Striking with Racquets and Paddles
K Swinging motion using hand and scarf 1 - 9 Basic paddle skills (stations)
K Swinging motion using balloons or balls 2 Partner Balloon challenges using striking skills with soft paddle
K Rolling ball to wall and striking the rebound ball 2 - 9 Basic paddle skills (wall work)
1 Balancing and manipulating a fluffy ball with a soft paddle 2 - 9 Paddle skills (forehand-wall work)
1 Bouncing a ball to self with a soft paddle, self challenges 2 - 9 Paddle skills (backhand-wall work)
1 Small Group, round robin striking practice 2 - 9 Paddle Skills (hitting cooperatively and continuously with a partner)
1 - 9 Basic paddle skills (Ups and Downs) 3 - 9 Paddle Four Square

PPEP-PALS Lesson Sharing
Teacher & School: Sarah Jager, Petaluma Junior High
Activity Grade Level
Basic paddle skills (wall work) 2 - 9
Equipment Needs

For each student:

  • 1 striking implement
  • 1 whiffle ball, dead tennis ball, balloon or foam ball
  • 1 carpet square, poly spot (non-skidding rubber dot) or other way to define space.
Facility/Playground Needs outdoor or indoor facility; outdoor is preferred as it would offer a larger area
Lesson Objective (Psychomotor and/or Cognitive):

Students will demonstrate control over the paddle and ball.

Students will demonstrate ways to control the direction and force of a ball while using striking implement.

Students will demonstrate safe techniques while handling a striking implement.

Students will demonstrate striking the ball forward.
Teaching Hints:

Teachers should check for proper handle grip (shake hands with the paddle), focus on these cues:

  • Paddle way back (start paddle back behind hips)
  • Opposite foot (just like throwing, step forward on the foot opposite from the arm they are hitting with)
  • Slanted paddle (keep the palm facing the wall and slightly toward the ceiling so the ball will be struck from underneath)
Description:

Each student stands about 5 feet from the wall in their own safe area. They should stand sideways (non-hitting side towards wall) and on their spot, drop the ball (it’s okay to let it bounce) and strike it straight ahead, toward the wall. One hit at a time (drop, hit, catch-then repeat).

Practice activity and challenge students to repeat the process until they can do it 5 times.

Challenge students by increasing the distance from where they are hitting. The students will keep track of how many they are able to do in a row from this new distance.

Have the students switch off watching their neighbors and being the one observed. Give their neighbor 1 point if they step forward on the opposite foot as they hit. Give their neighbor a 2nd point if they swing the paddle underhand. Switch roles.
Alternatives/Modifications

Use balloons or beach balls for students who are struggling. Paint a bright dot or letter on the ball for students to focus on if they are having trouble tracking the ball.

If there is limited wall space, divide the class in half, with one half working against the wall and the other half working independently on previously learned skills.

This is a good lesson to use a self or peer-assessment.
Reference

Graham, G., Holt/Hale, S., & Parker, M. (1998). Children Moving: A Reflective Approach to Teaching Physical Education Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company.
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