Lesson 1 - Doubles Communication and Tactics
Doubles Strategy & Communication
•Year 6
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can effective communication and positioning help us dominate the court in doubles tennis?
Learning Objectives
- To play doubles tennis using clear communication to score points against opposition
- To defend points using teamwork skills and tactical positioning
- To select and apply skills learned in previous tennis units during competitive play
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective communication with their doubles partner
- Students will show tactical awareness in court positioning and shot selection
- Students will apply previously learned tennis skills in competitive game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Store in buckets around court perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Low-bounce balls, foam balls for beginners
Check all racquets for damage before lesson
Alternative: Shorter racquets for smaller students, paddles for adaptation
Mark multiple court areas to accommodate all pairs
Alternative: Spot markers, rope boundaries
Scatter across playing area for 'Not in My Garden' activity
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, light equipment
Simple scoring sheets with space for tactics notes
Alternative: Mini whiteboards, mental scoring
Key Vocabulary
Tennis played with two players on each side of the court
Continuous exchange of shots between opponents
Strategic positioning to defend the entire court area effectively
Clear verbal and non-verbal signals between doubles partners
Strategic placement on court to maximise scoring opportunities
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic tennis grip and stance
- Forehand and backhand strokes
- Basic serving technique
- Understanding of court dimensions and basic rules
Current Skills
- Doubles communication strategies
- Tactical court positioning
- Quick decision-making under pressure
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
Next Steps
- Advanced doubles strategies
- Tournament-style competitive play
- Leadership and coaching roles
- Complex tactical variations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Communication is the foundation of successful doubles play
- Formation choice affects court coverage and tactical opportunities
- Quick decision-making between partners prevents confusion and collisions
- Tactical awareness requires observation of opponents and adaptation
- Sporting behaviour and partnership support enhance performance
- Consistent technique maintenance under competitive pressure shows mastery
- Leadership through communication and encouragement benefits all players
Common Misconceptions
- Both partners should always go for every ball - actually only one should call 'mine'
- Doubles is just two people playing singles side by side - requires specific formations and communication
- The strongest player should take all the shots - effective doubles uses both players strategically
- Communication is only needed when the ball is coming - continuous dialogue improves positioning and tactics
- One formation works for all situations - tactical adaptation requires formation changes
- Winning is more important than working together - partnership quality determines long-term success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks incorporated
dyspraxia
- Larger courts, simplified tactical concepts, extra practice time, step-by-step movement breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable transitions
visual impairment
- Brightly coloured balls and court markers, verbal descriptions of court layout, guide rope boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual communication signals established, written tactical instructions, clear visual demonstrations
physical disability
- Modified court sizes, lighter racquets, seated play options, adapted scoring systems
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary, clear communication, tactical discussion skills
Maths
Scoring systems, court dimensions, angles of shots, statistics tracking
Science
Forces in tennis shots, projectile motion, reaction times, biomechanics
Geography
Court positioning, spatial awareness, angles and directions
PSHE
Partnership skills, communication, resilience, competitive behaviour management
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing observation of all courts, move between pairs during activities
Observation Focus
Communication quality, tactical implementation, partnership cooperation, technical safety
Intervention Points
["Step in when communication breaks down completely", "Intervene if competitive pressure causes poor behaviour", "Support pairs struggling with tactical concepts"]
Demonstration Notes
Use student demonstrations where possible, model communication clearly, show tactical concepts with pairs of students
Verbal Cues
- •'Keep talking to each other!'
- •'Remember your formation!'
- •'Controlled shots, not power!'
- •'Support your partner!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4 courts of 8m x 4m each, clear of obstacles with 2m safety margins
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from debris, adequate drainage if outdoors
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All racquets checked for cracks, splits, or loose strings before lesson
- •Soft tennis balls used to minimise injury risk
- •Cones checked for damage and positioned safely
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racquet collisions between partners during doubles play
- •Ball strikes to face or body during competitive play
- •Slips and falls during quick directional changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear communication protocols established to prevent collisions
- •Adequate court spacing maintained throughout lesson
- •Emphasis on controlled shots rather than power hitting
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to oversee multiple courts simultaneously
- •Circulate between courts during competitive play
- •Monitor equipment condition throughout lesson
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required