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Lesson 6 - Tournament Play & Tactics

Strategic Play & Competition

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Year 6

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Tennis

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Big Question

How can I use tactical awareness to outwit my opponents and succeed in competitive tennis?

Learning Objectives

To apply tactical awareness against opponents during competitive play
To demonstrate a range of ground strokes in tournament situations
To understand and apply tennis rules and scoring systems accurately

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully employ tactics to challenge opponents
Students will demonstrate consistent ground stroke technique under pressure
Students will officiate matches using correct tennis rules and scoring

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

5 nets (1 per court)

Check racket strings and handle tape before distribution

Alternative: Shorter junior rackets, table tennis bats for modified games

Tennis Balls

12-15 balls

Use consistent ball type across all courts for fair play

Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, stage 2 (orange) balls for developing players

Markers Cones

24 cones (4 per court)

Mark service boxes, baselines and sidelines clearly

Alternative: Chalk for permanent lines, rope to mark boundaries

Coloured Cones

4 different colours

Place in corners for self-assessment activity

Alternative: Coloured spots, hoops, or designated areas

Score Sheets

1 large display chart

Position where all students can see results being updated

Alternative: Whiteboard, A3 paper, digital display

Video Device

Ensure device is charged and has sufficient storage space

Alternative: Tablet, smartphone with good video quality

Key Vocabulary

Tactical Awareness

The ability to observe opponents and adapt playing style to exploit weaknesses or counter strengths

Ground Strokes

Tennis shots played after the ball bounces, including forehand and backhand drives

Drop Shot

A softly hit shot that lands just over the net, designed to catch opponents off guard

Umpiring

Officiating tennis matches by calling lines, keeping score and ensuring fair play

Tournament Format

A competitive structure where players/pairs compete in organised matches with point systems

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can execute basic forehand and backhand ground strokes
Students understand basic tennis court layout and boundaries
Students can maintain rallies of 5+ shots consistently
Students understand basic serving technique

Current Skills

Applying tactical awareness in competitive situations
Using variety in shot selection to challenge opponents
Demonstrating consistent performance under tournament pressure
Understanding and applying advanced tennis rules and scoring

Next Steps

Developing advanced serving strategies and placement
Learning net play and volleying techniques
Understanding doubles tactics and positioning
Progressing to club-level competitive play

Milestone Indicators

Can identify and exploit opponent's weak side consistently

Uses drop shots and placement shots tactically

Maintains composure during competitive pressure

Demonstrates good sportsmanship regardless of match outcome

Key Teaching Points

Tactical awareness develops through observation of opponents and adaptation of playing style
Consistent ground stroke technique under competitive pressure requires mental resilience
Tournament format provides authentic context for applying learned skills
Fair umpiring develops decision-making skills and understanding of rules
Sportsmanship and character development are as important as tactical success
Self-assessment builds metacognitive awareness of skill development
Connection to lifelong participation encourages continued tennis involvement

Common Misconceptions

Tactics are only about powerful shots - actually placement and variety are more important
Good players don't need to observe opponents - tactical awareness requires constant analysis
Tournament pressure should make you play differently - consistent technique is key to success
Winning is most important - sportsmanship and fair play matter more than results
Tennis is only for naturally talented students - tactical thinking can be developed by everyone
Umpiring is less important than playing - fair officiating is crucial life skill
Tennis is too expensive to continue - many accessible options exist for ongoing participation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter match duration with regular change of activity Clear, specific tactical targets rather than general advice Movement breaks between matches and frequent position changes Immediate feedback and celebration of tactical successes

dyspraxia

Simplified tactical concepts focusing on one strategy at a time Extra practice time for coordination of tactical movement Visual cues and demonstrations for court positioning Modified equipment including shorter, lighter rackets

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable tournament structure with visual schedule Quiet zones available for sensory breaks during competitive play Structured social interaction scripts for tactical discussions Advance warning of transitions between tournament rounds

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and high contrast court markings Verbal descriptions of opponent positioning and tactical opportunities Buddy system for court navigation and equipment location Audio cues for tactical coaching and rule explanations

hearing impairment

Visual hand signals for tactical coaching and rule decisions Written tactical strategy cards and rule reminders Visual demonstrations of all skills and concepts Clear facial expressions and lip reading opportunities during instruction

physical disability

Modified court size and net height for wheelchair users Adapted rackets with extended handles or strapping systems Seated playing positions with appropriate court modifications Flexible serving rules including underarm serves or ball placement

Cross-Curricular Links

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sightlines to all courts, mobile circulation between matches for individual coaching

Observation Focus

Tactical decision-making during points, consistency of ground strokes under pressure, sportsmanship and resilience

Intervention Points

["When tactical discussions stall - provide specific examples", "If sportsmanship deteriorates - immediate positive modelling", "When technique breaks down under pressure - brief technical reminder"]

Demonstration Notes

Model tactical shot placement during natural breaks, demonstrate excellent sportsmanship reactions, show umpiring positioning and decisions

Verbal Cues

•'Watch their weaker side!'
•'Vary your shots - don't be predictable!'
•'Great tactical thinking!'
•'Show respect for that brilliant shot!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4 tennis courts (18m x 8.5m each) or modified courts with adequate spacing between playing areas

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from loose balls, water hazards, or court damage

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis rackets checked for loose strings or damaged frames
•Nets secure at regulation height with safe tensioning
•Court boundaries clearly marked with non-slip markers

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive matches
•Racket strikes from overenthusiastic swings
•Trips and falls on court boundaries or loose equipment
•Overexertion during competitive tournament play

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate court spacing prevents player interference
•Clear rules about racket control and safe swing zones
•Regular equipment checks and immediate removal of damaged items
•Structured rest periods and hydration breaks during tournament
•Umpires positioned safely outside playing areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility across multiple courts
•Regular circulation between courts for tactical coaching and safety monitoring
•Maintain awareness of competitive pressure and player frustration levels

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, complete accident report