Mini Tennis Doubles: One Up, One Back

Mini tennis doubles with the classic formation of one player at the net and one at the back. Students work on the crosscourt rally between the back players, the net player's fakes and poaches, and switching sides when a lob goes over the net player.

How to play

1. Explain positions and the switch: if a lob goes over the net player, the back player covers and both switch sides, calling “switch” (3 min).
2. Diagonal drill: the two back players rally crosscourt while the net players, wearing pinnies, only fake without hitting (5 min).
3. Now the net player may poach high, slow balls; count the poaches that win the point (7 min).
4. Doubles games of two games each, rotating positions every game (12 min).
5. Reflection on communication: which key words each pair used and which ones worked (3 min).

Rules

• The net player faces forward and does not turn around when the partner hits.
• Side switches are called out loud.
• In the diagonal drill, nobody hits hard at the opposing net player.
• Each group of four plays on its own court and waits until the end of the point to collect balls.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays the back position with two bounces allowed.
• Hearing impairment: the pair agrees on a hand signal for the side switch.
• Autism: keep the same pairs all lesson and change only the opponents.

Learning goals

• Apply the one-up, one-back doubles formation.
• Poach at the net with tactical judgment.
• Coordinate with the partner through verbal communication.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tennis rackets: 28
• low-compression balls: 60
• mini tennis nets: 6
• pinnies: 12

Teacher tip

The net player's fake is what changes the game most: ask them to move on every opponent shot even if they do not poach. With 28 students, keep two groups of four waiting as line judges.

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