Tennis Fundamentals Intro

Overview

Age group: 7-8 years old (Key Stage 2, Year 3)
Class size: 6 students
Duration: 45 minutes
Unit: Tennis Skills for Kids (Lesson 1 of 8)
Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum links:

• National Curriculum for Physical Education (England, KS2): Pupils should develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities, learn how to work individually and with others, and build confidence to participate in competition.
• Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education: Highlighting teamwork and fair play.

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Lesson Title

Introduction to Tennis

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Learning Objectives

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

• Describe basic rules of tennis including court dimensions, scoring system, and player positions.
• Understand a brief history of tennis and its significance as a sport worldwide and in the UK.
• Demonstrate awareness of court layout via visual and physical engagement activities.
• Appreciate the values of sportsmanship and fair competition in tennis.

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Resources Needed

• Tennis balls (low compression for safety)
• Mini tennis rackets (sized for children)
• Cone markers for court layout
• Portable net or tape to mark net position
• Large illustrated diagram of a tennis court (A2 size)
• Whiteboard or flip chart and markers
• Stopwatch or timer
• Fun tennis trivia cards (age-appropriate facts)
• Certificates of Participation for motivation (optional)

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Warm-up (7 minutes)

• Welcome and set rules for safe play and friendly behaviour.
• Warm-up game: “Tennis Tag” — one pupil is ‘it’ and lightly tags others; tagged pupils freeze until freed by a teammate’s gentle tap on the shoulder. This encourages movement and social interaction.
• Brief chat on why warming up is important in tennis (prevent injury, prepare muscles).

2. The History and Importance of Tennis (5 minutes)

• Interactive story-telling: From its origins "Jeu de Paume" in France, the evolution to modern tennis in England, and Wimbledon’s unique place in sporting heritage.
• Use trivia cards - ask quick questions to engage pupils (e.g., Which grand slam is played in the UK?).
• Emphasise tennis as a lifetime sport promoting fitness, teamwork, and enjoyment.

3. Court Dimensions and Player Positions (12 minutes)

• Use A2 court diagram to explain the court parts: baseline, service boxes, net, doubles sidelines, singles sidelines.
• Lay out the court on the floor using cones and tape; label key areas physically.
• Pupils explore the court by walking to features called out.
• Explain player positions for singles and doubles matches simply.
• Activity: "Position relay" - pupils race to the cone representing a called position, gaining familiarity with court layout.

4. Tennis Scoring System Basics (10 minutes)

• Visual aid on the whiteboard with simplified scoring terms (Love, 15, 30, 40, Deuce).
• Role-play scoring: pupils pair up and act as “players” and “umpires” calling out scores.
• Use ball toss game: toss and catch a ball; with each catch, call the next score point.
• Discuss how points lead to games, sets, and matches in basic terms.

5. Mini-Game & Reflection (8 minutes)

• Set up mini tennis courts with nets lowered (or use tape line).
• Pairs practice rallying the ball gently over the net to each other, focusing on control and courage to try.
• Encourage positive feedback and cheer for classmates, emphasising good sportsmanship.
• Quick group reflection: What did they find fun? What is something new they learned?

6. Cool Down & Wrap-up (3 minutes)

• Gentle stretches focusing on arms, legs and shoulders.
• Recap key learning points verbally and with visual aids.
• Issue ‘Tennis Beginner’ participation certificates to motivate and celebrate.
• Outline very briefly what to expect next lesson to build curiosity.

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Assessment & Differentiation

• Formative assessment: Observe participation during warm-up, positioning activity, and mini-game for understanding and engagement.
• Verbal questioning: Use questioning techniques to gauge knowledge of rules and history.
• Differentiation:
  • Support less confident pupils by pairing with more confident peers during activities.
  • Challenge more able pupils with additional trivia questions or role-playing umpire decisions.

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Reflection for Teachers

• Consider encouraging parents to watch short clips on tennis at home for reinforcement.
• Adapt court size and ball type further for pupils with motor skills difficulties.
• Use tablet or camera to record rallies for pupils to self-assess next lesson.

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Curriculum Links Summary

• Develop fundamental movement skills through tennis activities (NC PE KS2)
• Promote communication, teamwork, and respect during paired and group work (PSHE)
• Foster understanding of sporting culture and history relevant to UK and global contexts

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This lesson plan combines cognitive understanding with physical experience and social skills development in a fun, engaging way while strictly following UK national standards for Primary Physical Education.