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Lesson 4 - Moving to Return the Serve

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 we use movement and positioning to consistently return tennis serves and keep rallies going?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate correct ready position with feet apart, racquet up, and balanced on toes
Move effectively towards and return moving balls using appropriate footwork
Return balls to different positions on the court with control and accuracy

Key Outcomes

Students will maintain ready position in the centre of the court between shots
Students will move quickly and efficiently to return serves from different positions
Students will demonstrate improved rally consistency through better court positioning

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racquet size is appropriate - grip should fit comfortably in student's hand

Alternative: Foam racquets, short tennis racquets, or paddles for younger students

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Use softer balls for safety and easier control

Alternative: Foam balls, low compression tennis balls, or bean bags for beginners

Benches

8-10

Set at appropriate height - lower for beginners, regulation for advanced

Alternative: Cones, rope, or chalk lines to mark nets

Cones

Use to mark central positions, court boundaries, and target areas

Alternative: Chalk marks, rope circles, or floor spots

Mats

Mark central ready positions for students to return to

Alternative: Cones, chalk marks, or tape

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

Balanced stance with feet apart, knees slightly bent, racquet up, and weight on balls of feet

Court Coverage

Moving efficiently around the court to reach and return balls from different positions

Rally

Continuous exchange of shots between players over the net

Return

Hitting the ball back to your opponent after they have served or hit it to you

Feeder

The player who throws or hits balls to their partner for practice

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand and backhand grips from previous lessons
Understanding of court boundaries and basic tennis rules
Ability to hit stationary balls with some accuracy

Current Skills

Ready position with balanced stance and racquet preparation
Dynamic movement to intercept moving balls
Court positioning and returning to central ready position
Shot placement to different areas of the court

Next Steps

Serving techniques and serve return strategies
Advanced footwork patterns and court coverage
Tactical play and point construction

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ready position consistently throughout rallies

Moves efficiently to balls without losing balance

Returns 7/10 balls successfully during practice

Demonstrates understanding of court positioning

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is the foundation - feet apart, racquet up, weight on toes
Movement to ball should always be feet first, then racquet preparation
Central positioning after each shot provides best court coverage
Gentle, controlled shots maintain rallies better than powerful shots
Partner cooperation and encouragement enhances learning for both players
Court positioning is as important as ball-striking technique
Consistent practice of positioning becomes automatic in game situations

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Hitting the ball harder makes you a better tennis player. Correction: Control and placement are more important than power
Misconception: You should stay where you hit the ball from. Correction: Always return to central position for best court coverage
Misconception: Tennis is only about hitting the ball. Correction: Movement, positioning and tactics are equally important
Misconception: You must use backhand for balls on your left side. Correction: Beginners can move around to use forehand
Misconception: The freeze game was just for fun. Correction: It demonstrates why good positioning matters in real tennis

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear physical boundaries, immediate feedback and encouragement, movement breaks between sections

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time for movement patterns, break down complex movements into smaller steps, patient repetition of instructions

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure for each activity, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available if needed, consistent language and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and racquets, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, use tactile markers for central positions, ensure consistent verbal cues for ball location

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for freeze commands, visual cues for game rules, ensure face-to-face communication during instructions

physical disability

Seated tennis variations, shorter racquets or paddles, larger balls for easier contact, reduced court size, allow wheelchair access with appropriate spacing

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rally hits, measuring court distances, understanding angles of ball movement and court geometry

Science

Forces involved in ball movement, impact and rebound physics, balance and centre of gravity during positioning

Geography

Spatial awareness, understanding of court directions and boundaries, mapping movement patterns around court space

PSHE

Partnership cooperation, encouraging others during challenges, resilience when rallies break down, fair play and sharing equipment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of the playing area to observe all pairs, position near centre during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for central positioning compliance, safe racquet technique, positive partner interactions, and rally improvement

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggle with central positioning concept, if racquet swings become unsafe, or if partnership cooperation breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate ready position clearly with exaggerated stance, show movement patterns slowly before speed practice, emphasise smooth transitions over rushed movements

Verbal Cues

•'Return to centre!'
•'Watch the ball, move your feet!'
•'Gentle swings for control!'
•'Encourage your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m with clear boundaries, or multiple smaller courts of 8m x 4m per pair

Surface Check

Flat, non-slip surface free from obstacles, appropriate for safe movement and racquet use

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet grips are secure and appropriate size for students
•Ensure balls are not too hard or bouncy for age group
•Verify benches/nets are stable and appropriate height
•Inspect cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet contact with other students during swinging
•Collisions during movement to balls
•Tripping over equipment or court boundaries
•Ball impacts to face or body

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between pairs during all activities
•Clear boundaries established and understood
•Controlled swing technique emphasised throughout
•Progressive skill building from catching to racquet use
•Gentle throwing and hitting speeds enforced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all pairs during activities
•Monitor racquet handling technique closely
•Watch for safe movement patterns during ball chase
•Ensure equipment collection is orderly and safe

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure safe environment for continued activity