A movement focus on the ready position, split step and returning to the middle
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can return to the ready position in between every shot.
Key learning points
- Move: returning to the middle of the court after every shot helps prepare for the next shot.
- Move: jumping into a split step speeds up your reactions to move left, right, forwards and backwards to retrieve a shot.
- Think: having your paddle/ racket up helps when reacting to return your opponent's shot.
- Feel: self-discipline is required to replicate good movement skills.
- Connect: taking responsibility and holding yourself accountable for actions demonstrates empathy for others.
Keywords
Stance - how you are standing
Lunge - an extended step to reach the ball before pushing back towards the middle of the court
Opponent - the person you are playing against and trying to beat
Common misconception
Pupils think that it's ok to stop and stand mid-court.
It is essential to return to the middle of the court and split step as your opponent hits the ball to load elastic energy in your legs to be able to move quickly. Don't get caught standing between the baseline and non-volley line on approach to net.
Teacher tip
Use pairings from the previous week to maximise time spent working with a partner of similar ability but also utilise the most expereinced performers as coaches to feed and help develop others.
Equipment
1 paddle per pupil; 2 pickleballs per pupil ; badminton/tennis nets; floor markers
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is it called when you hit the ball before it bounces?
Q2.What should be a smooth U shaped action?
Q3.What is it called if you are kind and consider the feelings of others?
Q4.4. What should you move into the same position relative to the ball to improve your shot consistency?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What preloads your legs with elastic energy ready to react quickly and move to the next ball?
Q2.What word refers to how you are standing?
Q3.What does taking responsibility and holding yourself accountable for your actions demonstrate?
Q4.What is an extended step to reach the ball before pushing back towards the middle of the court called?
To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: A movement focus on the ready position, split step and returning to the middle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: A movement focus on the ready position, split step and returning to the middle, 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 3 physical education lessons from the Net and wall games: maintain and win a rally through pickleball unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.