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Lesson 5 - Underarm Serve and Serving Rules

Technique to Competition

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Year 5

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use the underarm serve to start a point fairly and accurately?

Learning Objectives

To develop the underarm serve technique and understand the rules of serving
To demonstrate cooperative play with a partner whilst applying tennis rules
To understand and apply serving rules in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will perform an underarm serve with improved accuracy and technique
Students will work cooperatively with partners whilst maintaining fair play
Students will understand and apply the basic rules of serving in tennis

Equipment & Resources Required

Base Stations

Used to mark service lines and court boundaries

Alternative: Cones, hoops, or markers

Cones

For court marking and net representation

Alternative: Base stations, rope, or chalk lines

Tennis Balls

30 (1 per student)

Ensure balls are evenly distributed for activities

Alternative: Soft tennis balls, foam balls for beginners

Tennis Rackets

As available

Check racket size is appropriate for students' height

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, paddle bats for younger students

Balls

Use in open areas to prevent balls travelling too far

Alternative: Tennis balls in enclosed areas

Key Vocabulary

Underarm serve

A serving technique where the racket is swung below waist level to hit the ball

Service line

The line that marks the back boundary of the service area

Let

When the ball hits the net but still lands in the correct service area, requiring the serve to be replayed

Baseline

The back boundary line of the tennis court

Service area

The rectangular area where the served ball must land to be considered 'in'

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and throwing techniques
Understanding of simple court boundaries
Basic racket grip and control

Current Skills

Underarm serving technique development
Understanding serving rules and boundaries
Cooperative play with partners

Next Steps

Overarm serving technique
More complex game scenarios
Returning serves with accuracy

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball placement at head height

Ball crossing net and landing in service area

Applying rules independently

Key Teaching Points

Ball toss to head height with straight arm for consistency
Underarm swing motion from low to high for proper ball trajectory
Use centre of racket face for clean contact and accuracy
Don't hit ball after it bounces - timing is crucial
Control power for accuracy rather than maximum speed
Apply serving rules fairly and honestly in game situations
Work cooperatively with partners for effective learning

Common Misconceptions

Thinking power is more important than accuracy in serving
Believing the ball should bounce before hitting it (like in other sports)
Assuming overarm serving is better than underarm for beginners
Not understanding that 'let' serves get replayed rather than counted as faults
Thinking you can serve from anywhere behind the baseline

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear focus points, immediate feedback, movement between different skills

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified technique focus (one element at a time), extra practice time

autism spectrum

Clear visual court boundaries, structured routine for serving practice, quiet zone if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of technique, hand signals for 'in/out' calls, written rule cards

physical disability

Adapted serving distance, seated serving option, larger racket head if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for court setup, counting successful serves, angles of ball trajectory

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, trajectory and gravity effects, simple machines (lever action of racket)

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, directions and boundaries

PSHE

Fair play and honesty, cooperation and communication, resilience when learning new skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at side of courts for visibility of all pairs, move between pairs during skill development

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ball toss height, underarm swing technique, and fair rule application

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with ball toss consistency or rule understanding

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate the straight arm toss and underarm swing for visibility, show common mistakes and corrections

Verbal Cues

•'Head height only!'
•'Straight arm for the toss!'
•'Watch the ball onto your racket!'
•'Underarm swing - low to high!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 8m court area per 4 students, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, no loose tennis balls creating slip risk

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis rackets for damage or loose strings
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition and not split
•Verify base stations and cones are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Balls travelling outside play area
•Collision between pairs during serving
•Racket contact with other students
•Tripping over court markers

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between pairs (minimum 3m)
•Controlled serving direction away from other students
•Regular equipment checks and ball collection

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all serving pairs
•Monitor high-activity areas during transitions
•Circulate during game application for rule support

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid if needed, and contact school office if required