Tennis Year 3 – Lesson 1
Learning Objectives:
L.O 1 – To develop children’s knowledge of the rules of
Tennis
L.O 2 – To develop children’s ability to grip the racket
correctly
Numeracy in P.E! -
Challenge 1 – Children will be able to list 1-2 items of equipment used in Tennis
Challenge 2 – Children will be able to list 2-3 items of equipment used in Tennis and be able to
demonstrate the correct grip
Challenge 3 – Children will be able to list 3 items of equipment & explain how (& why) you should
hold the racquet
Literacy in P.E! -
Inspiration in P.E! -
SoW Milestone Focus: 6 (Competent in the FUNdamentals of movement (Jog, Sprint, Hop, Weight on Hands, Jump, Balance & Coordination). 7
(Use FUNdamentals of movement to employ simple tactics in competitive environments). 9 (Displays an understanding of fair play, respect and
working well with others).
Warm-Up - Pupils start jogging around the playing area avoiding each other & listening, when the teacher calls out ‘SMASH!’ the children jump into the air and
pretend to smash a shuttlecock down into the court. When the teacher calls out ‘Ready Position’ children stand in the Ready position! (see overleaf for technique)
STRETCH. Repeat.
How to hold the racket – Perhaps the most important skill to get right at this stage is how to grip the racket. Spend some time explaining this to the children and
allow them chance to have multiple goes at holding the racket (ask them to shake hands with it). Make sure you have chance to see all of the children holding the
racket so you can help them get it right as soon as possible (It’s easier to teach a correct technique from scratch, instead of attempt to correct faults)
‘Find a friend’ – Place as many rackets as you have children on the floor in your playing area. When you say jog the children must jog around avoiding the clubs
and each other. When you call out ‘find a friend’ the children must find a racket, pick it up and hold it in the correct grip! Remove two or three each time, if a child
can’t find a racket in time then must jog on the spot at the side of the playing area.
The mouse & it’s house – For this game the children will start to develop their ability to control a tennis ball using a tennis racket. Make sure every child has a
racket and a ball each. Explain to the children that the ball that they will be using is a mouse! The racket that they will be using is the mouse’s house. They should
hold the racket in the correct grip and place their ball on top “Mouse on the house”. On your instructions children should: Walk the mouse (walk around the playing
area balancing the ball on the strings of the racket), Bounce the Mouse (Allow the ball to bounce on the floor, then hit the ball upwards to allow it bounce again
until a new instruction is called). Mouse Trap! (Squash the ball on the floor with the racket!) Allow L/A to use a bean bag when carrying at first to
develop confidence.
Tennis Year 3 – Lesson 1
Teaching Points – How to hold a Racket grip
Place your hand on the racket so that
the V formed by your thumb and
forefinger are at roughly 11 o'clock
(or one o'clock if you're left-handed).
Teaching Points – The Ready Position in Tennis
This is the position the children
should adopt when waiting to return
a shot - knees bent, body balanced,
racket in front of the chest and eyes
on the prize!
How to hold the racket
Spend some time explaining this to the children and allow them
chance to have multiple goes at holding the racket (ask them to
shake hands with it). Make sure you have chance to see all of the
children holding the racket so you can help them get it right as
soon as possible
‘Find a Friend’:
Place as many racquets as you have children on the floor in your playing
area. When you say jog the children must jog around avoiding the clubs
and each other. When you call out ‘find a friend’ the children must find a
racquet, pick it up and hold it in the correct grip! Remove two or three
each time, if a child can’t find a racquet in time then must jog on the spot at the side of the playing area.
The mouse & it’s house
Hold the racket in the correct grip and place their ball on top “Mouse on the house”. Walk the mouse
(walk around the playing area balancing the ball on the strings of the racket), Bounce the Mouse
(Allow the ball to bounce on the floor, then hit the ball upwards to allow it bounce again until a new
instruction is called). Mouse Trap! (Squash the ball on the floor with the racket!)
Tennis Year 3 – Lesson 2
Learning Objectives:
L.O 1 – To develop children’s knowledge of the rules of
Tennis
L.O 2 – To develop children’s ability to grip the racket
correctly
Numeracy in P.E! -
Challenge 1 – Children will be able to list 1-2 items of equipment used in Tennis
Challenge 2 – Children will be able to list 2-3 items of equipment used in Tennis and be able to
demonstrate the correct grip
Challenge 3 – Children will be able to list 3 items of equipment & explain how (& why) you should
hold the racquet
Literacy in P.E! -
Inspiration in P.E! -
SoW Milestone Focus: 6 (Competent in the FUNdamentals of movement (Jog, Sprint, Hop, Weight on Hands, Jump, Balance & Coordination). 7
(Use FUNdamentals of movement to employ simple tactics in competitive environments). 9 (Displays an understanding of fair play, respect and
working well with others).
Warm-Up - Pupils start jogging around the playing area avoiding each other & listening, when the teacher calls out ‘SMASH!’ the children jump into the
air and pretend to smash a shuttlecock down into the court. When the teacher calls out ‘Ready Position’ children stand in the Ready position! (see
overleaf for technique) STRETCH. Repeat.
‘Find a friend’ – Place as many rackets as you have children on the floor in your playing area. When you say jog the children must jog around avoiding
the clubs and each other. When you call out ‘find a friend’ the children must find a racket, pick it up and hold it in the correct grip! Remove two or three
each time, if a child can’t find a racket in time then must jog on the spot at the side of the playing area.
The mouse & it’s house – For this game the children will start to develop their ability to control a tennis ball using a tennis racket. Make sure every
child has a racket and a ball each. Explain to the children that the ball that they will be using is a mouse! The racket that they will be using is the
mouse’s house. They should hold the racket in the correct grip and place their ball on top “Mouse on the house”. On your instructions children should:
Walk the mouse (walk around the playing area balancing the ball on the strings of the racket), Bounce the Mouse (Allow the ball to bounce on the floor,
then hit the ball upwards to allow it bounce again until a new instruction is called). Mouse Trap! (Squash the ball on the floor with the racket!) . Allow
L/A to use a bean bag when carrying at first to develop confidence.
Racket Control Challenges (Formative Assessment activity) – Ensure all of the children have a racket and a ball each in a space. Demonstrate to the
children the different challenges they children can try and master in this activity (see overleaf). Children are only allowed to move up a level when told
they are ready to do so by one of the teachers/coaches.
Tennis Year 3 – Lesson 2
Teaching Points – How to hold a Racket grip
Place your hand on the racket so that
the V formed by your thumb and
forefinger are at roughly 11 o'clock
(or one o'clock if you're left-handed).
Teaching Points – The Ready Position in Tennis
This is the position the children
should adopt when waiting to return
a shot - knees bent, body balanced,
racket in front of the chest and eyes
on the prize!
‘Find a Friend’:
Place as many racquets as you have children on the floor in your playing
area. When you say jog the children must jog around avoiding the clubs
and each other. When you call out ‘find a friend’ the children must find a
racquet, pick it up and hold it in the correct grip! Remove two or three
each time, if a child can’t find a racquet in time then must jog on the spot at the side of the playing area.
The mouse & it’s house
Hold the racket in the correct grip and place their ball on top “Mouse on the house”. Walk the mouse
(walk around the playing area balancing the ball on the strings of the racket), Bounce the Mouse
(Allow the ball to bounce on the floor, then hit the ball upwards to allow it bounce again until a new
instruction is called). Mouse Trap! (Squash the ball on the floor with the racket!)
Racket Control Challenges
Challenge 1: Hit the ball in forehand
position, bounce, hit, bounce, hit……
Challenge 2: Hit the ball in forehand
position – no bounce allowed!
Challenge 3: Hit the ball in backhand
position, bounce, hit, bounce, hit……
Challenge 4: Hit the ball in backhand
position – no bounce allowed!
