Challenging the body and brain to the max
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can perform with precision even when working towards exhaustion.
Key learning points
- Move: intensity of movement and endurance is shown to last during repeated long rallies and exercise routines.
- Think: progressive overload enables you to train harder and improve fitness whilst minimising the risk of injury.
- Feel: enjoyment comes from combining intense exercise with the precision of fine motor skills.
- Connect: covering the court as a trio can reveal creative solutions to win points.
Keywords
Exhaustion - a state of extreme physical and mental fatigue caused by prolonged physical exertion or inadequate recovery
Precision - executing movements or actions with high accuracy and consistency
Progressive overload - working harder than normal to achieve a fitness benefit
Common misconception
Pupils give up when training gets tough rather than pushing themselves closer to exhaustion.
To get a fitness benefit, it is essential to work your body harder than it is used to and hence a little discomfort is necessary to improve. This is often referred to as no pain, no gain.
Teacher tip
Remember to repeat popular lessons that result in enjoyment and high intensity exercise as the focus of cardio tennis is on fitness gains, which take time and repeated training to achieve.
Equipment
a tennis racket each, a bucket of balls per court (ideally low compression), tennis posts and nets, mini whiteboards and pens, music
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is it called when you jump to land on both feet about shoulder width apart ready to respond to the next shot?
Q2.Why should you perform a split step just as your opposition hit the ball
Q3.What court orientation should you avoid in tennis?
Q4.What skill prevents clashing rackets when a shot is hit down the middle of the court?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is required to last long rallies?
Q2.What do you call a gradual increase in intensity so you work harder than you are used to?
Q3.What is the impact of giving up or reducing effort levels when exercise gets tough?
Q4.Which of the following does not contribute to precision?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Challenging the body and brain to the max, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Challenging the body and brain to the max, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Health and wellbeing: cardio tennis unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.