Lesson 5 - Shot Linking & Match Play
Strategic Play & Competition
•Year 6
•Tennis
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How can we combine different tennis shots strategically to outplay our opponents?
Learning Objectives
- To develop advanced tennis shots including smash, lob, and serve
- To understand and apply tactical shot combinations in game situations
- To demonstrate self-reflection and recognise success in self and others
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute advanced shots with improved technique and control
- Students will apply tactical shot combinations including serve and volley sequences
- Students will reflect constructively on performance and provide supportive feedback to peers
Equipment & Resources Required
Keep extras in ball hoppers around court perimeter
Alternative: Foam balls, low-compression balls for easier handling
Check grip sizes are appropriate for student hand sizes
Alternative: Shorter rackets for students struggling with control
Use bright colours for visibility
Alternative: Hoops, markers, or chalk circles
Tuck securely into waistband
Alternative: Scarves or bands
Place in centre of defensive circles
Alternative: Chalk marks or small cones
Key Vocabulary
An overhead shot hit downwards with power, usually from a high ball
A high, arcing shot designed to go over an opponent at the net
A tactical combination where a player serves then immediately moves to the net to volley
A soft shot that barely clears the net and lands close to it
Understanding when and why to use different shots based on game situation
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic forehand and backhand groundstrokes
- Understanding of court dimensions and basic rules
- Experience playing modified tennis games
Current Skills
- Advanced shot execution including smash, lob, and serve
- Tactical shot combinations and court positioning
- Self-assessment and peer feedback skills
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical play and match strategy
- Tournament play with complex scoring systems
- Leadership roles in coaching and officiating
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Positioning is crucial for all advanced shots - get behind and under for smash, underneath for lob
- Tactical shot selection - identify when each advanced shot is most effective
- Communication in doubles is essential - call your shots clearly and early
- Progressive technique development - master basics before adding power and complexity
- Reflection and recognition skills develop through specific, constructive feedback
- Game application requires adapting skills to pressure situations
- Self-assessment accuracy improves with practice and honest reflection
Common Misconceptions
- Power before technique - students often try to hit too hard without proper positioning
- All shots need maximum effort - understanding when to use touch and placement
- Individual success in doubles - not understanding the importance of teamwork and communication
- Perfection required - not recognising that improvement and effort are equally important
- Only winners get recognition - missing the value of support, improvement and good sporting behaviour
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement breaks effectively
dyspraxia
- Provide larger, slower balls, allow extra practice time for complex movements, break down techniques into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Provide clear activity sequence, use visual schedule cards, offer quiet reflection time, maintain consistent routines
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Ensure clear sight lines for demonstrations, use visual signals for starts/stops, provide written instruction cards
physical disability
- Modify serving technique for seated players, adjust court size and net height, provide lighter rackets if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating angles for shot placement, measuring court dimensions, scoring and statistical analysis of game performance
Science
Understanding forces in ball trajectory, physics of spin and bounce, biomechanics of efficient movement patterns
Geography
Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding angles and directions for tactical play
PSHE
Developing resilience through practice, managing competitive emotions, supporting teammates and building self-confidence
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly between carousel stations, spend equal time at each, position for maximum visibility during games
Observation Focus
Technical development in advanced shots, tactical application in games, quality of reflection and peer interaction
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, provide technique correction when students struggling, mediate any competitive disputes
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for complex techniques, involve confident students in demonstrations, repeat key techniques multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Behind and under the ball for smash!'
- •'Low to high swing for the lob!'
- •'Sideways stance for serving!'
- •'Communicate in doubles!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large sports hall or multiple outdoor tennis courts, minimum 200 square metres for carousel activities
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from obstacles, nets securely fastened, court boundaries clearly marked
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket grips are secure and appropriate size
- •Ensure balls are not over-inflated or damaged
- •Verify net heights are correct and nets are properly tensioned
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during overhead shots
- •Racket contact between students
- •Trips over balls or equipment
- •Overexertion during intensive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between practice stations
- •Controlled ball supply to prevent accumulation on courts
- •Progressive skill building before game application
- •Regular equipment checks and maintenance
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all stations during carousel
- •Monitor overhead shot activities for safe spacing
- •Observe game intensity and intervene if becoming too competitive
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear procedure for injury management and evacuation if needed