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Lesson 6 - Diagonal Serving & Gameplay

Skills & Game Strategy

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Year 5

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Tennis

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Big Question

How can we use tactical serving and strategic positioning to gain competitive advantage in tennis matches?

Learning Objectives

To perform diagonal serves accurately into the correct service area
To apply forehand and backhand shots effectively in competitive game situations
To evaluate and improve tactical decisions during match play

Key Outcomes

Students will serve diagonally with increasing accuracy and consistency
Students will demonstrate improved shot selection and court positioning
Students will analyse their performance and identify areas for tactical improvement

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check strings are not broken, appropriate weight for Year 5

Alternative: Table tennis bats, wooden paddles for students with coordination difficulties

Tennis Balls

6 per court (36 total)

Use yellow balls for better visibility, mix of normal and low-compression

Alternative: Foam balls, larger low-compression balls for beginners

Nets

1 per court (6)

Height approximately 80cm for modified courts

Alternative: Cones with rope, portable badminton nets

Markers Cones

24 cones

Bright colours for clear boundary definition

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries, flat markers

Scorecards

1 per court (6)

Laminated cards with simple scoring system

Alternative: Whiteboard markers, clipboards with paper

Whistles

For time management and game transitions

Alternative: Hand signals, voice commands

Key Vocabulary

Diagonal serve

A serve hit diagonally across the court into the opponent's service area

Service area

The rectangular area where the serve must land to be considered legal

Round-robin

A tournament format where each player or team plays every other player or team once

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and where to place shots to gain advantage over opponents

Court positioning

Where a player stands on the court to best respond to opponent's shots

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand and backhand technique
Understanding of court boundaries and basic rules
Experience playing modified tennis games

Current Skills

Diagonal serving technique and placement
Tactical shot selection during competitive play
Performance evaluation and improvement strategies

Next Steps

Advanced serving variations and spin
Complex tactical patterns and game strategies
Tournament play and officiating skills

Milestone Indicators

Serves land consistently in diagonal service area

Makes tactical decisions based on game situation

Can articulate strengths and areas for improvement

Key Teaching Points

Diagonal serving requires sideways stance and cross-court aim
Tactical shot placement beats powerful hitting
Sportsmanship is as important as skill development
Competition enhances learning when properly structured
Technical consistency improves under pressure
Peer observation develops tactical understanding
Round-robin format ensures maximum participation

Common Misconceptions

Serving straight across is easier than diagonal - explain why diagonal creates better angles
Hitting harder always wins points - emphasise placement over power
Competition means winning at all costs - reinforce fair play values
Only advanced players can use tactics - show how everyone can think tactically
Tennis is too difficult for Year 5 - demonstrate with appropriate modifications

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter match formats, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries, immediate feedback on performance

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified serving technique, extra practice time, reduced coordination demands

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of tournament format, quiet zone available, predictable rules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, written rule cards, clear hand signals for scoring

physical disability

Adapted serving positions (seated/closer), larger racquets, softer balls, modified court sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in tennis shots, trajectory and ball flight paths

Geography

Directions and spatial positioning, mapping court layouts and tactical positioning

PSHE

Fair play and sportsmanship, dealing with competitive pressure, teamwork and respect

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear view of all courts, rotate between courts during match play

Observation Focus

Diagonal serving technique, tactical decision-making, sportsmanship, safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in for incorrect serving, poor sportsmanship, safety issues, or rule confusion

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for serving technique, point clearly to target areas, model excellent sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways stance for serving power!'
•'Diagonal across to opponent's service box!'
•'Think tactically - where's the best place to hit?'
•'Excellent sportsmanship shown there!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m with 6 courts marked, clear boundary areas

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for tennis movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings and handles before use
•Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks
•Verify nets/benches are secure and appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during competitive play
•Racquet swing injuries if inadequate spacing
•Slips from poor court surface or wet conditions
•Ball strikes from serving practice

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries with adequate spacing between courts
•Establish safe serving areas with clear zones
•Monitor competitive intensity to prevent aggressive play
•Ensure proper warm-up before intensive activity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to oversee multiple courts simultaneously
•Monitor serving areas for safety compliance
•Watch for signs of frustration or aggressive behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if serious