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Lesson 4 - Doubles Play and Court Formations

Skills & Game Strategy

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Year 5

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Tennis

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Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket sizes are appropriate for student height

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, paddle bats for beginners

Tennis Balls

6-8 per court (30 total)

Have extra balls around court perimeters

Alternative: Foam balls, low-compression balls for easier play

Tennis courts or marked areas

4-5 courts for class of 30

Ensure tram lines are clearly visible/marked

Alternative: Playground markings, cones to mark boundaries

Coloured Cones

20 cones (4 different colours)

Place randomly around warm-up area

Alternative: Coloured spots, markers, bean bags

Barriers

1 per court

Adjust height to appropriate level for Year 5

Alternative: Rope between posts, benches, cones with rope

Key Vocabulary

Doubles

A tennis game played with two players on each side of the net

Formation

The way partners position themselves on the court (side-by-side or front-back)

Tram Lines

The outer boundary lines that are used in doubles play to make the court wider

Court Coverage

How partners divide responsibility for different areas of the court

Communication

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

Consistent communication with partner throughout rallies

Appropriate positioning without overlapping court coverage

Ability to switch between attacking and defending formations

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