Lesson 3 - The Lob Shot
Doubles Strategy & Communication
•Year 6
•Tennis
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use the lob shot strategically to outmanoeuvre opponents in tennis?
Learning Objectives
- To understand and demonstrate the technique for performing a lob shot
- To apply the lob shot tactically in game situations
- To develop court positioning and movement skills when defending against lob shots
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully perform lob shots with appropriate height and placement
- Students will demonstrate tactical awareness of when to use the lob shot
- Students will show improved defensive movement and positioning skills
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racquet grip sizes are appropriate for students
Alternative: Short tennis racquets, badminton racquets
Use slower balls for better control and longer rallies
Alternative: Foam balls, lower compression balls
Set at appropriate height for lob practice
Alternative: Cones with rope, bench seats
Create clear target zones on each court
Alternative: Chalk marks, rope boundaries
Key Vocabulary
A high, arcing shot hit over an opponent's head, typically landing deep in the court
Where a player is standing on the court relative to the net and sidelines
Moving backwards quickly to reach a ball hit behind you
The curved path the ball follows through the air
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic forehand and backhand ground strokes
- Understanding of court dimensions and boundaries
- Ability to rally consistently with a partner
Current Skills
- Lob shot technique with upward swing path
- Tactical awareness of court positioning
- Defensive movement and recovery skills
Next Steps
- Advanced shot selection and combinations
- Serve and volley tactics
- Match play strategies and point construction
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Lob shot requires upward swing path from underneath the ball
- Use lob shots tactically when opponents are positioned close to the net
- Ball should clear opponent's head by 2-3 metres for effectiveness
- Quick tracking back movement is essential for lob shot defence
- Practice feeds should be consistent to allow technique focus
- Tactical understanding is as important as technical execution
- Safety awareness during backward tracking movements is crucial
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Lob shots are just defensive shots' - Actually: They can be aggressive tactical weapons
- Misconception: 'Hit the ball as high as possible' - Actually: Optimal height clears opponent but stays in court
- Misconception: 'Use lob shots all the time' - Actually: Only effective when opponent is positioned forward
- Misconception: 'Lob shots are easy because they're slow' - Actually: Timing and placement require significant skill
- Misconception: 'You can't return a lob shot' - Actually: Good footwork and positioning enable effective returns
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, regular check-ins, fidget-friendly equipment options
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment options, simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time, step-by-step skill breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, quiet practice areas available, visual schedule cards, predictable partner arrangements
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, clear verbal descriptions of court areas, tactile zone markers, partner guidance system
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear sight lines, written instruction cards, hand signal systems, vibrant visual cues
physical disability
- Seated playing versions, modified court sizes, lighter equipment options, adapted throwing technique alternatives
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating angles and trajectories for lob shots, measuring court distances and zones, timing and speed concepts
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, gravity effects on trajectory, lever principles in racquet swing mechanics
Geography
Spatial awareness and court positioning, direction and movement concepts, mapping game strategies
PSHE
Resilience when learning difficult skills, cooperation in partner work, fair play and sportsmanship in games
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between pairs/courts for optimal observation, position at court corners for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for lob shot trajectory, tactical decision-making, safe movement patterns
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, provide individual technique corrections, adjust challenges as needed
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for technique clarity, vary positions for different viewing angles, involve students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Up and over!'
- •'Paint the rainbow!'
- •'Lift it to the shelf!'
- •'Track back quickly!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m area with additional space for multiple courts
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for quick movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racquet strings and handles for damage
- •Ensure balls are in good condition
- •Verify nets/benches are stable and appropriate height
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during tracking back movements
- •Racquet contact between students
- •Slips during quick direction changes
- •Ball strikes to head/body
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between practice pairs and courts
- •Emphasise controlled practice before game situations
- •Teach proper tracking back technique
- •Use slower balls for safer play
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple courts simultaneously
- •Monitor tracking back movements closely
- •Ensure safe equipment collection procedures
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident reporting