fair play, respect for others, handling winning and losing, teamwork and communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe all matches, position for clear view of multiple courts during tournament

Observation Focus

Watch for application of scoring rules, tactical development, and positive sportsmanship throughout

Intervention Points

Step in for rule clarifications, safety concerns, or significant behavioural issues

Demonstration Notes

Use clear court demonstrations for rules, show tactical examples during play, model positive sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Hit to corners to make opponent move!'
•'Control your power - accuracy over strength!'
•'Excellent sportsmanship - that's what tennis is about!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or multiple tennis courts, minimum 30m x 20m for multiple courts

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis racquets for cracks or loose strings
•Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks
•Verify nets/benches are stable and appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players on adjacent courts
•Racquet contact during enthusiastic play
•Tripping over court markers or equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain adequate spacing between courts (minimum 2m)
•Establish clear court boundaries and movement rules
•Teach safe ball collection and racquet handling

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple courts simultaneously
•Circulate frequently during tournament play
•Monitor fatigue levels during extended competition

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed