Lesson 4 - Doubles Tactics
Competitive Doubles Play
•Year 6
•Tennis
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How can we work together as a doubles team to create winning tactics and outplay our opponents?
Learning Objectives
- To develop tactical thinking and shot selection in doubles tennis situations
- To understand court positioning and movement in doubles play
- To organise and manage competitive games whilst demonstrating sportsmanship
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by placing shots to create space and win points
- Students will show understanding of doubles positioning and effective communication
- Students will successfully organise and officiate round robin competitions
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket heads are secure and handles appropriate for grip size
Alternative: Foam rackets for students requiring lighter equipment
Mix of foam and standard balls available for differentiation
Alternative: Larger, slower balls for support group
Set up 4 mini courts using cones to mark boundaries and nets
Alternative: Chalk lines on playground surface
Laminated sheets with tournament draw and scoring system
Alternative: Mini whiteboards for score keeping
Clearly mark diagonal service areas on each court
Alternative: Tape lines on court surface
Key Vocabulary
A game of tennis played with two players on each side of the net
The rectangular area where the serve must land to be legal
The continuous hitting of the ball back and forth over the net
A tournament format where every team plays against every other team
A deliberately placed shot designed to create space or exploit opponent weakness
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic tennis strokes - forehand and backhand
- Understanding of court boundaries and basic serving
- Simple scoring system and game rules
Current Skills
- Tactical shot placement in doubles situations
- Court positioning and movement as a team
- Game management and officiating skills
Next Steps
- Advanced tournament organisation and leadership
- Complex tactical combinations and strategy development
- Coaching and mentoring younger students
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Doubles success depends on communication and tactical thinking, not just individual shot quality
- Court positioning creates opportunities - both partners must understand their roles and movements
- Tactical shot placement to corners and spaces is more effective than power shots
- Tournament competition should enhance learning while maintaining positive sportsmanship
- Partner encouragement and support leads to better performance than individual pressure
- Officiating and score-keeping are important life skills that develop attention and fairness
- Reflection and analysis help students understand their learning and plan improvements
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking power is more important than placement - emphasise accuracy and tactics over force
- Believing both players should chase every ball - teach clear court division and communication
- Assuming winning is more important than learning - focus on effort and improvement over results
- Thinking tactical play is too complex for Year 6 - break down concepts into simple, achievable steps
- Believing competitive tournaments reduce inclusion - structure competition to celebrate all participants
- Assuming students can't officiate accurately - provide clear structures and support their development
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear role definitions in partnerships, movement breaks between matches
dyspraxia
- Larger, slower balls, simplified court boundaries, extra practice time for shot coordination, partner support encouraged
autism spectrum
- Clear tournament structure with visual schedules, predictable rotation patterns, quiet reflection spaces available
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of court positioning, buddy system with sighted partner for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for serve changes and scoring, written tournament brackets and rules, emphasis on visual demonstration of tactics
physical disability
- Seated tennis variations, modified court sizes, lighter/adapted rackets, extended time for positioning
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills in doubles play, vocabulary development for tactical terms, descriptive language in reflection
Maths
Tournament scoring calculations, statistics tracking wins/losses, geometry of court angles and shot placement
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, physics of spin and trajectory, understanding momentum in shot power
Geography
Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns
PSHE
Partnership skills, leadership through coaching, resilience in competitive situations, respect for opponents
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing supervision of all 4 courts simultaneously, rotate between courts during matches
Observation Focus
Monitor tactical application, doubles communication quality, and competitive behaviour management
Intervention Points
["Step in if disputes arise over scoring or line calls", "Support students struggling with tactical concepts", "Ensure tournament maintains positive, inclusive atmosphere", "Guide reflection discussions toward constructive outcomes"]
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for positioning demonstrations, involve students in tactical scenario demonstrations, model positive competitive behaviour throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Communicate with your partner!'
- •'Think about where the space is!'
- •'Good sportsmanship there!'
- •'What's your tactical plan?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4 courts each 10m x 6m with 2m clearance between courts
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from loose balls or equipment hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket heads are secure with no loose strings
- •Inspect balls for damage that could cause unpredictable bounces
- •Ensure court markers are stable and visible
- •Verify nets/cone barriers are secure and appropriate height
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket contact between players during doubles play
- •Collisions when both players move for same ball
- •Tripping over court boundaries or equipment
- •Overexertion during competitive tournament matches
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear communication protocols established for doubles play
- •Adequate court spacing to prevent cross-court interference
- •Regular equipment checks throughout lesson
- •Hydration breaks built into tournament structure
- •Teacher positioned for maximum court supervision
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple courts simultaneously
- •Monitor for signs of overcompetitive behaviour
- •Watch for fatigue during extended tournament play
- •Ensure fair play and dispute resolution
Emergency Procedures
Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required