Lesson 4 - Doubles Play and Court Formations
Skills & Game Strategy
•Year 5
•Tennis
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How can partners work together strategically to win points in doubles tennis?
Learning Objectives
- Play cooperatively and competitively with partners using different court formations during doubles play
- Understand and apply tactical positioning in front/back and side-by-side doubles formations
- Communicate effectively with partners to coordinate shots and court coverage
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate understanding of doubles positioning and tactics
- Students will show improved communication and cooperation skills with partners
- Students will be able to explain the advantages of different doubles formations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket sizes are appropriate for student height
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, paddle bats for beginners
Have extra balls around court perimeters
Alternative: Foam balls, low-compression balls for easier play
Ensure tram lines are clearly visible/marked
Alternative: Playground markings, cones to mark boundaries
Place randomly around warm-up area
Alternative: Coloured spots, markers, bean bags
Adjust height to appropriate level for Year 5
Alternative: Rope between posts, benches, cones with rope
Key Vocabulary
A tennis game played with two players on each side of the net
The way partners position themselves on the court (side-by-side or front-back)
The outer boundary lines that are used in doubles play to make the court wider
How partners divide responsibility for different areas of the court
Verbal and non-verbal signals between partners to coordinate play
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic forehand and backhand shots
- Understanding of tennis court boundaries
- Experience playing singles tennis games
Current Skills
- Doubles court positioning and formations
- Partner communication strategies
- Tactical decision-making in doubles play
Next Steps
- Advanced doubles tactics and shot selection
- Serving and receiving in doubles
- Tournament-style doubles competition
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Communication between partners is essential for successful doubles play
- Front-back formation is attacking, side-by-side formation is defending
- Each formation has specific advantages depending on the game situation
- Players must respect their partner's court area and responsibility
- Tactical decision-making improves through experience and reflection
- Cooperation and competition can coexist in doubles tennis
- Clear positioning prevents confusion and improves performance
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking doubles is just singles with two people - needs specific formations and tactics
- Believing one formation is always better - both have situational advantages
- Assuming louder communication is better - clear, timely calls are most important
- Thinking stronger players should cover more court - equal responsibility sharing works better
- Believing doubles is easier than singles - requires additional tactical awareness and cooperation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter game segments, clear role definitions, movement breaks between activities
dyspraxia
- Simplified formations, larger equipment, extra time for positioning, buddy support
autism spectrum
- Clear, consistent formations, visual formation cards, predictable game structure
visual impairment
- Use bright, high-contrast balls and audible cues, partner guidance for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for formations, written instructions, clear demonstration focus
physical disability
- Adapted rackets and balls, modified court size, seated or supported play options
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development, listening skills, explaining tactical decisions clearly
Maths
Scoring systems, court measurements, angles of shots, patterns in game rotations
Science
Forces in racket and ball contact, trajectory and spin, body systems during exercise
Geography
Spatial awareness, court positioning, understanding of boundaries and areas
PSHE
Teamwork skills, communication, respect for others, handling competition pressure
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between courts to observe all pairs, position centrally for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct formations, effective communication, and tactical understanding
Intervention Points
Step in when formations break down, communication fails, or unsafe play occurs
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements to show formations, involve students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Talk to your partner!'
- •'Remember your formation!'
- •'Which position works better here?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Tennis courts or marked areas minimum 15m x 8m per pair, clear boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from water and debris, appropriate for tennis movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket heads are secure and strings intact
- •Ensure adequate ball pressure for safe play
- •Verify net height is appropriate and stable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision between partners or adjacent pairs
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Overexertion in competitive games
- •Trips over nets or court equipment
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing between pairs
- •Emphasis on communication to prevent collisions
- •Controlled ball feeds and appropriate ball types
- •Regular hydration breaks during games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple courts simultaneously
- •Monitor communication and cooperation levels
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed