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Lesson 1 - Doubles Tennis Tactics and Scoring

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 team to outsmart our opponents in doubles tennis?

Learning Objectives

To recall and apply doubles tennis strategies from Year 5
To understand and implement tennis scoring system including deuce situations
To develop tactical awareness and shot placement in doubles play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective doubles positioning and communication
Students will accurately keep score using tennis terminology
Students will execute strategic shot placement to create winning opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

4 nets for 4 courts

Check grip size appropriate for students' hands

Alternative: Badminton rackets or short tennis rackets

Tennis Balls

4 balls per court (16 total)

Have spare balls available around court perimeter

Alternative: Foam balls or low-pressure tennis balls for easier play

Markers Cones

32 cones (8 per court)

Mark service boxes, baselines, and sidelines clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines or tape if permanent courts available

Scorecards

8 cards (1 per pair)

Include tennis scoring system reference on cards

Alternative: Whiteboard and pen per court

Key Vocabulary

Deuce

When both players or teams have scored 3 points (40-40) in tennis

Advantage

One point ahead after deuce - need to win by 2 clear points

Service Box

The area where the serve must land - diagonally opposite the server

Ready Position

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

Court Coverage

How doubles partners position themselves to cover the entire court effectively

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tennis grips and stance from Year 5
Understanding of singles tennis rules
Basic serving technique
Forehand and backhand shots

Current Skills

Doubles court positioning and movement
Tennis scoring system including deuce
Tactical shot placement
Partnership communication and coordination

Next Steps

Advanced doubles tactics and formations
Tournament play with multiple opponents
Complex scoring scenarios and tie-breaks
Leadership roles in organising matches

Milestone Indicators

Consistent serving to correct service areas

Strategic shot placement rather than random hitting

Effective doubles communication and positioning

Accurate scorekeeping throughout matches

Key Teaching Points

Doubles partners must communicate and work together to cover the entire court effectively
Tennis scoring follows unique pattern: 0 (love), 15, 30, 40, Game - must win by 2 points from deuce
Strategic shot placement into space is more effective than hitting with maximum power
Ready position recovery after each shot is crucial for defensive court coverage
Service accuracy to correct diagonal service box is fundamental skill requirement
Tournament ladder system motivates continuous improvement and competitive spirit
Deuce situations require mental resilience and tactical awareness under pressure

Common Misconceptions

Thinking both players should stay at baseline - explain net player advantages and court coverage
Believing advantage point wins the game - clarify need for 2-point lead from deuce
Assuming power is more important than placement - demonstrate effectiveness of controlled shots
Forgetting to return to ready position - emphasise defensive preparation importance
Not understanding service box rules - practice diagonal serving pattern repeatedly
Confusion about court movement in tournaments - clearly explain up/down ladder progression

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, use clear boundaries and simplified rules initially

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter rackets and slower balls, reduce court dimensions, provide additional practice time for coordination skills

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedules for tournament format, offer quiet zones for breaks, maintain consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and rackets, provide verbal descriptions of court positions, pair with sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for scoring and game management, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines for demonstrations

physical disability

Modify court size and equipment as needed, allow seated play positions, adapt serving rules for range of motion limitations

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Tennis scoring system progression (15, 30, 40), calculating game wins and tournament ladders, angles and geometry of court positioning

Science

Forces in tennis shots (power, spin, trajectory), projectile motion of ball flight, friction between ball and court surface

Geography

Court dimensions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around court, compass directions for shot placement

PSHE

Teamwork and communication in doubles partnerships, resilience in competitive situations, respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sightlines to all four courts, move to individual courts for specific coaching

Observation Focus

Monitor doubles positioning, serving accuracy, tactical shot placement, and adherence to scoring system

Intervention Points

Step in when safety risks emerge, scoring disputes arise, or students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for court positioning, demonstrate scoring on large visible board, model proper tennis technique slowly

Verbal Cues

•'Return to ready position!'
•'Hit into space, not at players!'
•'Communicate with your partner!'
•'Check your score before serving!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

4 tennis courts minimum 23.77m x 10.97m with 6m clear space around each court

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from cracks, holes or loose objects that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket grips secure and no damaged strings
•Verify tennis balls are in good condition without cracks
•Ensure nets are properly tensioned and secured
•Confirm cone markers are visible and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Racket collisions between players
•Trips over equipment or court markers
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise controlled swings near other players
•Maintain safe distances between courts during play
•Regular equipment checks throughout lesson
•Monitor competitive intensity and provide rest breaks

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all courts simultaneously
•Monitor high-activity tournament matches closely
•Stay mobile to provide immediate support where needed

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately with whistle signal, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure clear access for emergency services if required