Striking a ball using a racket/bat with accuracy
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can strike a ball accurately with power towards various targets using my racket.
Key learning points
- Move: striking the ball with power requires using greater force by swinging the racket back and forwards quickly.
- Move: striking the ball accurately towards a target requires us to aim the racket head towards the target.
- Think: striking the ball with accuracy requires focusing on the target and deciding how much power we need to apply.
- Feel: striving to improve, even when you make mistakes or miss the target shows courage.
- 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.
Teacher tip
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.
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
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What word describes what you are aiming for when you strike your ball?
Q2.What can you create by swinging the racket back and then forwards quickly?
Q3.Where is the target when you need to strike the ball harder to create more power?
Q4.What does it mean to show perseverance?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What word describes the ability to control where you strike the ball?
Q2.For better accuracy, what should you focus on when striking the ball?
Q3.How can you show courage when you make a mistake?
Q4.Which is most important when striking a ball toward a target?
To help you plan your 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...
To help you plan your 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.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 1 physical education lessons from the Ball skills: pushing and striking unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.