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Lesson 6 - Tournament Tactics

Foundation Skills & Match Play

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Year 7

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Tennis

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Big Question

How can analysing your opponent's strengths and weaknesses give you a competitive advantage?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate specific tactical awareness during competitive play
Apply tactical decisions based on opponent analysis
Show excellent sportsmanship and fair play in tournament situations

Key Outcomes

Students will compete in a structured tournament applying tactical awareness
Students will identify and exploit opponent weaknesses whilst protecting their own
Students will umpire matches fairly and demonstrate excellent sporting behaviour

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

1 per 4 students

Check racket strings are intact, appropriate grip sizes available

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, badminton rackets for adapted play

Tennis Balls

Minimum 4 per court, ideally 6-8

Ensure sufficient balls to avoid delays retrieving out balls

Alternative: Foam tennis balls, low compression balls for easier control

Cones

25 for court marking and service boxes

Use to mark court boundaries and service boxes clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, floor markers, rope

Bibs

2-3 for Pacman game

Bright colours for easy identification during warm-up

Alternative: Bands, different coloured clothing

Whiteboard Pens

2-3 sheets, multiple markers

Create fixture list and results table visible to all students

Alternative: Whiteboard, clipboard with results sheet, digital display

Video Device

1 (optional but recommended)

Position to capture good angles of play, ensure safeguarding compliance

Alternative: Tablet, smartphone on tripod, school camera

Whistles

For stopping play and gaining attention quickly

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Strategic plans and decisions made during play to gain an advantage over your opponent

Tournament

A structured competition where multiple players compete in organised matches with results recorded

Competitive play

Playing matches where the result matters, requiring focus, tactics and sporting behaviour

Sportsmanship

Fair play, respect for opponents, graciousness in victory and defeat

Strengths and weaknesses

Areas where a player performs well (strengths) or struggles (weaknesses)

Drop shot

A softly hit shot that lands just over the net, forcing opponent to rush forward

Targeting

Deliberately aiming shots at specific areas or weaknesses of your opponent

Opponent analysis

Observing and identifying patterns in how your opponent plays to inform tactical decisions

Umpiring

Officiating a match by calling the score, judging line calls and ensuring fair play

Results table

A record of match outcomes showing wins, draws, losses and points awarded

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand and backhand strokes
Understanding of tennis court layout and boundaries
Simple serving technique
Rally skills and ball control
Basic scoring system

Current Skills

Applying tactical awareness in competitive situations
Analysing opponent strengths and weaknesses
Adapting play based on match situations
Tournament play and umpiring skills
Strategic shot selection and placement

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play with consistent application
Developing a personal playing style
Higher-level tournament competition
Advanced serve and volley tactics
Doubles play and partnership strategies

Milestone Indicators

Student consistently targets opponent's backhand weakness

Student varies pace and depth of shots strategically

Student demonstrates resilience when behind in score

Student can articulate their tactical decisions

Student shows excellent sporting behaviour under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Tactical awareness means making deliberate, strategic decisions based on analysis of your opponent's strengths and weaknesses
Observe your opponent in the first few rallies to identify patterns - do they favour forehand? struggle with backhand? move slowly to one side?
Target identified weaknesses consistently - if backhand is weak, keep hitting there until they improve or you win the point
Vary your shots strategically - use drop shots when opponent is deep, hit deep when they're at the net, change pace to disrupt rhythm
Court positioning is tactical - return to central position after shots to cover most of the court effectively
Sportsmanship is essential in competitive play - winning without grace or losing without resilience demonstrates poor sporting character
Umpiring requires integrity and fairness - calling what you see honestly even when it favours opponents shows true sportsmanship

Common Misconceptions

MISCONCEPTION: Tactics means just hitting the ball hard. CORRECTION: Tactics is about smart placement, variation and exploiting weaknesses, not just power. Demonstrate how a softly placed drop shot can be more effective than a hard hit.
MISCONCEPTION: Winning is all that matters in competitive sport. CORRECTION: How you compete matters as much as the result - sportsmanship, effort and learning are equally valuable. Celebrate examples of excellent sporting behaviour even in defeat.
MISCONCEPTION: If a tactic doesn't work immediately, it's a bad tactic. CORRECTION: Tactics need time and repetition to be effective. If targeting the backhand, keep doing it - opponent may tire or technique may break down under pressure.
MISCONCEPTION: Good tennis players don't need tactics, they just have good technique. CORRECTION: Even professionals use tactics constantly - watch any professional match and see how they analyse opponents and adapt. Tactics can beat superior technique.
MISCONCEPTION: You should only use tactics you're good at. CORRECTION: Tournament play is an opportunity to try new tactical approaches - drop shots, varied serves, different court positions. Learning happens when trying new things, even if they fail sometimes.

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short match durations maintain engagement; active umpiring role when not playing keeps focus; clear, simple instructions repeated; visual cues for court boundaries; regular positive feedback; movement breaks between matches; fidget tools allowed during spectating

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter foam balls for easier contact; shorter rackets for better control; extended warm-up for motor planning; simplified court markings; extra practice time before tournament; reduce speed of play; focus on tactical thinking (strength area) rather than technical perfection

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson structure in advance; clear, consistent routines for match starts and transitions; quiet zone available if overwhelmed by competition; predictable fixture order displayed clearly; prepare for competitive situations with social stories; option to umpire rather than play if competition causes anxiety

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls (yellow/orange) for better visibility; provide verbal descriptions of court layout and boundaries; use audible balls with bells if available; buddy system with sighted partner for court navigation; umpire calls score extra clearly; reduce court size for easier spatial management

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions and rules; use written/pictorial fixture lists and results tables; hand signals for starting and stopping play instead of whistle; ensure student can see umpire clearly; visual countdown timers for match duration; British Sign Language support if available

physical disability

Wheelchair tennis adaptations - ball allowed two bounces; shorter rackets or adapted grips available; reduce court size significantly; modified serving rules; seated umpiring role as full participation option; partner-supported play where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development - tactics, tournament, opponent analysis; verbal communication skills when umpiring; articulacy when explaining tactical decisions; following and explaining rules clearly; discussion and debate about sporting ethics

Maths

Tournament scoring systems and points calculation; keeping results tables and tallying wins/draws/losses; understanding match timing and time management; angles of shot placement; spatial awareness and court geometry

Science

Forces applied when hitting tennis ball - power, spin, trajectory; reaction times when responding to opponent's shots; cardiovascular system response during competitive play; muscles used in tennis movements

PSHE

Sportsmanship and fair play values; managing emotions in competitive situations; resilience when facing defeat; respecting others including opponents, umpires and spectators; integrity in honest umpiring decisions; teamwork in doubles scenarios; goal-setting for improvement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at central point where all courts visible. During showcase matches position at side of central court. When providing individual feedback, circulate but maintain awareness of all courts.

Observation Focus

Primary: tactical awareness - watch for deliberate shot placement, targeting weaknesses, strategic serving. Secondary: technical execution under pressure. Tertiary: sportsmanship and competitive behaviour. Note specific examples for feedback.

Intervention Points

Intervene immediately if: unsafe behaviour observed, poor sportsmanship displayed, disputes becoming heated, students showing distress, scoring confusion causing delays, tactical awareness not being demonstrated (provide coaching).

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate diagonal serving clearly at start. Use student demonstrations during showcase matches. Show video examples of tactical play. Model sportsmanship behaviours like handshakes and positive reactions. Demonstrate umpiring positioning and score calling.

Verbal Cues

•'Where is your opponent's weakness?'
•'Think tactically - what shot will surprise them?'
•'Watch your opponent's positioning!'
•'Excellent tactical decision targeting the backhand!'
•'Good sportsmanship shaking hands!'
•'Umpire, nice loud clear score calling!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple tennis courts marked with minimum 2m spacing between courts. Each court approximately 8m x 4m for singles play. Total space needed depends on class size - ideally 1 court per 4 students. Clear run-off areas beyond court boundaries.

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from water, mud or debris that could cause slipping. Indoor courts checked for appropriate footwear grip. Outdoor courts inspected for cracks, holes or uneven areas. Lines clearly visible.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis rackets inspected for broken strings, loose grips or splintered frames before distribution
•Tennis balls checked for appropriate pressure - not too hard or damaged
•Nets securely fastened with no sharp edges or loose components if using proper nets
•Cones for court marking have no cracks or sharp edges
•Video equipment positioned stable and out of play areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students on adjacent courts when chasing balls
•Being struck by tennis balls from other courts
•Tripping over nets, cones or court boundary markers
•Racket swing hitting another student
•Slipping during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during competitive play especially in warm weather
•Disputes escalating to physical contact

Risk Mitigation

•Minimum 2m spacing enforced between courts at all times
•Clear protocol: students shout 'BALL!' when ball enters another court and wait for safe retrieval
•Adequate balls per court to reduce need to retrieve from other courts
•Warm-up thoroughly completed before competitive play
•Clear boundaries established and enforced - no entering other courts
•Racket safety briefing: awareness of space when swinging, controlled movements
•Timed matches to prevent overexertion - students rest when umpiring
•Water breaks provided, especially important in outdoor/warm conditions
•Teacher positioned centrally with view of all courts
•Clear behaviour expectations set regarding sportsmanship and dispute resolution
•Emergency stop signal (whistle) established and practised
•First aid kit accessible

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally to maintain visual contact with all courts simultaneously
•Circulate actively between courts during play
•Monitor high-intensity courts where competitive play is most vigourous
•Watch for signs of overexertion: excessive breathlessness, red faces, students stopping
•Listen for disputes or raised voices that need intervention
•Ensure umpires are functioning properly and safely positioned

Emergency Procedures

Emergency stop: one long whistle blast - all play stops immediately, students freeze. Assess situation. For minor injuries: first aid provided, student sits out if needed. For serious injuries: follow school emergency procedures, send responsible student for help, stay with injured student, keep others calm and supervised. For behavioural incidents: remove involved students from area, de-escalate, follow school behaviour policy.