Lesson 1 - Court Positioning and Ball Return
Technique to Doubles Tactics
•Year 4
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distribute one ball to each pair at start of skill development
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students with coordination difficulties
Set up in triangular formation for each pair - 1 central, 2 side cones
Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags, small hoops
Place as targets at varying distances for different challenge levels
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cones to mark target areas
Use as 'net' for advanced challenge - height appropriate for age group
Alternative: Cones with string, PE hurdles set low
Key Vocabulary
Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move quickly
The middle area of the court where a player returns after each shot to be ready for the next ball
Keeping your eyes focused on the ball from the moment it leaves your opponent's hand until you catch it
A deliberate throw aimed at a specific area or target with appropriate power and trajectory
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
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