Forehand (underarm shots) using paddles
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can play a forehand shot with control and understand the importance of the ready postiion.
Key learning points
- Move: the ready position enables us to move our feet quickly to hit the ball with the paddle on our forehand side.
- Move: holding the paddle with the correct grip will help us to control the forehand shot.
- Think: hitting the ball outside of the court means that we lose a point.
- Feel: accurately keeping score when playing a cooperative rally with our partner demonstrates self discipline.
- Connect: collaborating with our partner and listening to their feedback shows you are respectful.
Keywords
Forehand - a shot in which the palm of your hand faces the direction in which you are hitting the ball
Paddle - similar shape to a tennis racket but it is smaller and doesn't have strings
Control - keeping the ball close to the paddle to help you hit the ball accurately
Common misconception
Pupils often stand with their paddle down by their side and are not in the ready position. Pupils often wait for the ball to reach them.
Keep repeating the ready positon throghout he lesson. Make sure pupils understand that the ball should only bounce once so they have to run to meet the ball.
Teacher tip
If you do not have pickleball balls, you can use an alternative. This lesson can also be taught through short tennis. Use alternatives such as hand, hand paddles, other rackets if pickleball paddles are not available.
Equipment
1 paddle per pupil, 1 pickleball (or alternative) bewteen two, 30+ cones of different colours
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Why do we step forward with our opposite foot when throwing a ball?
Q2.What happens if we hit the ball out of court?
Q3.How can we show respect to our partner?
Q4.Why do we need to control where we send the ball?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When we are standing in the ready position, where should our paddle be?
Q2.What is it called when we hit the ball back and forth to our partner in pickleball?
Q3.Why do we always need to be on the balls of our feet in pickleball?
Q4.What qualities do we have if we are self-disciplined?
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: 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: 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.