Tennis

Timebomb   (teamwork)

Standing in a circle each child has a racket. The ball is passed from racket to racket around the circle. If the ball is dropped the child that dropped it starts it again

• More than one ball
• Larger/smaller ball
• Team race

Caterpillar  (teamwork - timing)

As before but standing in a line, after the ball has passed over pupil’s racket he/she must run and join the end of the line.

Scarecrows (anticipation - timing - ball skills)

In pairs, one child stands with arms outstretched at shoulder height, ball in each hand. Partner is facing scarecrow in ready position. Scarecrow drops one ball and partner has to try to catch ball  

• One bounce
• No bounce
• Scarecrow kneels

Quick Catch  (anticipation - timing - ball skills)

In pairs, partner one holds a small tennis ball in each hand with arms held out straight in front of body. Partner two places hands above partner one. Partner one drops either ball and partner two must try to catch ball.

• Catch after one bounce 
•  No bounce
• Both balls dropped

Tower (teamwork - balance)

Divide into even numbered teams. One player runs to marker with ball on racket and back to team. Next person places racket on top and they both run to marker and back. Next player places ball then racket…and so on until the whole team is moving with a racket and ball tower.

*second person only needs a racket everyone else needs a racket and ball.

Blast Off (movement - timing - tracking)

In pairs. As ball is thrown to partner, throwers call out a number (from 0 - 6) that is how many times the ball must bounce before it is caught.

Down Under (obervation - tracking)

In pairs. Both individuals stand at tramlines at the same side of the count one behind another. Player at the back rolls a ball through the legs of their partner who has to chase the ball and try to stop it before it reaches the other side of the court.

•  Throw ball over partners head, catch after one bounce
• Change between the two movements 

Twist and Shout  (timing)

In pairs. Both stand facing the same direction, player with the ball throws it to partner and at the same time shouts their name. Player has to turn round and catch the ball.

Gladiator (focus + FUN!)

Two teams. One teams takes turns to balance a ball on a racket running or walking from one end of the hall to another. Aim to place ball in bucket. Other team is at the side of the hall throwing balls to try and hit ball off the racket. Team will most balls in the bucket wins.

Racket Catch (teamwork - timing)

Players stand in a circle quite close together. Players balance racket on its end using right hand. Players let the racket go and try and catch the racket of the player to the left.

• Add ball on top of racket. Try to catch racket and ball

Rollerball

In pairs. Partners stand at opposite tramlines. Player has to try and roll the ball to tramline at partner’s end and make the ball stop in between tramlines.

Skittles (accuracy)

Two teams. One team stands acting as human skittles. Other team takes turns to try and hit down the skittles. This game can be played over a net. Must always be played with foam balls. Can add rule that if skittle is hit again when sitting they can stand back up.

Jittles (teamwork - accuracy - playing within boundries)

Players are fed the ball and have to return the ball over the net. If a mistake is made that player becomes a jittle and has to stand at the other side of the net. If another player can hit them with another ball they are then free to rejoin their team again.