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
Paddle skills (backhand-wall work) 2 - 9
Equipment Needs

Circle targets about 3-5 feet up on the wall.

For each student:

  • 1 striking implement
  • 1 whiffle ball or dead tennis ball
Facility/Playground Needs outdoor or indoor facility; outdoor is preferred as it offers 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 with a sidearm backhand pattern (back of hand moves toward target.)
Teaching Hints:

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

  • Stiff wrist (keep wrist tight; don’t let it flop around,)
  • Watch the ball (keep your eyes on the ball all the time, watch it hit the paddle)
  • Same foot/Same shoulder (step forward on the same foot and have the shoulder of the arm they are using to strike toward the wall)
Description:

Introduce backhand, demonstrate and have students follow along in their own area. Correct and compliment form. They are using the same sidearm pattern, just on the other side of the body. Their grip on the handle will not change, they are just reaching across their body. When they reach across they are moving the side of the body they are striking with toward the wall. They will also step forward on the same foot as the striking arm.

Students will find a spot about 5 feet from the wall in front of a circle. They will hit the ball to the wall and try and make it in the circle.

When they think they have done 5 accurate hits have them raise their hand so the teacher or a neighbor can observe them.

Once they’ve come close to the circle 5 times, they can take 2 giant steps backward.

If they keep hitting close to, or into the circle they can continue to move backwards a little.

Personal challenge- how many consecutive accurate backhands can they perform?

If time, have them review the forehand and aim for the target. (vary distance and alternate sides)
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.
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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