Challenge 5: Alternate forehand &
backhand with a bounce in between……
Challenge 6: Alternate forehand &
backhand with no bounce in between!
Tennis Year 3 – Lesson 3
Learning Objectives:
L.O 1 – To develop children’s ability to grip the racket
correctly
L.O 2 – To develop children’s ability to control the
movement of a ball with a racket
Numeracy in P.E! -
Challenge 1 – Children will be able to hit the ball in a general direction with little or no control
Challenge 2 – Children will be able to manipulate the ball with a degree of consistency keeping it
close to their body
Challenge 3 – Children will be able to control the ball with both sides of their racket with
consistency
Literacy in P.E! -
Inspiration in P.E! -
SoW Milestone Focus: 6 (Competent in the FUNdamentals of movement (Jog, Sprint, Hop, Weight on Hands, Jump, Balance & Coordination). 7
(Use FUNdamentals of movement to employ simple tactics in competitive environments). 9 (Displays an understanding of fair play, respect and
working well with others).
Warm-Up - Pupils start jogging around the playing area avoiding each other & listening, when the teacher calls out ‘SMASH!’ the children jump into the air and
pretend to smash a shuttlecock down into the court. When the teacher calls out ‘Ready Position’ children stand in the Ready position! (see overleaf for technique)
STRETCH. Repeat.
The mouse & it’s house – For this game the children will start to develop their ability to control a tennis ball using a tennis racket. Make sure every child has a
racket and a ball each. Explain to the children that the ball that they will be using is a mouse! The racket that they will be using is the mouse’s house. They should
hold the racket in the correct grip and place their ball on top “Mouse on the house”. On your instructions children should: Walk the mouse (walk around the playing
area balancing the ball on the strings of the racket), Bounce the Mouse (Allow the ball to bounce on the floor, then hit the ball upwards to allow it bounce again
until a new instruction is called). Mouse Trap! (Squash the ball on the floor with the racket!) . Allow L/A to use a bean bag when carrying at first to
develop confidence.
Racket Control Challenges (Formative Assessment activity) – Ensure all of the children have a racket and a ball each in a space. Demonstrate to the children the
different challenges they children can try and master in this activity (see overleaf). Children are only allowed to move up a level when told they are ready to do so
by one of the teachers/coaches.
West or East – This activity is designed to develop the children’s ability to move effectively around the court whilst holding a racket. Ask all of the children to form
a single file line in the centre of your playing area, all facing the same way. Mark out 2 lines of cones either side of the children & call one ‘West’, the other ‘East’.
When the leading adult calls out either West or East. The children must run to that line and place the correct foot over it – then return to their starting point!
Children should place opposite feet over the line (see overleaf!)
Tennis Year 3 – Lesson 3
Teaching Points – The Ready Position in Tennis
This is the position the children
should adopt when waiting to return
a shot - knees bent, body balanced,
racket in front of the chest and eyes
on the prize!
Teaching Points – Footwork in Tennis (Running to a shot)
If a right handed player moves to play
a forehand shot, their left foot should be furthest
forward when they hit the ball. Backhand shots
Need their right foot furthest forward upon impact.
Reverse this for left handed players!
The mouse & it’s house
Hold the racket in the correct grip and place their ball on top “Mouse on the house”. Walk the mouse
(walk around the playing area balancing the ball on the strings of the racket), Bounce the Mouse
(Allow the ball to bounce on the floor, then hit the ball upwards to allow it bounce again until a new
instruction is called). Mouse Trap! (Squash the ball on the floor with the racket!)
Racket Control Challenges
Challenge 1: Hit the ball in forehand
position, bounce, hit, bounce, hit……
Challenge 2: Hit the ball in forehand
position – no bounce allowed!
Challenge 3: Hit the ball in backhand
position, bounce, hit, bounce, hit……
Challenge 4: Hit the ball in backhand
position – no bounce allowed!
