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Lesson 1 - Court Positioning and Ball Return

Technique to Doubles Tactics

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Year 4

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can quick court positioning and constant alertness help you become a better tennis player?

Learning Objectives

Develop correct positioning to move and receive/return balls effectively
Maintain alertness and awareness of opposing player movements
Identify and execute different types of throws to various targets

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate proper ready position and quick movement to central court position
Students will show improved ball tracking and reaction skills
Students will successfully execute targeted throws with appropriate power and trajectory

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15 balls)

Distribute one ball to each pair at start of skill development

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students with coordination difficulties

Cones

3 per pair (45 cones total)

Set up in triangular formation for each pair - 1 central, 2 side cones

Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags, small hoops

Hoops

2 per group for assessment activity

Place as targets at varying distances for different challenge levels

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cones to mark target areas

Benches

1 per group (extension)

Use as 'net' for advanced challenge - height appropriate for age group

Alternative: Cones with string, PE hurdles set low

Key Vocabulary

Ready position

Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move quickly

Central position

The middle area of the court where a player returns after each shot to be ready for the next ball

Ball tracking

Keeping your eyes focused on the ball from the moment it leaves your opponent's hand until you catch it

Target throw

A deliberate throw aimed at a specific area or target with appropriate power and trajectory

Court awareness

Understanding where you are on the court and where you need to move next

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball catching and throwing skills
Understanding of personal space and movement
Basic coordination and balance skills

Current Skills

Court positioning and ready stance
Quick movement and recovery to central position
Ball tracking and anticipation skills
Targeted throwing with varying power

Next Steps

Introduction to racquet work and ball striking
Development of forehand and backhand techniques
Understanding of game tactics and scoring

Milestone Indicators

Consistently returns to central position without reminders

Demonstrates quick reaction to ball direction changes

Shows improving accuracy in targeted throwing

Key Teaching Points

Always return to central ready position after each movement or shot
Maintain athletic ready stance with knees bent and weight on balls of feet
Keep eyes focused on ball from release until catch
Use appropriate throwing force for distance - gentle and accurate rather than powerful
Work cooperatively with partner to ensure both players can practice successfully
Apply learned positioning skills in competitive game situations
Connect all activities to real tennis court positioning and game strategy

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you should stay where you hit the ball instead of returning to centre position
Believing harder throws are always better than accurate throws
Assuming ready position means standing still rather than being dynamically balanced
Not understanding that court positioning is strategic rather than just following rules
Thinking only the ball matters without considering opponent's position

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks between activities

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, reduce movement complexity initially, provide extra practice time, allow alternative movement patterns

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, allow processing time for instructions, offer quiet space if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, ensure students can see teacher at all times

physical disability

Modify distances between cones, allow seated catching, use larger or softer balls, provide alternative movement options

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful catches and throws, measuring distances between cones, understanding angles for different throw trajectories

Science

Forces and motion in ball throwing, gravity affecting ball flight, body mechanics in movement and balance

Geography

Directional language (left, right, forward, backward), spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of boundaries

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork with partners, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and good sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around groups during skill development, central position for demonstrations and instructions

Observation Focus

Watch for return to central position, quality of ball tracking, partner cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with catching, not returning to centre, or unsafe throwing

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for ready position, show ball tracking with head movement, demonstrate throw variations

Verbal Cues

•'Back to centre!'
•'Watch the ball!'
•'Ready position!'
•'Gentle throws to help your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m indoor hall or outdoor court area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry conditions, no debris or tripping hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls checked for damage and appropriate firmness
•Cones stable and visible, no sharp edges or cracks
•Hoops secure and flat on ground to prevent tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Slips and falls when moving quickly or changing direction
•Ball impacts to head or body during throwing activities
•Tripping over cones or equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each pair's practice area
•Adequate spacing maintained between all activities
•Progressive skill building from slow to faster movements
•Emphasis on controlled, accurate throws rather than power
•Regular safety reminders about awareness of others

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during activities
•Pay particular attention during game application phase
•Monitor throwing activities for appropriate force
•Watch for students not following safety instructions

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed