New
New
Year 1

Striking a ball using a racket/bat with accuracy

I can strike a ball accurately with power towards various targets using my racket.

New
New
Year 1

Striking a ball using a racket/bat with accuracy

I can strike a ball accurately with power towards various targets using my racket.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: striking the ball with power requires using greater force by swinging the racket back and forwards quickly.
  2. Move: striking the ball accurately towards a target requires us to aim the racket head towards the target.
  3. Think: striking the ball with accuracy requires focusing on the target and deciding how much power we need to apply.
  4. Feel: striving to improve, even when you make mistakes or miss the target shows courage.
  5. Connect: encouraging others to hit all the targets develops a sense of gratitude and will develop others' performances.

Keywords

  • Target - what you are aiming for when pushing/striking the ball with your racket

  • Accuracy - the ability to control where we push/strike the ball

  • Power - the ability to use force to aim at different targets

Common misconception

Pupils struggle to combine both power and accuracy, often focusing on just one.

Explain to pupils that both power and accuracy are needed. Pupils should aim their hit and then think about the power when swinging through.


To help you plan your year 1 physical education lesson on: Striking a ball using a racket/bat with accuracy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use both tennis balls and larger, softer balls for different ability levels. Look to highlight pupils with good technique and use them to model to the class.
Teacher tip

Equipment

5 cones per pupil, 1 hoop per pupil, 1 racket per pupil, 1 ball per pupil, 30+ floor markers, beanbags.

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 word describes what you are aiming for when you strike your ball?
Correct answer: target
defender
accuracy
Q2.
What can you create by swinging the racket back and then forwards quickly?
more points
Correct answer: more power
less power
Q3.
Where is the target when you need to strike the ball harder to create more power?
close to you
behind you
Correct answer: far away
Q4.
What does it mean to show perseverance?
Correct answer: not giving up
powerful strikes
good listening

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What word describes the ability to control where you strike the ball?
power
speed
Correct answer: accuracy
Q2.
For better accuracy, what should you focus on when striking the ball?
Correct answer: the target
your racket
the floor
Q3.
How can you show courage when you make a mistake?
give up
Correct answer: strive to improve
get upset
Q4.
Which is most important when striking a ball toward a target?
power
accuracy
Correct answer: both equally important