Lesson 8 - Tactics & Fair Play
Advanced Skills & Tactics
•Year 6
•Tennis
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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
Check strings are intact and grips are secure
Alternative: Table tennis bats, badminton rackets for beginners
Use pressurised balls for better bounce and game realism
Alternative: Foam balls, larger slow-bounce balls for SEND students
Set up multiple small courts approximately 8m x 4m each
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, tape for court boundaries
Simple recording sheets for tracking wins and tournament progress
Alternative: Mental scoring with regular checks
Key Vocabulary
Plans and strategies used to gain advantage over an opponent
Fair, respectful and gracious behaviour in sport
When a server fails to get both first and second serves into the correct service box
Continuous exchange of shots between players
Balanced stance with racket up, ready to move in any direction
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
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