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Lesson 1 - Tennis Skills & Tactics

Tactical Partnerships

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Year 5

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Tennis

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Big Question

How can we use strategic shot placement and court positioning to consistently outwit our opponent in tennis?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate and apply prior learning from Year 4 tennis skills
To develop understanding of how to win points through strategic ball placement
To demonstrate accurate forehand and backhand techniques in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently return the ball over the net and into court boundaries
Students will demonstrate strategic thinking by hitting into space to create scoring opportunities
Students will show improved court positioning and recovery after each shot

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket grip size is appropriate for each student's hand

Alternative: Shortened rackets for students who struggle with full-size, foam paddles for SEND students

Tennis Balls

17.5 balls per court

Use mix of regular and low-compression balls based on ability

Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, low-compression balls for easier hitting

Cones

40-50 cones

Mark court boundaries and create net height guidance at 3ft

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Sun Markers

Sets for 7 mini courts

Courts should be approximately 6m x 12m for mini tennis

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or existing court markings

Key Vocabulary

Forehand

A tennis stroke played with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Backhand

A tennis stroke played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Ready Position

Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, weight on balls of feet, ready to move in any direction

Court Position

Where a player stands on court to best cover the next shot from their opponent

Shot Placement

Deliberately hitting the ball to specific areas of the court to create tactical advantage

Rally

A sequence of shots between players before a point is won

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand and backhand technique from Year 4
Understanding of court boundaries and basic rules
Ability to hit ball over net with some consistency

Current Skills

Consolidating stroke technique under pressure
Developing tactical awareness and shot placement
Improving court positioning and movement

Next Steps

Advanced shot selection and variation
Consistent application of tactics in competitive situations
Development of serving technique

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control over the net

Strategic shot placement to create space

Effective court positioning and recovery

Key Teaching Points

Early racket preparation is crucial for successful shot execution
Court positioning and recovery to centre baseline after each shot
Tactical awareness: hit the ball where the opponent is not positioned
Importance of ready position for quick reactions and movement
Shot placement and accuracy are more important than power
Cooperative practice builds confidence before competitive application
Sportsmanship and fair play are essential components of tennis

Common Misconceptions

Students think hitting harder always wins points - emphasise placement over power
Belief that tennis is only played with perfect technique - show that tactics can overcome technical limitations
Assumption that staying in one spot is safe - teach importance of movement and positioning
Thinking that winning is only about individual skill - highlight importance of reading opponent and adapting
Misconception that tennis is not a team sport - emphasise cooperation in practice and sportsmanship in competition

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, clear visual boundaries, simplified instructions given one at a time

dyspraxia

Larger, slower balls for easier tracking, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for technique, clear step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules of lesson structure, consistent routines for equipment setup, quiet zones available for breaks, simplified rule explanations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and rackets, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, partner system for guidance, audio cues for ball location

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip reading

physical disability

Adapted rackets with larger grips, seated tennis options, modified court sizes, alternative scoring systems to accommodate different abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems, counting points, measuring court dimensions, angles of ball trajectory and shot placement

Science

Forces and motion in ball striking, friction between ball and court surface, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding of angles and directions, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of area during activities to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations and instruction

Observation Focus

Watch for: technique development, tactical understanding, sportsmanship, safety awareness, engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in when: safety issues arise, students struggling with technique, disagreements during scoring, off-task behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, involve students in demonstrating tactical concepts, show both correct and incorrect examples for contrast

Verbal Cues

•'Racket back early!'
•'Look where they're standing!'
•'Ready position!'
•'Hit into space!'
•'Well played both of you!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for 6-8 mini courts, clear of obstacles and with 2m boundary clearance

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris, adequate grip for quick directional changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket grips are secure and appropriate size for students
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition without cracks
•Verify cone markers are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement
•Racket contact with other students during swings
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established with adequate spacing
•Teaching proper swing technique with awareness of surroundings
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Emphasis on controlled movement rather than speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts during games
•Monitor high-activity areas during competitive play
•Ensure students understand and follow safety procedures

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid support, ensure other students are moved to safe area