The forehand and backhand in game situations
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use good decision making to create space by moving my opponent in order to win a game.
Key learning points
- Move: hitting the ball into space using both forehand and backhand shots increases our chance of winning a game.
- Move: hitting an accurate forehand or backhand shot moves our opponent creating space for the next shot we play.
- Think: understanding how to beat an opponent helps to improve our decision making regarding our choice of shot in games.
- Feel: resolving disagreements with our opponents and respecting decisions demonstrates a high level of self discipline.
- Connect: striving to win matches by trying our best and listening to feedback shows a high level of respect.
Keywords
Space - an open area where your opponent isn't standing
Decision - when you choose what to do or pick between different options
Opponent - a person or team we are playing against in a game situation
Common misconception
Pupils may try to hit the ball too hard when playing competitively. Pupils may be dishonest when scoring their own games in the competitions.
Emphasise the importance of playing accurate and controlled shots rather than focusing on hitting the ball hard. Remind pupils of the importance of respect and playing by the rules in competitive situations, and to just focus on trying their best.
Teacher tip
Use your most able pupils to show good decision making in a rally. In the 'ladder tournament' and 'Champion of the court' you can group pupils of similar ability to help all experience success. Use alternatives such as hand, hand paddles, other rackets if pickleball paddles are not available.
Equipment
1 paddle per pupil, 1 pickleball 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 a ball is hit to your left side and you are right-handed, which shot should you hit?
Q2.When our opponent hits the ball over the net to our side and it bounces twice, what do we lose?
Q3.What does respecting decisions demonstrate?
Q4.Why do we scan the court?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How can we show self discipline when playing against our opponent?
Q2.Why should we try to make decisions quickly in between shots?
Q3.What are we creating if our opponent has to move to retrieve the ball?
Q4.If our opponent is standing at the net, where is the space to hit our next shot?
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: The forehand and backhand in game situations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: The forehand and backhand in game situations, 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.