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Lesson 4 - Doubles Tactics

Competitive Doubles Play

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Year 6

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Tennis

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Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (32)

Check racket heads are secure and handles appropriate for grip size

Alternative: Foam rackets for students requiring lighter equipment

Tennis Balls

4 per court (16 total)

Mix of foam and standard balls available for differentiation

Alternative: Larger, slower balls for support group

Markers Cones

16 cones

Set up 4 mini courts using cones to mark boundaries and nets

Alternative: Chalk lines on playground surface

Score Sheets

4 copies

Laminated sheets with tournament draw and scoring system

Alternative: Mini whiteboards for score keeping

Sun Markers

8 additional markers

Clearly mark diagonal service areas on each court

Alternative: Tape lines on court surface

Key Vocabulary

Doubles

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

Service area

The rectangular area where the serve must land to be legal

Rally

The continuous hitting of the ball back and forth over the net

Round robin

A tournament format where every team plays against every other team

Tactical shot

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

Consistently wins points through tactical shot placement

Demonstrates clear understanding of doubles positioning

Successfully manages games with accurate scoring

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