Backhand
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can play a backhand shot using a paddle knowing when and where to play the shot in a game
Key learning points
- Move: using the correct grip and pointing the head of the paddle towards the target helps us control backhand shots.
- Move: tracking the ball is important so we can move our feet from the ready position towards the ball to play a shot.
- Think: it is important to be able to play both forehand and backhand shots to increase our success in a rally.
- Feel: accurately keeping score through the game and applying the rules effectively shows excellent self-discipline.
- Connect: collaborating with our partners, and helping each other to keep score shows an excellent level of respect.
Keywords
Backhand - when you hit a ball with a paddle/racket and the back of your hand facing the ball
Shot - hitting the ball with the paddle/racket in different ways
Score - the number of points, goals, runs, etc., that each player or team has in a game
Common misconception
Pupils may switch hands if the ball is hit towards their backhand side rather than using two hands on the paddle to hit the ball. Pupils may place their dominant hand at the top of the paddle handle.
Pupils should keep their dominant hand at the bottom of the paddle handle for control and place their non dominant hand at the top to play a backhand shot with both hands on the grip. Explain that the hand at the bottom provides the control.
Teacher tip
Find a pupil who can demonstrate good technique for the backhand so the rest of the group can observe. Feed them the ball accurately making sure they are in the ready position after each shot. Use alternatives such as hand, hand paddles, other rackets if pickleball paddles are not available.
Equipment
1 pickleball per pupil, 1 pickleball (or alternative) between two, 50+ cones of different colours
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.If we hit a target, what are we showing?
Q2.If you concentrate before playing a shot, what will this improve?
Q3.What should we do with our feet in the ready position?
Q4.How would you hit your shot differently if the target is further away from you?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When playing a backhand shot, how many hands on the paddle would provide greater accuracy and control?
Q2.If the ball bounces on our non dominant side, what shot should we hit?
Q3.When playing competitively, where should we aim our backhand shots?
Q4.When we feed the ball accurately to our partner, what are we demonstrating?
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Backhand, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Backhand, 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 2 physical education lessons from the Net and wall games: tactics to overcome an opponent through pickleball unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.