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Lesson 8 - Tactics & Fair Play

Advanced Skills & Tactics

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Year 6

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use tactical thinking and sportsmanship to become better tennis players and competitors?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate respect, honesty and fair play when competing against opponents
To develop and apply tactical thinking to outwit opponents in tennis games
To lead warm-up activities and work cooperatively with partners

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently apply rules and demonstrate good sportsmanship throughout tennis games
Students will use tactical awareness to place shots strategically and move opponents around the court
Students will lead effective warm-up routines and support their partners' development

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per court if available

Check strings are intact and grips are secure

Alternative: Table tennis bats, badminton rackets for beginners

Tennis Balls

1 per pair + spares (15-20)

Use pressurised balls for better bounce and game realism

Alternative: Foam balls, larger slow-bounce balls for SEND students

Cones

60 for court markers

Set up multiple small courts approximately 8m x 4m each

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, tape for court boundaries

Scorecards

1 per pair

Simple recording sheets for tracking wins and tournament progress

Alternative: Mental scoring with regular checks

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Plans and strategies used to gain advantage over an opponent

Sportsmanship

Fair, respectful and gracious behaviour in sport

Double Fault

When a server fails to get both first and second serves into the correct service box

Rally

Continuous exchange of shots between players

Ready Position

Balanced stance with racket up, ready to move in any direction

Court Coverage

Moving efficiently to reach balls and return to good position

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tennis strokes - forehand and backhand
Understanding of tennis court boundaries
Basic rally skills and ball control
Simple serving technique

Current Skills

Tactical shot placement and court positioning
Leadership in warm-up activities
Sportsmanship and fair play in competitive situations
Advanced game application with official scoring

Next Steps

Tournament organisation and management
Advanced tactical analysis and coaching others
Officiating and refereeing tennis matches
Adapting tactics for different playing styles

Milestone Indicators

Consistently places shots to make opponents move around court

Demonstrates excellent sportsmanship even when losing

Leads confident warm-up routines with clear instructions

Adapts tactics mid-game based on opponent's responses

Key Teaching Points

Tactics in tennis focus on making opponents move and hitting into empty spaces
Sportsmanship means honest scoring, respectful behaviour and fair play at all times
Leadership skills develop through coaching others and supporting partners
Tournament experience builds resilience and competitive spirit within fair play boundaries
Shot placement is more important than power when developing tactical awareness
Every point matters - consistent effort and positive attitude lead to improvement
Partnership working enhances both individual and team performance in tennis

Common Misconceptions

Thinking tactics mean unfair play or trying to upset opponents - tactics are smart, legal strategies
Believing that hitting harder automatically makes shots more effective - controlled placement beats power
Assuming sportsmanship is only important when winning - it's most important when losing or under pressure
Thinking that moving up courts in tournament means you're permanently 'better' - it's about learning and improving
Believing that rules exist to limit fun - rules create fair, safe and enjoyable competition for everyone

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods with frequent changes, clear visual boundaries, regular movement and role changes, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger balls and shorter rackets, simplified court areas, additional practice time for coordination, step-by-step tactical instruction

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure for tournament format, visual schedule showing game progression, quiet area available for breaks if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and rackets, provide clear verbal descriptions of court boundaries and tactical concepts, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for scoring and game management, written instruction cards for tactical concepts

physical disability

Adapted court sizes, seated tennis options, modified scoring systems, use of ramps or ball feeding devices for serving

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during coaching and instruction, using specific vocabulary accurately, giving clear feedback and constructive criticism

Maths

Counting and tracking scores, understanding number sequences in official tennis scoring (15, 30, 40), measuring court dimensions and calculating areas

Science

Understanding forces in racket sports - angle of impact, spin effects, trajectory and bounce characteristics, energy transfer from racket to ball

PSHE

Developing leadership skills, showing respect for others, dealing with competitive pressure, building resilience after setbacks, working cooperatively

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at elevated position overlooking all courts during tournament, circulate during practice phases to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical shot selection, sportsmanship under pressure, leadership during warm-up, partnership communication

Intervention Points

["Step in immediately if sportsmanship standards drop", "Provide tactical prompts if students are struggling with shot placement", "Mediate scoring disputes quickly and fairly", "Encourage less confident students and celebrate all improvements"]

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for tactical concepts. Show both correct and incorrect examples. Demonstrate excellent sportsmanship behaviours explicitly. Use student volunteers to model good practice.

Verbal Cues

•'Look for the empty space before you hit!'
•'Remember to move your feet to the ball!'
•'Shake hands and agree the score after each point!'
•'What tactics can you use to make this harder for your opponents?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m for multiple small courts, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from debris that could cause slips or trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis rackets for secure strings and undamaged handles
•Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks or damage
•Verify cones are stable and clearly visible for court boundaries

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students moving to balls on adjacent courts
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Ball strikes to other students or spectators
•Overexertion during competitive tournament format

Risk Mitigation

•Clearly defined court boundaries with adequate separation
•Emphasise controlled movement and awareness of others
•Teach proper calling of 'ball coming' when shots go astray
•Monitor intensity and provide breaks as needed
•Ensure underarm serving only for safety and control

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts during tournament
•Circulate actively during games to monitor safety and behaviour
•Be alert for disputes and provide immediate mediation
•Watch for fatigue or overexertion, especially in competitive phases

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed