Tennis

Tennis is fun, great for fitness, and for developing fundamental movement skills and physical literacy. Tennis is also a great way of developing personal and character skills.

Modified versions of the game (Red, Orange, and Green) make it accessible and achievable for all ages and abilities. Girls and boys can play together so it is ideal for mixed classes and events.

This overview of tennis in the School Games outlines how it can support the intentions of competition and links with School Games values.

Primary formats

The Primary Skills Festival is a flexible format which includes a range of activities that organisers can select from to tailor the festival for the young people involved, and the time and space available. The activities consist of tennis-based skill challenges, deliverable as intra- or inter-school events. Score sheets are available.

Mini Tennis Red competition is designed for Years 3-4 and aimed at pupils new to the game. It’s suggested that it is a mixed event. Red tennis is played on badminton-sized courts using a larger, slower ball.

Mini Tennis Orange competition is aimed at Years 5-6 and is a great way for pupils to continue their progress from Red. Again, it’s suggested that it is a mixed event. Orange tennis is played on courts that are longer and wider than Red stage, but still smaller than full-size tennis courts.

Combine both competition events with festival activities so that pupils can participate in a mix of skills activities and matches. There are additional resources available for running events, including videos on how to score matches, template certificates, and the free Tennis Leaders course.

Secondary formats

There are two formats available for Secondary schools.

Secondary Red ball includes different formats for inter- and intra-school events. Formats include a mix of fun games and matches and can be co-designed and led by students. They also include values-based scoring. Red ball tennis is a fun, modified version of the game played on badminton-sized courts using lighter balls and shorter rackets.

Inclusive Red ball is a match-only format. This competitive format is most appropriate for physical impairment, neurodiverse, learning disabilities, and sensory impairments. Red tennis is played on badminton-sized courts using a larger, slower ball. It’s suggested that it is a mixed event, and teams consist of a minimum of two SEND players.

There are additional resources available for running events, as well as information on LTA-organised secondary competitions and the free Tennis Leaders course.

Equipment needed

• Rackets (21-25 inch rackets are preferable)
• Tennis balls (Red, Orange)
• Suitable court space (indoors or outdoors)
• Nets (or something to act as a middle point, e.g. a line on the floor)
• Equipment required for each of the Primary Skills Festival stations is outlined in the document.