Lesson 7 - Varied Strokes & Strategy
Technique to Competition
•Year 5
•Tennis
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How can we use different tennis strokes and tactics to make it harder for our opponents to return the ball?
Learning Objectives
- To use a variety of strokes to outwit an opponent
- To select appropriate tactics for different game situations
- To apply the rules of tennis fairly in competitive play
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by choosing appropriate shots
- Students will show fair play by applying tennis rules correctly
- Students will work cooperatively with partners to cover court space effectively
Equipment & Resources Required
Used to mark court boundaries and service lines
Alternative: Cones or markers
Mark courts, nets, and boundaries - bright colours preferred
Alternative: Base stations or markers
Check inflation and condition before lesson
Alternative: Foam balls for beginners
Various sizes available - check grip size for students
Alternative: Short tennis rackets or paddles
Slower bounce - good for developing players
Alternative: Regular tennis balls
Key Vocabulary
Plans or strategies used to outwit an opponent in a game
To beat an opponent by being cleverer or more skilful
When a player fails to get both their serves into the correct area
The line that marks the front boundary of the service court
The balanced stance players adopt to move quickly in any direction
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic tennis strokes (forehand, backhand, serve)
- Understanding of court boundaries and net
- Basic rally skills and ball control
Current Skills
- Tactical shot selection and placement
- Competitive play with rule application
- Doubles cooperation and court coverage
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical combinations
- Competitive tournament play
- Leadership and coaching roles
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tactical thinking is more important than power in tennis
- Fair play and honest self-officiating develop character
- Partnership communication is essential in doubles games
- Observing opponents helps develop tactical awareness
- Shot placement beats shot power for winning points
- Recovery to ready position enables tactical responses
- Rules knowledge enhances game understanding and enjoyment
Common Misconceptions
- Hitting harder always beats hitting smarter - emphasise placement over power
- Tennis is an individual sport - highlight partnership elements in doubles
- Only boundary lines matter - teach all five ways to win points
- Serving fast is most important - focus on serving accurately to tactical areas
- Champions always win - show how tactics can overcome superior technique
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear tactical focus points, regular position changes, immediate feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified tactical concepts, extra demonstration time, step-by-step skill breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and cones, verbal cues for court boundaries, partner guidance system
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of tactics, hand signals for scoring, written rule reminders
physical disability
- Seated tennis option, larger/softer balls, modified court sizes, adapted serving rules
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary, tactical discussions, giving clear instructions
Maths
Scoring systems, court measurements, angles of shots, statistics of successful tactics
Science
Forces in ball striking, angles of trajectory, physics of spin and bounce
Geography
Court orientation, spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Fair play, honesty in self-officiating, teamwork, resilience in competition
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between courts to observe tactical development and rule application
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical shot selection, fair play, and partnership cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in if disputes arise over scoring or rules, support struggling partnerships
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements to show tactical concepts, involve students in demonstrating successful strategies
Verbal Cues
- •'Think about where they're not standing!'
- •'What shot would make it hardest for them?'
- •'Great tactical thinking!'
- •'Remember to call your own mistakes!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 6 courts (8m x 4m each) with 2m clearance between courts
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, check for water or debris, ensure adequate drainage
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket handles for cracks or loose grips
- •Ensure balls are not over-inflated or damaged
- •Secure nets properly or ensure cone lines are stable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket collisions between students
- •Slips from quick direction changes
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Tripping over court markers
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries with adequate spacing
- •Establish racket safety rules (carry down, not swing)
- •Proper warm-up before rapid movements
- •Progressive skill building from catch tennis to full game
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all courts
- •Monitor high-activity areas during doubles
- •Check for fatigue during competitive phases
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have contact details for parents/guardians available