Develop forehand (underarm shots) using paddles
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can play a forehand shot with increased accuracy using a paddle and hit the ball into space to try win points against my opponent.
Key learning points
- Move: hitting the ball accurately into space with a forehand shot increases our chance of scoring a point.
- Move: being in the ready position helps us to hit a forehand shot into space after letting the ball bounce only once.
- Think: reflecting on our forehand accuracy helps us to understand where and why we need to aim for the space on court.
- Feel: continuing to develop the accuracy of our forehand shots even when we feel frustrated shows self discipline.
- Connect: competing fairly when playing a game against your opponent shows you are being respectful.
Keywords
Space - an open area where your opponent isn't standing
Accurately - the ability to control where we hit an object
Forehand - a shot in which the palm of your hand faces the direction in which you are hitting the ball
Common misconception
Pupils may think that hitting the ball into the channel is all they have to do to score a point, and they stay still after their shot.
Pupils aim for channels to create space to try win the overall point and hitting the channel doesn't instantly result in a point being scored. After each shot, pupils should try to return to the ready position.
Teacher tip
The tasks can be differentiated by changing the width of the channel. Allow pupils to choose whether to make the channel bigger or smaller. Offer pickleballs/alternative rather than a tennis ball. Use alternatives such as hand, hand paddles, other rackets if pickleball paddles are not available.
Equipment
1 paddle per pupil, 1 pickleball (or alternative) between 2 pupils, 30+ cones of different colours
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Where is pickleball played?
Q2.What part of the foot should we use in the ready position?
Q3.What should you do if you make a mistake?
Q4.When you hit a forehand, where are you aiming to hit the ball?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Why does it help to reflect on your performance?
Q2.How can you show respect in a game?
Q3.Where on a court is a channel in pickleball?
Q4.Why do we aim for the channels in a rally?
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Develop forehand (underarm shots) using paddles, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Develop forehand (underarm shots) using paddles, 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.