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 (stations) 1 - 9
Equipment Needs

4 big cones to mark stations

4 station cards would be helpful

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
Lesson Objective (Psychomotor and/or Cognitive):

Students will demonstrate control over the paddle and ball.

Students will demonstrate control over the direction and force of a ball with the use of paddle.

Students will demonstrate safe techniques while handling a striking implement in place and while moving.
Teaching Hints:

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

  • keep paddle flat as a pancake
  • watch the ball contact the paddle

Station card with directions of what to do would be helpful, or if outside, a cue word written in chalk. Balloons would be especially helpful for stations 3 & 4. If you use different objects to strike at each station, be sure to have students leave the equipment when the signal to rotate is given.
Description:

4 stations set-up, with students divided equally among the stations. Some will provide practice and some will add a challenge.

Station 1 - Downs: How many downward dribbles can they get with no mistakes? Make sure they count.

Station 2 - Ups in Place: Can they do 5 single upward hits without moving out of designated area? How many in a row they can get?

Station 3 - Both Sides of the Paddle: Explain that in paddle sports, players use both sides of the paddle. While striking the balloon or ball, stike it with one side of the paddle and then the other. If they are successful at this right away, have them try the same thing with the other hand.

Station 4 - Ups on the Move: While Traveling from point A to point B, strike the balloon or ball upward (volley) as they travel.
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.

Modify stations depending on strengths/weakness.

Challenge students to join the 25, 50, 75, 100 hit club. Place a piece of paper on the wall and have them put their name on it if they are successful in making it.
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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