Doubles Strategy & Communication
•Year 6
•Tennis
•Check racquet condition and appropriate size for students
Alternative: Short tennis racquets, table tennis bats for students with coordination difficulties
Have spare balls available around court perimeter
Alternative: Orange dot balls for slower play, foam balls for SEND students
Mark court boundaries clearly, ensure visibility
Alternative: Chalk lines, masking tape on indoor surfaces
Set at appropriate height (80cm), ensure stability
Alternative: Rope between chairs, cone and pole arrangements
Position where both teams can see clearly
Alternative: Paper scorecards, mobile phone apps
Display clearly for students to check next matches
Alternative: Whiteboard with fixture list, digital tournament app
Strategic placement of both players on court to cover maximum area effectively
Aggressive tactics aimed at winning points quickly through powerful or well-placed shots
Tactics focused on returning shots safely and waiting for opponent errors
Planned strategies used to gain advantage over opponents
Competition where each team plays every other team once
Traditional tennis scoring: Love, 15, 30, 40, Game
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Clear communication with partners during tactical discussions, using subject-specific vocabulary accurately, giving and receiving constructive feedback
Understanding forces in racquet sports, trajectory and angles of ball flight, impact of different surfaces on ball bounce
Teamwork and cooperation in partnership situations, resilience when facing competitive challenges, respect and fair play towards opponents
Move between courts during tournament to observe all matches, position centrally during whole-class instruction
Monitor tactical implementation, partnership communication, sportsmanship during competition, safety during all activities
Step in for unsafe play, poor sportsmanship, scoring disputes, or students showing signs of frustration
Use slow-motion demonstrations for tactical concepts, emphasise communication with teaching assistant as partner, model excellent sportsmanship throughout
Large sports hall or 8 outdoor tennis courts, minimum 40m x 60m total area
Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or damaged court markings
Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if required
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