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Lesson 3 of 6

A movement focus on the ready position, split step and returning to the middle

I can return to the ready position in between every shot.

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Lesson 3 of 6
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A movement focus on the ready position, split step and returning to the middle

I can return to the ready position in between every shot.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: returning to the middle of the court after every shot helps prepare for the next shot.
  2. Move: jumping into a split step speeds up your reactions to move left, right, forwards and backwards to retrieve a shot.
  3. Think: having your paddle/ racket up helps when reacting to return your opponent's shot.
  4. Feel: self-discipline is required to replicate good movement skills.
  5. Connect: taking responsibility and holding yourself accountable for actions demonstrates empathy for others.

Keywords

  • Stance - how you are standing

  • Lunge - an extended step to reach the ball before pushing back towards the middle of the court

  • Opponent - the person you are playing against and trying to beat

Common misconception

Pupils think that it's ok to stop and stand mid-court.

It is essential to return to the middle of the court and split step as your opponent hits the ball to load elastic energy in your legs to be able to move quickly. Don't get caught standing between the baseline and non-volley line on approach to net.

Use pairings from the previous week to maximise time spent working with a partner of similar ability but also utilise the most expereinced performers as coaches to feed and help develop others.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 paddle per pupil; 2 pickleballs per pupil ; badminton/tennis nets; floor markers

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What is it called when you hit the ball before it bounces?

a serve
Correct answer: a volley
a rally

Q2.
What should be a smooth U shaped action?

your movement
Correct answer: your swing
the ball path

Q3.
What is it called if you are kind and consider the feelings of others?

leadership
Correct answer: empathy
resilience

Q4.
4. What should you move into the same position relative to the ball to improve your shot consistency?

your arms
Correct answer: your feet
your head

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What preloads your legs with elastic energy ready to react quickly and move to the next ball?

Correct Answer: a split step, split sstep, split-step, a split-step

Q2.
What word refers to how you are standing?

lunge
Correct answer: stance
volley

Q3.
What does taking responsibility and holding yourself accountable for your actions demonstrate?

good technique
communication
Correct answer: empathy

Q4.
What is an extended step to reach the ball before pushing back towards the middle of the court called?

Correct Answer: a lunge, lunge

Lesson appears in

UnitPhysical education / Net and wall games: maintain and win a rally through pickleball

Physical education

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