Lesson Three
Introduction
Lesson 3
Tactical problem – beginning the point.
OVERVIEW
Explain the hardest shot in tennis is the overarm
serve, so an easier way to get the point started
is the underarm serve.
Work continues at Level 4 to establish the basics. This lesson teaches how to serve underarm
and progresses from making contact with the ball from a single ball feed to attempt a cooperative
rally. Pupils will also have the opportunity to play for points, officiate and keep the score.
Demonstrate the underarm serve, emphasizing
lift the ball slightly into the air (not just allowing to
drop from yourr hand) and that the ball doesn
doesn’tt
bounce before you hit it.
Equipment
Tennis rackets, Mini Tennis red balls, hoops, Mini Tennis net, throw-down lines.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
2
SOME WILL HAVE
PROGRESSED FURTHER AND...
KEY
PROCESSES
ALL PUPILS WILL...
MOST PUPILS WILL...
Understand how a point is
won and lost in tennis.
Move to hit a ball at the
Combine movement and
correct contact point and return racket skills to be able to
to correct court position.
rally cooperatively.
2.1a/2.2a
Be able to score and
officiate accurately.
Carry out the role of official
with accuracy and clarity.
2.2d/2.5b
Be able to move and hit
groundstrokes over the
net and in the court from
a single ball or drop feed.
Understand how movement
and racket skills combine to
make a successful shot.
Be able to hit an underarm
serve towards the court.
Be able to hit an underarm
serve consistently in the
service box.
Be able to attempt an
overarm serve.
Level 4C/4B
Level 4B
Level 4A
Secondary Schools Tennis - Teacher Resource
Identify other opportunities
for developing their preferred
role as player or official.
2.1b
2.1c
Year 7 Scheme of work – Lesson Three
3
Warm Up...
Activity One
Catcher
STEP BACK RALLIES
UNDERARM SERVE
Organisation
Catcher
Equipment: rackets, balls throw-down lines.
Define the service area & the diagonal service boxes.
Position players at the side of the
court and demonstrate.
Highlight the need to check other
players are not near before serving.
Organise players into twos,
one at each end of the court.
Server
Activity
1.In twos diagonally opposite each other and each puts
down a line five racket lengths from the net. Player 1
stands sideways and behind the line. The action starts
with a small split of the arms, gently placing the ball
upwards and tapping it with the racket so that the ball
goes over the net and into the service area. Player
2 stands in the ready position and watches the first
bounce of the ball and calls in or out, then catches it
with hand and racket, and serves it back.
2. Change sides and serve to the other diagonal.
3. Players gradually move their line further back and
increase the size of the split of the arms to hit it further.
Easier
Start nearer to the net.
Start next to the net. Hold the ball on the
racket strings and push it over the net.
Hit with the hand rather than the racket.
Throw underarm.
4
Secondary Schools Tennis - Teacher Resource
Players start close to the net
hitting forehands and backhands.
With each successful hit they
take a step backwards until
they reach the baseline.
Point strings in the direction
the ball is intended to go.
Turn sideways for forehands
and backhands.
Server
Harder
Make the target area smaller.
Player 2 hits the ball back if it
lands in the service area.
Quality Points...
• Start balanced & sideways behind the line.
• Hold the ball out and near the racket face.
• Put the ball gently in the air a little
higher than the hand and racket.
• Tap the ball gently at first.
Year 7 Scheme of work – Lesson Three
5
Activity Two
WINNING A POINT
Organisation
For players who can serve and rally and have an
understanding of in and out and the court area.
Position players at the side
of the court and demonstrate.
Organise players into groups of
four on each court area - two play
singles and two are observers.
Opponent
misses the ball...
...or hits the ball out
The ball
bounces twice
before opponent
hits it...
Activity
Do activities in order:
Explain and demonstrate the five ways to win a point:
Opponent misses the ball.
Opponent hits the ball in the net.
Opponent hits the ball out.
The ball bounces twice before the opponent
hits it (except for wheelchair players).
Opponent does a double fault.
Two players play points whilst the observers look for
what happens when the point finishes. Players take
turns to serve. Observers call out what happened
and who won the point. E.g. “The ball was out,
Sally wins the point”. “Ahmed hit the ball in the net,
so Harry wins the point”. There is no need to count
the score at this stage. Rotate the players and
observers after every four points.
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Secondary Schools Tennis - Teacher Resource
Opponent serves
a double fault
...or hits the
ball into the net...
Plenary (Q&A)
What was your most effective
method of starting the rally?
From how far back did you manage to serve?
What did you have to change
to make the serve go further?
How did you maintain accuracy?
What happened if you tried to serve overarm?
How do you win a point in tennis?
Why is fair play important in tennis?
How does a player or official ensure fair play?
Year 7 Scheme of work – Lesson Three
7
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