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 (hitting cooperatively and continuously with a partner) 2 - 9
Equipment Needs

1 striking implement per student.

1 ball per pair of students.

Facility/Playground Needs Safe area for partners to work in. 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 with the use of a paddle.

Students will demonstrate safe techniques while handling a striking implement.

Students will demonstrate striking the ball continuously with a partner.

Teaching Hints:

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

  • Get home (Return to a position in the center and near the back of your space after each hit. This is called home. It will take quick feet to get there.)
  • Track the ball (Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. See it hit the paddle; see your partner hit it.)
  • Athletic stance- knees bent, feet staggered, balanced and ready (You want to contact the ball at about your waist. You’ll have to bend your knees to do this.)
Description:

In a safe area, students will hit the ball back and forth with a partner. The ball should bounce in the middle.

See how many hits they can get with their partners without missing.

Rotate partners often to give students experience hitting with different students.

Have students practice forehand, backhand or other strokes they have learned.

If they are doing well, the students can take 2 big steps back each.

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.

Students without a partner can practice against a wall. Providing different types of balls will allow for a broader variety of experiences.

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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