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Heart rate response to shuttles, shadow runs and sideline challenges

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can develop tennis specific movements and skills alongside a fitness focus.

Key learning points

  1. Move: being positioned on the balls of your feet allows you to move and change direction at speed.
  2. Think: heart rate increases with exercise intensity and maintaining it above 120 BPM enhances cardiovascular fitness.
  3. Feel: when you exercise, endorphins are released that create the feel good factor.
  4. Connect: social support and modelling behaviours help encourage maximal efforts from all.

Keywords

  • Groundstrokes - shots hit after a bounce from the baseline

  • Cardiovascular fitness - the ability of your heart, lungs and blood vessels to efficiently deliver oxygen to the working muscles for sustained physical activity

  • Body conditioning - a full body workout that enhances overall fitness by improving strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination

Common misconception

Pupils think you need to be a good tennis player to participate in cardio tennis.

The focus is on the workout rather than the execution of shots. It is about having fun while exercising. You should prioritise keeping your heart rate elevated for the whole lesson rather than great shots or winning rallies.

Teacher tip

Music is a great way to reinforce the high-energy and social focus of cardio tennis lessons.

Equipment

a tennis racket each, a bucket of balls per court (ideally low compression), floor markers, tennis posts and nets or equivalent, music

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following components of fitness is least important in tennis?

Correct answer: maximal strength
agility
coordination

Q2.
What do you need to do to improve your general health and fitness levels?

Correct answer: regular training
occasional exercise
only play matches

Q3.
In tennis, what is it called when you hit the ball from the baseline after it has bounced?

Correct answer: a groundstroke
a volley
a smash

Q4.
Which of the following is least likely to be a benefit of sociable physical activity?

improved fitness
fun with friends
Correct answer: improved technique

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following doesn’t happen as you exercise harder?

elevated heart rate
higher breathing rate
Correct answer: decreased sweating

Q2.
What chemical is released during exercise that helps make you feel good?

adrenaline
dopamine
Correct answer: endorphins

Q3.
Which component of fitness is the ability of your heart, lungs and blood vessels to deliver oxygen to the working muscles?

Correct answer: cardiovascular fitness
muscular strength
agility

Q4.
Which of the following is the lowest priority in cardio tennis?

fun and friendships
Correct answer: perfect technique
fitness

To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Heart rate response to shuttles, shadow runs and sideline challenges, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...