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Lesson 5 - Advanced Shot Combinations

Technical & Tactical Growth

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Year 5

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Tennis

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Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

4-6 courts

Check appropriate size for student's height and grip

Alternative: Short tennis racquets, badminton racquets for smaller students

Tennis Balls

2 per student (60)

Use mix of pressurised and practice balls for different activities

Alternative: Foam balls, low compression balls for beginners

Markers Cones

40 cones

Mark service boxes, baselines and sidelines clearly

Alternative: Chalk, court tape, rope boundaries

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs

For warm-up activity and team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts

Key Vocabulary

Smash

An overhead shot hit downwards with power when the ball is above head height

Lob

A high, arcing shot designed to go over an opponent's head

Serve and volley

A tactical combination where the server immediately moves to the net after serving

Drop shot

A softly hit shot that lands just over the net with minimal bounce

Doubles positioning

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

Consistent execution of overhead smash from high balls

Effective use of lob to counter net players

Coordinated doubles play with clear communication

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