🎾

Lesson 3 - The Lob Shot

Doubles Strategy & Communication

•

Year 6

•

Tennis

•

Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racquet grip sizes are appropriate for students

Alternative: Short tennis racquets, badminton racquets

Tennis Balls

1 per student + extras (40 total)

Use slower balls for better control and longer rallies

Alternative: Foam balls, lower compression balls

Nets

1 per 4-6 students (5-8 total)

Set at appropriate height for lob practice

Alternative: Cones with rope, bench seats

Markers Cones

20-30 cones

Create clear target zones on each court

Alternative: Chalk marks, rope boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Lob Shot

A high, arcing shot hit over an opponent's head, typically landing deep in the court

Court Position

Where a player is standing on the court relative to the net and sidelines

Tracking Back

Moving backwards quickly to reach a ball hit behind you

Trajectory

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

Consistent lob shots clearing opponent by 2-3 metres

Appropriate shot selection based on opponent position

Effective recovery and defensive positioning

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