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Lesson 1 - Doubles Communication and Tactics

Doubles Strategy & Communication

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Year 6

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Tennis

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Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

2 per pair (60 total)

Store in buckets around court perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Low-bounce balls, foam balls for beginners

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check all racquets for damage before lesson

Alternative: Shorter racquets for smaller students, paddles for adaptation

Markers Cones

20-30 cones

Mark multiple court areas to accommodate all pairs

Alternative: Spot markers, rope boundaries

Soft Equipment

Various (40+ items)

Scatter across playing area for 'Not in My Garden' activity

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, light equipment

Scorecards

1 per pair

Simple scoring sheets with space for tactics notes

Alternative: Mini whiteboards, mental scoring

Key Vocabulary

Doubles

Tennis played with two players on each side of the court

Rally

Continuous exchange of shots between opponents

Court Coverage

Strategic positioning to defend the entire court area effectively

Communication

Clear verbal and non-verbal signals between doubles partners

Tactical Positioning

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

Consistent communication throughout rallies

Evidence of tactical planning between points

Improved win rate through better positioning

Demonstration of court coverage strategies

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