West or East?
Helps the children develop their footwork when running
to their side to play a shot.
Challenge 5: Alternate forehand &
backhand with a bounce in between……
Challenge 6: Alternate forehand &
backhand with no bounce in between!
Tennis Year 3 – Lesson 4
Learning Objectives:
L.O 1 – To develop children’s ability to grip the racket
correctly
L.O 2 – To develop children’s ability to control the
movement of a ball with a racket
Numeracy in P.E! -
Challenge 1 – Children will be able to hit the ball in a general direction with little or no control
Challenge 2 – Children will be able to manipulate the ball with a degree of consistency keeping it
close to their body
Challenge 3 – Children will be able to control the ball with both sides of their racket with
consistency
Literacy in P.E! -
Inspiration in P.E! -
SoW Milestone Focus: 6 (Competent in the FUNdamentals of movement (Jog, Sprint, Hop, Weight on Hands, Jump, Balance & Coordination). 7
(Use FUNdamentals of movement to employ simple tactics in competitive environments). 9 (Displays an understanding of fair play, respect and
working well with others).
Warm-Up - Pupils start jogging around the playing area avoiding each other & listening, when the teacher calls out ‘SMASH!’ the children jump into the
air and pretend to smash a shuttlecock down into the court. When the teacher calls out ‘Ready Position’ children stand in the Ready position! (see
overleaf for technique) STRETCH. Repeat.
Racket Control Challenges (Formative Assessment activity) – Ensure all of the children have a racket and a ball each in a space. Demonstrate to the
children the different challenges they children can try and master in this activity (see overleaf). Children are only allowed to move up a level when told
they are ready to do so by one of the teachers/coaches.
West or East – This activity is designed to develop the children’s ability to move effectively around the court whilst holding a racket. Ask all of the
children to form a single file line in the centre of your playing area, all facing the same way. Mark out 2 lines of cones either side of the children & call
one ‘West’, the other ‘East’. When the leading adult calls out either West or East. The children must run to that line and place the correct foot over it –
then return to their starting point! Children should place opposite feet over the line (see overleaf!)
Forehand/Backhand Accuracy - Battleships! – For battleships the children will work in pairs. They will need 5 cones for each working group, one to
mark out the hitting mark, the ‘hitter’ stands here, bounce the ball then tries to hit their ball at a ‘ship’. The other 4 create targets (or ‘ships’). Each
child has 4 lives, ‘child number 1’ must announce which colour they are aiming at. If they hit that colour with their shot, they sink the ship! It is then
‘child number 2’s’ turn to try and sink a ship. The child that sinks all 4 ships first wins! L/A take aim from closer together, replace cones with
larger targets if you need to. M/A take aim from further away!
Tennis Year 3 – Lesson 4
Teaching Points – Footwork in Tennis (Running to a shot)
If a right handed player moves to play
a forehand shot, their left foot should be furthest
forward when they hit the ball. Backhand shots
Need their right foot furthest forward upon impact.
Reverse this for left handed players!
Teaching Points – Hitting in Tennis (The basics)
Children should get used to standing
side on as they hit the ball, their should
aim to hit the ball with the centre of
the strings of the racket & push through
in a line towards where they want the ball to go!
Racket Control Challenges
Challenge 1: Hit the ball in forehand
position, bounce, hit, bounce, hit……
Challenge 2: Hit the ball in forehand
position – no bounce allowed!
Challenge 3: Hit the ball in backhand
position, bounce, hit, bounce, hit……
Challenge 4: Hit the ball in backhand
position – no bounce allowed!
West or East?
Helps the children develop their footwork when running
to their side to play a shot.
Forehand/Backhand Accuracy - Battleships!
The first child to sink all 4 ships wins!
To sink a ship a child needs to hit a ball at a cone successfully.
M/A to take aim from further away, L/A to move closer
Challenge 5: Alternate forehand &
backhand with a bounce in between……
Challenge 6: Alternate forehand &
backhand with no bounce in between!
