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Lesson 7 - Doubles Tactics and Teamwork

Advanced Skills & Tactics

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Year 6

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Tennis

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48 min

Big Question

How can you work as a team to outsmart your opponents in doubles tennis?

Learning Objectives

To work co-operatively with a partner using effective communication and positioning
To employ tactical awareness and decision-making to outwit opponents
To apply rules consistently whilst developing competitive game play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective doubles positioning and movement patterns
Students will make tactical decisions based on game situations
Students will show improved teamwork and communication during competitive play

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

Check racket grip size is appropriate for each student

Alternative: Junior rackets for smaller students, foam paddles for beginners

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair plus spares)

Store in baskets around court perimeters for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls, pressureless balls for better control

Cones

Use bright colours for clear court boundary marking

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries, court tape

Key Vocabulary

Doubles

A tennis match played with two players on each side of the net

Baseline

The line at the back of the tennis court, furthest from the net

Net player

The player positioned close to the net to intercept balls

Volley

Hitting the ball before it bounces, usually near the net

Cross-court

Playing the ball diagonally across the court to the opposite corner

Double fault

Missing both first and second serves, resulting in losing the point

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can perform basic tennis strokes (forehand, backhand, serve)
Students understand basic tennis rules and scoring
Students can rally cooperatively with a partner

Current Skills

Doubles positioning and court coverage
Tactical shot selection and placement
Net play and volleying techniques

Next Steps

Advanced doubles strategies and formations
Tournament play and match management
Coaching and leadership skills development

Milestone Indicators

Consistent tactical decision-making under pressure

Effective communication with partner throughout rallies

Ability to adapt tactics based on opponent analysis

Key Teaching Points

Effective doubles requires constant communication between partners
Positioning should complement partner's location to maximise court coverage
Net players create offensive opportunities through aggressive volleying
Tactical awareness means adapting formations based on opponent strengths and weaknesses
Successful partnerships balance individual skills with collective strategy
Competitive pressure tests tactical knowledge - maintain communication under stress
Observation of other pairs provides valuable tactical learning opportunities

Common Misconceptions

Thinking both players should always be in the same area of the court
Believing that hitting hard is more important than tactical placement
Assuming net players should attempt to reach every ball regardless of position
Not understanding that tactics should adapt based on opponent behaviour
Thinking individual skill is more important than partnership cooperation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, specific roles to maintain focus, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Simplified tactical concepts initially, larger court areas, extra time for positioning

autism spectrum

Clear routine for court rotation, visual schedule for lesson phases, quiet reflection time available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide audio cues for court boundaries, assign sighted partner

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for instruction changes, written tactical diagrams, visual court markers

physical disability

Wheelchair accessible courts, modified serving rules, adapted racquet grips available

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles for cross-court shots, measuring court dimensions, scoring systems

Science

Forces and angles in ball trajectory, reaction time and anticipation

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping court coverage areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, handling competitive pressure, conflict resolution

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all courts, rotate between groups during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, partner communication, and safe competitive play

Intervention Points

Step in when tactics break down, unsafe play occurs, or disputes arise

Demonstration Notes

Use student volunteers for tactical demonstrations, exaggerate positioning for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Talk to your partner!'
•'Where's the space?'
•'Watch the net player!'
•'Move together!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m teaching area, divided into 5 court spaces

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, check for wet areas from previous lessons

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket handles for cracks or loose grips
•Ensure tennis balls maintain consistent bounce
•Verify cone placement doesn't create tripping hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during net rush movements
•Racket contact between players in confined space
•Overexertion during competitive phases

Risk Mitigation

•Clear movement pathways between courts established
•Emphasise controlled movement rather than speed
•Regular hydration breaks during competitive play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all five courts simultaneously
•Monitor competitive intensity to maintain safety
•Watch for fatigue signs during extended rallies

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact support if needed