Lesson 7 - Doubles Tactics and Teamwork
Advanced Skills & Tactics
•Year 6
•Tennis
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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
Check racket grip size is appropriate for each student
Alternative: Junior rackets for smaller students, foam paddles for beginners
Store in baskets around court perimeters for easy access
Alternative: Foam balls, pressureless balls for better control
Use bright colours for clear court boundary marking
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries, court tape
Key Vocabulary
A tennis match played with two players on each side of the net
The line at the back of the tennis court, furthest from the net
The player positioned close to the net to intercept balls
Hitting the ball before it bounces, usually near the net
Playing the ball diagonally across the court to the opposite corner
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
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