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Lesson 6 - Doubles Tactics and Competition

Doubles Strategy & Communication

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Year 6

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Tennis

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Big Question

How can we work as a doubles team to outplay our opponents using tactical positioning and shot selection?

Learning Objectives

Use doubles positioning to explore attacking and defensive play
Work collaboratively with a partner to develop and implement tactics against other pairs
Compete fairly whilst identifying areas for improvement in individual and team performance

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in doubles positioning during competitive play
Students will communicate effectively with their partner to implement agreed tactics
Students will use the full tennis scoring system accurately and identify specific areas for improvement

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racquet condition and appropriate size for students

Alternative: Short tennis racquets, table tennis bats for students with coordination difficulties

Tennis Balls

2 per court (16 total)

Have spare balls available around court perimeter

Alternative: Orange dot balls for slower play, foam balls for SEND students

Markers Cones

32 (4 corners × 8 courts)

Mark court boundaries clearly, ensure visibility

Alternative: Chalk lines, masking tape on indoor surfaces

Benches

8 (1 per court)

Set at appropriate height (80cm), ensure stability

Alternative: Rope between chairs, cone and pole arrangements

Clipboards

8 (1 per court)

Position where both teams can see clearly

Alternative: Paper scorecards, mobile phone apps

Competition Planner

4 (1 per group of courts)

Display clearly for students to check next matches

Alternative: Whiteboard with fixture list, digital tournament app

Key Vocabulary

Doubles positioning

Strategic placement of both players on court to cover maximum area effectively

Attacking play

Aggressive tactics aimed at winning points quickly through powerful or well-placed shots

Defensive play

Tactics focused on returning shots safely and waiting for opponent errors

Tactics

Planned strategies used to gain advantage over opponents

Round-robin format

Competition where each team plays every other team once

Full tennis scoring

Traditional tennis scoring: Love, 15, 30, 40, Game

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tennis strokes (forehand, backhand, serve)
Individual court positioning and movement
Understanding of tennis court boundaries and basic rules
Experience playing singles tennis games

Current Skills

Doubles positioning for attacking and defensive play
Tactical communication with a partner
Strategic shot placement in doubles format
Full tennis scoring system application

Next Steps

Advanced doubles strategies and formations
Tournament format competition
Officiating and umpiring skills
Analysis of professional doubles play

Milestone Indicators

Consistently positions correctly in doubles formation

Communicates tactics clearly with partner during play

Makes tactical decisions based on opponents' positioning

Accurately scores using full tennis system

Key Teaching Points

Doubles success depends on effective partner communication throughout the game
Tactical shot placement is more important than power in doubles play
Quick transitions between attacking and defensive formations create competitive advantage
Tennis scoring system requires practice and consistent application
Sportsmanship and fair play are equally important as technical skills
Observation of opponents' positioning informs tactical decision-making
Tournament format provides authentic assessment of skill development

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Hitting the ball harder will always win points. Correction: Accuracy and placement are more effective than power
Misconception: Both players should always stay in the same court position. Correction: Formations should change based on tactical situations
Misconception: Tennis scoring is too complicated to learn. Correction: Practice and repetition make scoring system automatic
Misconception: Competition is only about winning. Correction: Learning, improvement, and sportsmanship are equally valuable outcomes
Misconception: Doubles is just like singles with two people. Correction: Doubles requires specific positioning, communication, and tactics

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tournament into shorter match periods, provide clear structure and expectations, offer movement breaks between matches

dyspraxia

Use larger balls and shorter racquets, provide additional practice time for tactical concepts, simplify court positioning initially

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament structure and schedules, offer quiet areas between matches, use visual supports for tactics and rules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and racquets, provide clear verbal descriptions of court positioning, use tactile markers for court boundaries

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for scoring and tactical instructions, provide written tournament schedules, use hand signals for communication

physical disability

Allow seated play where appropriate, use larger/lighter racquets, modify court sizes, provide alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication with partners during tactical discussions, using subject-specific vocabulary accurately, giving and receiving constructive feedback

Science

Understanding forces in racquet sports, trajectory and angles of ball flight, impact of different surfaces on ball bounce

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in partnership situations, resilience when facing competitive challenges, respect and fair play towards opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during tournament to observe all matches, position centrally during whole-class instruction

Observation Focus

Monitor tactical implementation, partnership communication, sportsmanship during competition, safety during all activities

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe play, poor sportsmanship, scoring disputes, or students showing signs of frustration

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for tactical concepts, emphasise communication with teaching assistant as partner, model excellent sportsmanship throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Where's the space on their court?'
•'Talk to your partner!'
•'Control before power!'
•'Good sportsmanship!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or 8 outdoor tennis courts, minimum 40m x 60m total area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or damaged court markings

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racquets for secure strings and intact handles
•Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks
•Verify nets/benches are stable and appropriate height
•Confirm court markers are secure and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during doubles play
•Racquet contact injuries during competitive play
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Overexertion during tournament format

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing between playing areas
•Emphasis on controlled shots rather than power
•Regular hydration breaks during tournament play
•Immediate stops for any safety concerns

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all courts during competitive play
•Monitor student behaviour during competitive pressure
•Watch for signs of fatigue during extended tournament

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if required