Tennis Year 3 – Lesson 5
Learning Objectives:
L.O 1 – To develop children’s ability to grip the racket
correctly
L.O 2 – To develop children’s ability to control the
movement of a ball with a racket
Numeracy in P.E! -
Challenge 1 – Children will be able to hit the ball in a general direction with little or no control
Challenge 2 – Children will be able to manipulate the ball with a degree of consistency keeping it
close to their body
Challenge 3 – Children will be able to control the ball with both sides of their racket with
consistency
Literacy in P.E! -
Inspiration in P.E! -
SoW Milestone Focus: 6 (Competent in the FUNdamentals of movement (Jog, Sprint, Hop, Weight on Hands, Jump, Balance & Coordination). 7 (Use FUNdamentals
of movement to employ simple tactics in competitive environments). 9 (Displays an understanding of fair play, respect and working well with others).
Warm-Up - Pupils start jogging around the playing area avoiding each other & listening, when the teacher calls out ‘SMASH!’ the children jump into the
air and pretend to smash a shuttlecock down into the court. When the teacher calls out ‘Ready Position’ children stand in the Ready position! (see
overleaf for technique) STRETCH. Repeat.
West or East –Ask all of the children to form a single file line in the centre of your playing area, all facing the same way. Mark out 2 lines of cones
either side of the children & call one ‘West’, the other ‘East’. When the leading adult calls out either West or East. The children must run to that line and
place the correct foot over it – then return to their starting point! Children should place opposite feet over the line (see overleaf!)
Forehand/Backhand Accuracy - Battleships! – For battleships the children will work in pairs. They will need 5 cones for each working group, one to
mark out the hitting mark, the ‘hitter’ stands here, bounce the ball then tries to hit their ball at a ‘ship’. The other 4 create targets (or ‘ships’). Each
child has 4 lives, ‘child number 1’ must announce which colour they are aiming at. If they hit that colour with their shot, they sink the ship! It is then
‘child number 2’s’ turn to try and sink a ship. The child that sinks all 4 ships first wins! L/A take aim from closer together, replace cones with
larger targets if you need to. M/A take aim from further away!
Wimbledon Championships - For this activity you can either mark out lines of cones to show the serving area - or hoops, slightly harder to score!
Organise the children so that they’re in two lines, facing each other with both service boxes (or hoops) in between them. The aim of the game is to
allow the ball to bounce then hit it into the box/hoop opposite – if you do, you get a point! The child with the most points at the end of the game wins,
if it is a draw then a one point ‘sudden death’ play off occurs. Winners move up the ladder to face a new opponent, losers move down to face a new
opponent! Whoever finishes at the top of the ladder is the Wimbledon Champion!
Tennis Year 3 – Lesson 5
Teaching Points – Footwork in Tennis (Running to a shot)
If a right handed player moves to play
a forehand shot, their left foot should be furthest
forward when they hit the ball. Backhand shots
Need their right foot furthest forward upon impact.
Reverse this for left handed players!
West or East?
Helps the children develop their footwork when running
to their side to play a shot.
Forehand/Backhand Accuracy - Battleships!
The first child to sink all 4 ships wins!
To sink a ship a child needs to hit a ball at a cone successfully.
M/A to take aim from further away, L/A to move closer
The Olympic Ladder
Organise the children so that they’re in two lines, facing each
other with both service boxes (or hoops) in between them.
The aim of the game is to allow the ball to bounce then hit into
the hoop that is the furthest away from them! – if you do, you get a point!
Teaching Points – Hitting in Tennis (The basics)
Children should get used to standing
side on as they hit the ball, their should
aim to hit the ball with the centre of
the strings of the racket & push through
in a line towards where they want the ball to go!
