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      Striking a ball using a racket/bat with power

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      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: when the target is further away, you have to strike the ball harder.
      4. Feel: trying your hardest even when you repeatedly miss the target shows perseverance.
      5. Connect: congratulating and encouraging others when they hit the target develops a sense of gratitude.

      Keywords

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

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

      • Strike - moving the ball by hitting it

      Common misconception

      Pupils believe that every strike requires maximum power to be good.

      Explain that different situations need different amounts of power, such as a shorter strike. Encourage pupils to also think about technique as well as power.

      Teacher tip

      To keep pupils safe, ensure that when pupils are swinging their racket back, they do not swing it above waist height and are also aware of others who may be behind them.

      Equipment

      1 racket between 2, 1 ball between 2, 3 hoops between 2 pupils, 30+ cones.

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the name for the top part of the racket where the strings are?

      racket top
      Correct answer: racket head
      racket part

      Q2.
      By pointing the racket head towards your target, what can you increase?

      Correct answer: push accuracy
      push power
      push speed

      Q3.
      What can you do to help encourage fair play in a game?

      score more points
      push accurately
      Correct answer: keeping accurate score

      Q4.
      How can you show that you are grateful to other pupils?

      by beating them
      Correct answer: by sharing ideas
      letting them win

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What word describes using force to aim at different targets?

      Correct answer: power
      accuracy
      speed

      Q2.
      What are you showing when you continue to try hard after missing the target?

      power
      communication
      Correct answer: perseverance

      Q3.
      If a target is closer to you, will you need less or more power when striking the ball?

      Correct Answer: less power, less

      Q4.
      What should you do if another pupil is successful and hits the target?

      ignore them
      Correct answer: congratulate them
      tell your friend

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