Serves, returns, sprinting and sweating
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can hit shots with power and adjust court position quickly to capitalise on opportunities.
Key learning points
- Move: overarm serves generate power from a full swing, wrist snap and body weight transferring forwards into the shot.
- Move: fast leg acceleration and deceleration enable balls to be hit whilst stationary improving accuracy and control.
- Think: overarm serves require careful timing to strike the ball overhead and slightly in front of the body.
- Feel: getting the timing right for consistent and powerful serves is a rewarding feeling.
- Connect: helping teammates to find their rhythm and have success requires supportive comments.
Keywords
Serve - the shot that puts the ball into play at the start of a point
Return - hitting the ball back after a serve
Sprint - a run over a short distance that requires maximum effort and speed
Common misconception
Pupils think it is not cool to sweat or that it shows they are working too hard or are unfit.
The sweating response is essential to homeostasis and keeping your core body temperature stable. An increased sweating response is actually an indicator of better aerobic fitness and is required when seeking a cardiovascular benefit from training.
Teacher tip
Giving pupils the opportunity to self-select the court they work on based on whether they can hit an accurate overarm first serve, or not, is a great way to organise your courts by similar ability.
Equipment
a tennis racket each, a bucket of balls per court (ideally low compression), 30+ cones, tennis posts and nets, music
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is created by combining levers in the legs, trunks and arm as you hit the ball?
Q2.Where is a smash not hit from?
Q3.What is it called when you reduce speed quickly?
Q4.Why is it important to know where other players are on your side of the court?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What word refers to running with maximum effort and speed over a short distance?
Q2.What movement helps bring a serve down into the court?
Q3.What can you do to help ensure there is an enjoyable atmosphere and everyone is trying hard?
Q4.Which of the following is a good indicator of improved cardiovascular fitness?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Serves, returns, sprinting and sweating, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Serves, returns, sprinting and sweating, 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.