Lesson 6 - Level 1 Tournament - Doubles Tennis
Tactical Partnerships
•Year 5
•Tennis
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How can we work together as a doubles team to win points and matches in a tennis tournament?
Learning Objectives
- To apply tennis skills in a competitive doubles tournament format
- To demonstrate tactical awareness and shot placement in doubles play
- To collaborate effectively with a partner in competitive situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully participate in a structured doubles tournament
- Students will demonstrate improved tactical decision-making in game situations
- Students will show effective partnership skills and sportsmanship
Equipment & Resources Required
Check grip size appropriate for students
Alternative: Foam paddles, short tennis rackets
Distribute 6 balls per court for continuous play
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for modified play
Mark court boundaries and net lines
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Mark service boxes and court divisions
Alternative: Chalk, tape lines
Laminated cards for reuse
Alternative: Whiteboard markers for court scoring
Key Vocabulary
A tennis format played with two players on each side of the net
The rectangular area where the serve must land diagonally
Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, ready to move
Continuous hitting of the ball back and forth over the net
Strategic thinking about where to place shots to win points
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic forehand and backhand technique
- Understanding of tennis court layout and boundaries
- Experience with individual rally play
Current Skills
- Doubles positioning and movement
- Tactical shot placement
- Tournament match play
Next Steps
- Advanced doubles strategies
- Competitive match analysis
- Leadership in tennis activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Diagonal serving into correct service box is fundamental to doubles tennis
- Partnership communication and positioning creates tactical advantages
- Tactical shot placement into space wins more points than power shots
- Ready position recovery after each shot maintains court coverage
- Sportsmanship and respect are as important as winning in competitive play
- Tournament pressure reveals true character and develops resilience
- Observing opponents' patterns helps inform tactical decisions
Common Misconceptions
- Students think serving harder is always better - emphasise accuracy and placement over power
- Many believe both partners should stay at the back - teach proper doubles positioning strategies
- Some think winning is only about individual skill - highlight importance of partnership tactics
- Students may focus only on their own shots - encourage court awareness and opponent observation
- Common belief that competition reduces sportsmanship - demonstrate how pressure reveals true character
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter match durations, clear role definitions, regular movement and activity changes, positive reinforcement system
dyspraxia
- Larger, slower balls, shorter rackets for better control, simplified scoring system, extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of tournament rounds, quiet zone available, consistent routine and structure
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and audible cues, verbal descriptions of court positioning, tactile court boundary markers
hearing impairment
- Visual hand signals for serving and scoring, written rule cards, clear visual demonstrations of all techniques
physical disability
- Wheelchair accessible courts, modified rackets with extended handles, seated serving and playing options
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces in racket strikes, trajectory and spin effects on ball flight, energy transfer in serving motion
Geography
Court orientation, spatial awareness of positioning, mapping movement patterns around court
PSHE
Teamwork under pressure, resilience in competitive situations, respect for opponents and officials
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously between courts to observe technique, tactics, and sportsmanship
Observation Focus
Monitor serving accuracy, tactical shot placement, partnership communication, and competitive behaviour
Intervention Points
Step in for rule clarifications, tactical coaching moments, and sportsmanship reinforcement
Demonstration Notes
Use students to demonstrate excellent examples during natural breaks in play
Verbal Cues
- •'Serve diagonally into the box!'
- •'Look for the space!'
- •'Communicate with your partner!'
- •'Return to ready position!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large sports hall or 6 outdoor tennis courts, minimum 15m x 25m clear area
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from water, holes, or debris that could cause trips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis rackets for loose strings or damaged frames
- •Ensure balls are in good condition without splits
- •Verify cones are stable and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket collisions between players
- •Trips from balls left on court
- •Overexertion in competitive environment
Risk Mitigation
- •Maintain 3m minimum space between courts
- •Regular ball collection during play
- •Monitor for fatigue and provide water breaks
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple courts simultaneously
- •Move between courts to provide close observation
- •Monitor competitive intensity and sportsmanship
Emergency Procedures
Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required