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 Four Square 3 - 9
Equipment Needs

1 striking implement per student.

1 ball per group of 4 students.

Facility/Playground Needs Outdoor facility with Four-Square courts or courts created with chalk (about 15 feet by 15 feet.)
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 group.
Teaching Hints:

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

  • Ready position (Keep weight on balls of feet with knees slightly bent.)
  • Paddle in the front (To be ready, hold paddle in front of body about waist high.)
  • Back of the square (Stay near the back of the square so there’s room to move forward.)
Description:

Square A starts the game.

Player must hit the ball to another student.

The ball can’t be hit to the person who hit it to them.

Ball must be hit after its first bounce.

Any person who misses goes to square D, and everyone else moves up square.

Occasionally rotate some group members, i.e. all B’s and D’s rotate one square.
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 not in a four-square game can use the time to practice individual skills, practice against a wall, or with a partner.
Reference

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