Tennis Skills, Equipment, Rules and Safety for Primary 4

Tennis

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. perform basic Skills in tennis;
2. count the point score in tennis correctly.

What is Tennis?

Tennis is a sport played between two players or two teams of two players each. Players use rackets to hit a ball over a net into the opponent’s side of the court. The goal is to hit the ball in such a way that the opponent cannot return it legally.

Tennis is a fun and active game that helps to keep the body fit and healthy. It requires speed, strength, and good hand-eye coordination.

Tennis Equipment

To play tennis, specific equipment is needed. Using the right equipment helps players perform better and stay safe.

The main equipment for playing tennis includes:

1. Tennis Racket: This is a special bat with strings used to hit the tennis ball. Rackets come in different sizes, and players choose one that fits their hand and playing style.
2. Tennis Ball: This is a small, hollow ball, usually yellow-green, made of rubber and covered with felt. It is designed to bounce well on the court.
3. Tennis Court: This is the rectangular area where the game is played. It is divided in half by a net. Courts can be made of different surfaces like grass, clay, or hard court.
4. Net: The net divides the tennis court into two equal halves. Players must hit the ball over the net.
5. Sports Wear: Players wear comfortable sports clothing and shoes that allow for free movement. Special tennis shoes provide good grip on the court to prevent slipping.

Basic Tennis Skills

Playing tennis correctly involves learning some basic skills. These skills help players hit the ball effectively and control where it goes.

The Grip

The grip is how a player holds the tennis racket. A good grip is important for controlling the racket and hitting the ball with power and accuracy.

To hold the racket correctly, imagine shaking hands with the racket handle. The hand should be firm but relaxed, allowing the wrist to move freely.

Service

The service is how a player starts a point in tennis. The player throws the ball into the air and hits it over the net into the opponent’s service box.

Performing a basic service involves the following steps:

1. Stand behind the baseline of the court.
2. Hold the racket with a comfortable grip.
3. Toss the ball gently into the air, slightly in front of the body.
4. Swing the racket upwards and forwards to hit the ball at its highest point.
5. Aim to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s service box.
6. Follow through with the racket after hitting the ball.

Forehand Drive

The forehand drive is a common shot in tennis where the player hits the ball on the side of their dominant hand. For a right-handed player, this means hitting the ball on their right side.

To perform a forehand drive:

1. Stand with the body turned sideways to the net.
2. Take the racket back in a smooth motion.
3. Step forward with the foot opposite the hitting hand.
4. Swing the racket forward to meet the ball in front of the body.
5. Hit the ball with a firm wrist and follow through across the body.

Backhand Drive

The backhand drive is a shot where the player hits the ball on the side opposite their dominant hand. For a right-handed player, this means hitting the ball on their left side.

To perform a backhand drive:

1. Turn the body so the non-dominant shoulder faces the net.
2. Take the racket back on the non-dominant side.
3. Step forward with the foot on the same side as the hitting hand.
4. Swing the racket forward to meet the ball in front of the body.
5. Hit the ball with a firm wrist and follow through towards the net.

Tennis Scoring System

Tennis has a unique way of scoring points. Understanding how points are counted is important to know who is winning the game.

Points in a game are counted as follows:

1. 0 points: This is called “Love”.
2. 1 point: This is counted as “15”.
3. 2 points: This is counted as “30”.
4. 3 points: This is counted as “40”.

After a player scores 40 points, if they score one more point and their opponent has less than 40 points, they win the game. If both players reach 40 points, it is called “Deuce”. From Deuce, a player must score two consecutive points to win the game.

Several games make up a “set”, and several sets make up a “match”. The player or team that wins the most sets wins the match.

Safety in Tennis

Playing tennis safely is very important to prevent injuries. Following safety rules helps everyone enjoy the game.

Important safety tips include:

1. Always warm up before playing to prepare the muscles.
2. Wear appropriate sports attire, especially proper tennis shoes for good grip.
3. Check the court for any hazards like uneven surfaces or objects before playing.
4. Be aware of other players on the court to avoid collisions.
5. Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, especially during long play sessions.
6. Use a racket that is the right size for the body.
7. Stop playing if any pain or discomfort is felt and inform an adult.
8. Do not swing the racket carelessly, as it can hit other people.