Tennis Skills Development

Year Level

Year 4 (Victorian Curriculum aligned)

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

20 students

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Curriculum Alignment

• Victorian Curriculum Content Descriptions:

  • AC9HP4M01: Refine and apply fundamental movement skills in new movement situations, including object control skills with equipment.
  • AC9HP4M02: Apply and adapt movement strategies to achieve movement outcomes, including in net/court games.
  • AC9HP4P04: Select, use and refine personal and social skills to establish, manage and strengthen relationships (cooperation and communication in team activities).
  • AC9HP4M07: Apply creative thinking in solving movement problems involving net/court games.

• General Capabilities:

  • Personal and Social Capability (cooperation, teamwork, empathy)
  • Critical and Creative Thinking (problem solving movement challenges)

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Perform key tennis-related fundamental movement skills: striking a ball with a racket, maintaining focus on ball tracking, and moving to position effectively.
• Apply learned skills in modified net games that encourage strategic thinking and teamwork.
• Demonstrate respectful communication and positive social interaction during games.
• Reflect briefly on strategies they used to control the ball and collaborate effectively.

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Materials Required

• Tennis rackets (one per student or shared pairs)
• Soft tennis balls or foam balls (appropriate for safety and skill level)
• Cones to mark boundaries and courts
• Small portable nets or markers for net height and boundaries
• Whistle or timer

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-up (10 minutes)

• Dynamic Group Warm-up:
  Activities such as jogging around the court, side shuffles, and arm circles.
  Incorporate movements simulating tennis actions (e.g., swinging arm motions without rackets).
  Emphasise safe body control and spatial awareness (AC9HP4M01, AC9HPFM02_E5).

• Ball Awareness Drill (5 mins):
  Students toss and catch foam balls individually and with partners to develop hand-eye coordination and catching skills.

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2. Skill Introduction and Development (20 minutes)

• Grip and Racket Handling (5 mins):
  Teacher demonstrates correct grip and basic swing for forehand striking.
  Students practice swinging without ball to develop muscle memory.

• Ball Striking Practice (10 mins):
  Students pair up and gently feed each other foam balls to strike with rackets.
  Focus on eye tracking, timing, and controlled striking.
  Variations: alternate hitting forehand and backhand.

• Movement and Positioning (5 mins):
  Introduce basic footwork concepts to move to the ball.
  Students practice moving in response to ball direction, emphasising balance (AC9HP4M01_E3).

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3. Minor Games - Tennis Variations (20 minutes)

• Modified Tennis Rally Game (10 mins):
  Using small courts and lowered nets, pairs rally the ball focusing on control and cooperation.
  Teacher encourages tactical thinking and patience (AC9HP4M02_E1, AC9HP4M07_E1).

• Team Target Game (10 mins):
  Teams of 4 try to hit foam balls onto designated cones or areas on opposing teams’ courts.
  Emphasizes strategic ball placement and teamwork.

• Encourage communication and inclusive play, highlighting personal and social skills (AC9HP4P04).

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4. Cool Down and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Cool Down Stretching (5 mins):
  Gentle stretching focusing on arms, shoulders, legs, and back.

• Reflection Circle (5 mins):
  Students share:

  • What strategies helped them strike and control the ball?
  • How did they work together during team games?
  • How did they show respect or help others during the lesson?
    Link responses to Victorian Curriculum personal and social capabilities and movement strategy understanding.

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Assessment

• Formative Observation during skill practices and games:
  Teacher notes student ability to strike the ball with control, apply movement strategies, and use cooperation.

• Peer Feedback:
  Students provide positive, constructive feedback to partners about skill execution and teamwork.

• Self-Assessment:
  During reflection, students describe one personal strength and one challenge they experienced.

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Differentiation and Inclusivity

• Use soft foam balls for all students to ensure safety and success.
• Provide modified rackets (lighter or smaller) if needed.
• Encourage peer support and positive language.
• Allow extra practice time with teacher or aide for students requiring more skill development.

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Health and Safety Considerations

• Emphasise safe handling of rackets and balls.
• Maintain safe space between students during movement.
• Provide hydration breaks.
• Ensure surfaces are clear, safe, and appropriate for movement.

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Summary

This lesson builds foundational tennis skills appropriate for Year 4 students through active skill development, minor games, and reflection, aligned with the Victorian Curriculum's Health and Physical Education framework. It fosters physical competence, strategic thinking, and social skills in a fun, inclusive, and safe environment.

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References (Victorian Curriculum Content Codes Used)

• AC9HP4M01 – Refine and apply fundamental movement skills (e.g., object control with equipment).
• AC9HP4M02 – Apply and adapt movement strategies in net/court games.
• AC9HP4P04 – Use personal and social skills to strengthen relationships.
• AC9HP4M07 – Apply creative thinking in movement problem solving.
• AC9HPFM02_E5 – Spatial awareness and safety.

All extracted directly from Victorian Curriculum Health and Physical Education documentation provided.