Tennis Year 3 – Lesson 6
Learning Objectives:
L.O 1 – To develop children’s ability to grip the racket
correctly
L.O 2 – To develop children’s ability to control the
movement of a ball with a racket
Numeracy in P.E! -
Challenge 1 – Children will be able to hit the ball in a general direction with little or no control
Challenge 2 – Children will be able to manipulate the ball with a degree of consistency keeping it
close to their body
Challenge 3 – Children will be able to control the ball with both sides of their racket with
consistency
Literacy in P.E! -
Inspiration in P.E! -
SoW Milestone Focus: 6 (Competent in the FUNdamentals of movement (Jog, Sprint, Hop, Weight on Hands, Jump, Balance & Coordination). 7 (Use FUNdamentals
of movement to employ simple tactics in competitive environments). 9 (Displays an understanding of fair play, respect and working well with others).
Warm-Up - Pupils start jogging around the playing area avoiding each other & listening, when the teacher calls out ‘SMASH!’ the children jump into the
air and pretend to smash a shuttlecock down into the court. When the teacher calls out ‘Ready Position’ children stand in the Ready position! (see
overleaf for technique) STRETCH. Repeat.
Forehand/Backhand Accuracy - Battleships! – For battleships the children will work in pairs. They will need 5 cones for each working group, one to
mark out the hitting mark, the ‘hitter’ stands here, bounce the ball then tries to hit their ball at a ‘ship’. The other 4 create targets (or ‘ships’). Each
child has 4 lives, ‘child number 1’ must announce which colour they are aiming at. If they hit that colour with their shot, they sink the ship! It is then
‘child number 2’s’ turn to try and sink a ship. The child that sinks all 4 ships first wins! L/A take aim from closer together, replace cones with
larger targets if you need to. M/A take aim from further away!
Wimbledon Championships - For this activity you can either mark out lines of cones to show the serving area - or hoops, slightly harder to score!
Organise the children so that they’re in two lines, facing each other with both service boxes (or hoops) in between them. The aim of the game is to
allow the ball to bounce then hit it into the box/hoop opposite – if you do, you get a point! The child with the most points at the end of the game wins,
if it is a draw then a one point ‘sudden death’ play off occurs. Winners move up the ladder to face a new opponent, losers move down to face a new
opponent! Whoever finishes at the top of the ladder is the Wimbledon Champion!
Tap up Tennis! – Split your class into pairs and mark out a rectangle for them to play in. ‘Tap up Tennis’ will help to develop children’s ability to play a
moving ball – however the aim of this game is not to beat your opponent – you work with a partner. You must keep the ball inside the grid and
alternate whose turn it is to hit the ball. The aim of the game is to see how many times you and your partner can hit the ball before it runs out of the
grid or you lose control of it! 1 bounce for each pair, between shots allow L/A players to have 2 bounces. M/A – Smaller space to play
Tennis Year 3 – Lesson 6
Teaching Points – Footwork in Tennis (Running to a shot)
If a right handed player moves to play
a forehand shot, their left foot should be furthest
forward when they hit the ball. Backhand shots
Need their right foot furthest forward upon impact.
Reverse this for left handed players!
Teaching Points – Hitting in Tennis (The basics)
Children should get used to standing
side on as they hit the ball, their should
aim to hit the ball with the centre of
the strings of the racket & push through
in a line towards where they want the ball to go!
Forehand/Backhand Accuracy - Battleships!
The first child to sink all 4 ships wins!
To sink a ship a child needs to hit a ball at a cone successfully.
M/A to take aim from further away, L/A to move closer
The Olympic Ladder
Organise the children so that they’re in two lines, facing each
other with both service boxes (or hoops) in between them.
The aim of the game is to allow the ball to bounce then hit into
the hoop that is the furthest away from them! – if you do, you get a point!
Tap up Tennis!
Mark out a grid, 2 children in each square. The aim of the game is to see
how many times you and your partner can hit the ball before it runs out
of the grid or you lose control of it! 1 bounce for each pair, between
shots allow L/A players to have 2 bounces. M/A – Smaller space to play
M/A