Lesson 5 - Doubles Tactics and Communication
Technique to Doubles Tactics
•Year 4
•Tennis
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How can effective communication and positioning help you succeed as a doubles team?
Learning Objectives
- To use tennis skills effectively in doubles games through partner communication
- To explore different court positions (side by side and front and back) to control points
- To work cooperatively with a partner to both score points and prevent opposition scoring
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate clear communication with partners during doubles play
- Students will show understanding of tactical positioning in doubles tennis
- Students will apply tennis skills collaboratively to score points in competitive games
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around court perimeters for easy access
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for control practice
Size-appropriate rackets ready at court stations
Alternative: Shorter rackets, bats, or hands for beginners
Mark out 3-4 doubles courts clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines, tape, spot markers
Set at appropriate height for Year 4 (90cm)
Alternative: Rope between posts, benches, or imaginary nets
Key Vocabulary
A tennis format played with two players on each side of the net
Calling out clearly to your partner about who will hit the ball
Where you and your partner stand on the court to cover different areas
Working together with your partner to build points and support each other
Choosing where to stand based on the game situation
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic tennis strokes (forehand, backhand)
- Understanding of court boundaries and net play
- Singles game experience and ready position
Current Skills
- Doubles communication and coordination
- Tactical positioning in doubles play
- Cooperative point construction
Next Steps
- Advanced doubles formations
- Serving and receiving in doubles
- Tournament doubles play
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Communication is essential for successful doubles play
- Different formations serve different tactical purposes
- Cooperation builds better points than individual brilliance
- Court positioning should match the game situation
- Good partnerships require both talking and listening
- Tactical flexibility wins more points than rigid systems
- Respect for partners and opponents enhances everyone's game
Common Misconceptions
- Both players should always go for every ball - correct by teaching clear communication
- Side-by-side is always better than front-and-back - show advantages of both formations
- Talking is distracting - emphasise that communication improves performance
- Stronger players should take all shots - demonstrate partnership equality
- Doubles is just two singles games - highlight cooperative strategy differences
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts, clear role definitions, regular position changes
dyspraxia
- Simplified formations initially, additional practice time, clear spatial markers
autism spectrum
- Clear routine establishment, visual formation cards, predictable partner rotations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and rackets, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for communication, clear demonstration of formations, written tactical cards
physical disability
- Adapted equipment, modified court sizes, seated or supported play options
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary, clear communication, tactical discussions
Maths
Scoring systems, court geometry, spatial positioning, angles of shots
Science
Forces in racket sports, gravity and ball trajectory, energy transfer in shots
Geography
Court mapping, positional awareness, spatial relationships
PSHE
Partnership skills, communication, conflict resolution, celebrating success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sight lines to all courts, able to move between pairs quickly
Observation Focus
Communication quality, tactical understanding, partnership cooperation, and safe play
Intervention Points
Step in when partnerships struggle, tactics aren't developing, or safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use student volunteers to show formations clearly, emphasise communication volume, model good sportsmanship
Verbal Cues
- •'Talk to your partner!'
- •'Show me your formation choice!'
- •'Think tactics - attacking or defending?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4 courts of 15m x 8m each, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate court markings visible
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rackets for cracks or loose strings
- •Ensure balls are in good condition
- •Confirm net heights are appropriate for Year 4
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket collisions between partners
- •Trips over court markings or equipment
- •Overexcitement leading to unsafe play
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for each court
- •Emphasis on controlled movements and communication
- •Progressive introduction of competitive elements
- •Regular reminders about safe swinging space
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all courts simultaneously
- •Monitor doubles partnerships for appropriate interaction
- •Watch for competitive intensity becoming unsafe
Emergency Procedures
Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, ensure other students are safe