Lesson 5 - Advanced Shot Combinations
Technical & Tactical Growth
•Year 5
•Tennis
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How can we combine different tennis shots to gain tactical advantage in singles and doubles play?
Learning Objectives
- To develop and combine advanced tennis shots including smash, lob and serve
- To understand tactical shot linking such as serve and volley combinations
- To reflect on and recognise success in themselves and others during competitive play
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved execution of smash, lob and serve techniques
- Students will show understanding of tactical shot combinations in game situations
- Students will effectively reflect on performance and recognise achievements in peers
Equipment & Resources Required
Check appropriate size for student's height and grip
Alternative: Short tennis racquets, badminton racquets for smaller students
Use mix of pressurised and practice balls for different activities
Alternative: Foam balls, low compression balls for beginners
Mark service boxes, baselines and sidelines clearly
Alternative: Chalk, court tape, rope boundaries
For warm-up activity and team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts
Key Vocabulary
An overhead shot hit downwards with power when the ball is above head height
A high, arcing shot designed to go over an opponent's head
A tactical combination where the server immediately moves to the net after serving
A softly hit shot that lands just over the net with minimal bounce
Strategic court positioning when playing with a partner
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic tennis groundstrokes and ball control
- Understanding of court boundaries and basic rules
- Experience with simple rallying and scoring
Current Skills
- Advanced shot execution (smash, lob, serve)
- Tactical shot combinations and linking
- Doubles play positioning and communication
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical play and strategy development
- Tournament-style competitive play
- Teaching and coaching skills with peers
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Advanced shots require different body positioning - smash behind ball, lob underneath ball
- Tactical shot combinations create opportunities - serve and volley, lob over net player
- Doubles communication is essential for successful partnership play
- Different shots require different racquet face angles and swing paths
- Reflection and recognition skills develop emotional intelligence and learning capacity
- Safety awareness increases with higher speed shots and multiple players
- Progressive skill development from practice to game application builds confidence
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking power is more important than placement for advanced shots
- Believing doubles is just singles with more players rather than tactical team game
- Assuming all shots should be hit with the same technique and power
- Expecting immediate success with advanced techniques without sufficient practice
- Thinking communication in doubles is optional rather than essential
- Believing competitive play is only about winning rather than skill development
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear time boundaries, movement breaks between stations, simplified instructions
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, reduced court dimensions, extra practice time, break down complex movements into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Clear station routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent partner pairings
visual impairment
- Use bright yellow tennis balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, tactile court boundary markers
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards at stations
physical disability
- Modified serving positions, larger/softer balls, adapted racquet grips, wheelchair accessible courts
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, clear communication with partners, following and giving instructions
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, angle of trajectory for lobs and smashes, physics of racquet and ball impact
PSHE
Partnership working, celebrating others' success, resilience when learning new skills, fair play and honesty
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate between skill stations and courts to provide feedback and ensure safety
Observation Focus
Watch for technical development, tactical understanding and partnership communication
Intervention Points
Step in when technique becomes unsafe, rules disputes arise, or students need tactical guidance
Demonstration Notes
Use student demonstrations where possible, emphasise key technical points clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Get behind the ball for your smash!'
- •'Communicate with your partner!'
- •'Watch the ball onto your racquet!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4 tennis courts or equivalent rectangular spaces 20m x 10m each
Surface Check
Ensure courts are dry, even and free from debris or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racquet strings and handles for damage
- •Ensure tennis balls are not split or damaged
- •Verify net stability and appropriate height
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during doubles
- •Injury from tennis balls hit at high speed
- •Trips and falls on court surface
- •Racquet contact between players
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing between courts
- •Teach proper doubles positioning to avoid collisions
- •Emphasise controlled shots during practice activities
- •Regular equipment checks and immediate replacement of damaged items
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple courts simultaneously
- •Monitor closely during skill stations with overhead shots
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, follow school procedures for serious injuries