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Lesson 4 - Tennis Scoring and Umpiring

Doubles Strategy & Communication

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Year 6

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Tennis

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Big Question

How can we apply the official tennis scoring system to become skilled umpires and fair competitors?

Learning Objectives

To apply the correct rules and scoring system in tennis games
To umpire singles and doubles tennis games accurately
To demonstrate understanding of tennis terminology and deuce situations

Key Outcomes

Students will correctly score tennis games using the official scoring system
Students will successfully umpire games in both singles and doubles formats
Students will explain and apply deuce scoring rules confidently

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket condition and appropriate size for students

Alternative: Table tennis bats, wooden paddles for skill development

Tennis Balls

6 per court (18 total)

Use mix of new and older balls for different bounce levels

Alternative: Foam balls, low-compression balls for beginners

Markers Cones

12 per court (36 total)

Mark singles and doubles boundaries clearly on each court

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries, floor tape

Scorecards

1 per group (10)

Include tennis scoring reference guide on each card

Alternative: Whiteboards, clipboards with paper

Chairs

1 per court (3)

Position for clear view of both sides of court

Alternative: Benches, steps, standing positions with good visibility

Key Vocabulary

Love

Zero points in tennis scoring

Deuce

When both players have 40 points - must win by 2 clear points

Advantage

One point ahead after deuce - next point wins or back to deuce

Umpire

The official who keeps score and enforces rules during a tennis match

Singles

Tennis played one player versus one player

Doubles

Tennis played two players versus two players

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tennis shots (forehand, backhand, serve)
Understanding of court boundaries and net play
Experience with competitive game situations

Current Skills

Official tennis scoring system application
Umpiring skills and match management
Advanced game rules for singles and doubles

Next Steps

Tournament organisation and management
Coaching and peer mentoring skills
Advanced tactical play and strategy

Milestone Indicators

Students can umpire without teacher support

Scoring is applied consistently throughout games

Deuce situations are managed confidently

Students can explain rules clearly to others

Key Teaching Points

Tennis scoring follows Love-15-30-40-Game sequence, not traditional numerical counting
Deuce occurs at 40-40 and requires two clear points to win the game
Umpires must position themselves for clear visibility of both sides of the court
Confident, clear vocal communication is essential for effective umpiring
Singles uses inner court lines, doubles uses outer court lines for boundaries
Only one doubles player can hit the ball on each side - no double touches allowed
Serving must be diagonal across the court to the correct service box

Common Misconceptions

Thinking tennis scoring follows normal number patterns (1,2,3,4) rather than Love-15-30-40
Believing the game ends immediately after deuce when one player scores
Assuming umpires can position themselves anywhere rather than needing clear court visibility
Thinking doubles players can both hit the ball to help get it over the net
Confusing singles and doubles court boundaries and using wrong lines
Believing advantage means the game is won rather than needing the next point

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with regular role changes, clear active responsibilities as umpires, movement between different courts for variety, immediate feedback and recognition

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, longer processing time for umpiring decisions, buddy system support, use of visual aids and reference cards for scoring

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure with predictable rotation patterns, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet observation roles available, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured court markings, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, partner system for umpiring support, audio score calling emphasis

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of all rules, written score cards and reference materials, hand signal systems for umpiring, visual cue cards for scoring sequence

physical disability

Modified court sizes or distances, adapted rackets or equipment as needed, alternative roles such as score recording, seated umpiring positions where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear verbal communication skills, technical vocabulary development, listening skills during instructions, explanation and presentation abilities

Maths

Number sequences in tennis scoring system, probability in competitive outcomes, data collection through score tracking, pattern recognition in game sequences

Science

Understanding of forces in ball trajectory and racket contact, reaction times and decision making, physics of ball bounce and court surfaces

PSHE

Respect for authority and officials, fair play and sportsmanship values, leadership skills through umpiring, confidence building in public speaking roles

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing visibility of all courts, move between umpires to provide support and feedback

Observation Focus

Monitor umpiring confidence and accuracy, watch for correct scoring application, assess rule enforcement consistency

Intervention Points

Step in if umpires lose confidence or control, support when scoring becomes confused, mediate any disputes between players

Demonstration Notes

Model confident umpire posture and voice projection, demonstrate clear decision-making signals, show enthusiasm for tennis traditions and terminology

Verbal Cues

•'Project your voice - everyone needs to hear the score!'
•'Trust your decision - you're the umpire!'
•'Remember deuce means both players must win by two!'
•'Excellent umpiring - confident and clear!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 3 tennis courts (18m x 36m each) or equivalent marked areas, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards, appropriate for tennis movement patterns

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis rackets for loose strings or damaged frames
•Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks
•Verify umpire positions don't obstruct player movement
•Check court markings are visible and safe

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket contact with other students or equipment
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Ball strikes from multiple courts operating simultaneously
•Collisions between students moving between courts

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established with adequate spacing
•Umpire positioning away from playing areas
•Controlled ball distribution and collection procedures
•Clear movement patterns between different court areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts simultaneously
•Monitor umpire safety and confidence levels
•Watch for fatigue in active players
•Ensure competitive spirit doesn't compromise safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, inform school administration