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Lesson 5 - Shot Linking & Match Play

Strategic Play & Competition

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Year 6

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Tennis

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Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

2 per pair (60 total)

Keep extras in ball hoppers around court perimeter

Alternative: Foam balls, low-compression balls for easier handling

Tennis Rackets

4-6 courts depending on space

Check grip sizes are appropriate for student hand sizes

Alternative: Shorter rackets for students struggling with control

Cones

30 for target practice

Use bright colours for visibility

Alternative: Hoops, markers, or chalk circles

Coloured Bibs

6 for warm-up activity

Tuck securely into waistband

Alternative: Scarves or bands

Sun Markers

6 for positioning

Place in centre of defensive circles

Alternative: Chalk marks or small cones

Key Vocabulary

Smash

An overhead shot hit downwards with power, usually from a high ball

Lob

A high, arcing shot designed to go over an opponent at the net

Serve and volley

A tactical combination where a player serves then immediately moves to the net to volley

Drop shot

A soft shot that barely clears the net and lands close to it

Tactical awareness

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

Consistent execution of advanced shots under game pressure

Strategic thinking demonstrated through shot selection

Mature reflection and constructive peer support

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