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Lesson 3 - Round Robin Tennis Competition

Competitive Doubles Play

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Year 6

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Tennis

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Big Question

How can we use tactical thinking and accurate shot placement to win tennis matches in a tournament setting?

Learning Objectives

To refine tactical thinking in tennis matches, considering which shot to play and when
To organise, umpire and manage round robin competitions effectively
To demonstrate accurate serving, forehand and backhand techniques in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently hit accurate serves to the correct court area
Students will demonstrate tactical shot placement to create space and win points
Students will successfully organise and umpire matches using correct tennis scoring

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

18 (3 per court)

Keep spare balls at each court for continuous play

Alternative: Softer tennis balls for easier control

Tennis Rackets

12 (2 per court)

Check racket grip size is appropriate for students' hands

Alternative: Smaller rackets or table tennis bats for beginners

Markers Cones

24 (12 per court)

Create 2 mini courts approximately 6m x 4m each

Alternative: Chalk lines or tape for court boundaries

Goals

Net height approximately 80cm for mini courts

Alternative: Cones with rope stretched between them

Clipboards

6 (one per group)

Include tournament bracket and individual score tracking

Alternative: Whiteboard markers and small whiteboards

Bibs

Help students and umpires identify players quickly

Alternative: Coloured bands or simple numbering system

Key Vocabulary

Round Robin

A tournament format where every player plays against every other player once

Tactical Shot Placement

Deliberately hitting the ball to specific areas to outmanoeuvre opponents

Ready Position

Balanced stance between shots, ready to move in any direction

Umpiring

Officially monitoring and scoring a match according to rules

Creating Space

Using shot placement to move opponents and open up winning opportunities

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand and backhand grip and technique
Understanding of court boundaries and basic rules
Ability to rally with a partner for multiple shots

Current Skills

Tactical shot placement in competitive situations
Tournament organisation and umpiring skills
Advanced serving techniques with accuracy and pace

Next Steps

Advanced doubles tactics and positioning
Match analysis and performance evaluation
Leadership roles in organising larger tournaments

Milestone Indicators

Consistent serving to target areas under pressure

Evidence of tactical thinking in shot selection

Successful match management and fair play

Key Teaching Points

Tactical shot placement is more important than power - hit to spaces away from opponents
Recovery to ready position after each shot allows quick response to opponent's returns
Serving with accuracy and consistency puts immediate pressure on opponents
Good sportsmanship and fair play are just as important as technical skills
Umpiring requires concentration, fairness, and clear communication
Tournament organisation teaches leadership and responsibility beyond just playing skills
Competitive pressure reveals true character and provides opportunities for personal growth

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Hitting harder always wins points' - Correct: Controlled placement to spaces beats power
Misconception: 'Good players don't need to move their feet' - Correct: Footwork and positioning are fundamental
Misconception: 'Serving is just about getting the ball over' - Correct: Strategic serving creates immediate tactical advantage
Misconception: 'Winning is the only thing that matters' - Correct: Effort, improvement and sportsmanship are equally valuable
Misconception: 'Umpires should always favour the home team' - Correct: Fairness and accuracy are the umpire's primary responsibilities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Keep matches short with clear time boundaries, provide regular positive feedback, allow movement breaks between games, use energetic but structured tournament format

dyspraxia

Use larger, slower balls for easier tracking, provide extra practice time with serving and rallying, offer simplified scoring system, focus on tactical understanding and participation

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament schedule and routine structure, offer quiet zone for breaks between matches, use visual tournament bracket to show progress

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and rackets, provide verbal descriptions of court layout and tactical positioning, assign sighted buddy for umpiring support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for match starts and stops, provide written scoresheet instructions, ensure visual demonstrations of all techniques and tactics

physical disability

Provide lighter rackets or modified grip sizes, allow seated play where appropriate, adjust court size and net height as needed, focus on tactical understanding over physical execution

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during umpiring, vocabulary development with tennis terminology, descriptive language for performance evaluation

Maths

Tournament brackets and elimination patterns, scoring systems and point calculations, geometric concepts in court angles and shot placement

Science

Forces involved in ball trajectory and spin, physics of racket impact and ball bounce, biomechanics of serving motion

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding angles and directions for tactical placement

PSHE

Leadership skills through umpiring responsibilities, resilience when losing matches, respect and fair play in competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move frequently between both courts to provide equal attention, stand where you can observe all active matches

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, sportsmanship, and technical skill application under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in if matches become too one-sided, if unsporting behaviour occurs, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent sportsmanship yourself, celebrate good tactical play from all students, use specific examples to teach tactical concepts during brief pauses

Verbal Cues

•'Hit to the space!' when students need tactical reminders
•'Well played both of you!' to reinforce good sportsmanship
•'Think about where your opponent is standing' to encourage tactical thinking
•'Umpire, call that score clearly for everyone to hear'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 2 courts of 6m x 4m each with 2m clear boundary around each court

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from water, leaves or debris that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis rackets for loose grips or damaged strings
•Inspect nets and posts for stability and appropriate height
•Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks or flat spots
•Verify cones and markers are positioned safely outside playing areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between players during competitive play
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
•Racket contact between players
•Overexertion during intensive tournament play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established with adequate buffer zones
•Controlled tournament rotation preventing overcrowding
•Umpires positioned safely outside court areas
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Emphasis on controlled shots over power hitting

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between courts for maximum visibility of all matches
•Monitor intensity levels and provide rest breaks as needed
•Watch for signs of frustration or unsporting behaviour
•Ensure umpires maintain safe distance from play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately if injury occurs, assess situation calmly, provide appropriate first aid or summon medical support, ensure other students remain safely positioned