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New
New
Year 4

Backhand

I can play a backhand shot using a paddle knowing when and where to play the shot in a game

icon-background-square
New
New
Year 4

Backhand

I can play a backhand shot using a paddle knowing when and where to play the shot in a game

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: using the correct grip and pointing the head of the paddle towards the target helps us control backhand shots.
  2. Move: tracking the ball is important so we can move our feet from the ready position towards the ball to play a shot.
  3. Think: it is important to be able to play both forehand and backhand shots to increase our success in a rally.
  4. Feel: accurately keeping score through the game and applying the rules effectively shows excellent self-discipline.
  5. Connect: collaborating with our partners, and helping each other to keep score shows an excellent level of respect.

Keywords

  • Backhand - when you hit a ball with a paddle/racket and the back of your hand facing the ball

  • Shot - hitting the ball with the paddle/racket in different ways

  • Score - the number of points, goals, runs, etc., that each player or team has in a game

Common misconception

Pupils may switch hands if the ball is hit towards their backhand side rather than using two hands on the paddle to hit the ball. Pupils may place their dominant hand at the top of the paddle handle.

Pupils should keep their dominant hand at the bottom of the paddle handle for control and place their non dominant hand at the top to play a backhand shot with both hands on the grip. Explain that the hand at the bottom provides the control.

Find a pupil who can demonstrate good technique for the backhand so the rest of the group can observe. Feed them the ball accurately making sure they are in the ready position after each shot. Use alternatives such as hand, hand paddles, other rackets if pickleball paddles are not available.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

1 pickleball per pupil, 1 pickleball (or alternative) between two, 50+ cones of different colours

content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision required

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

4 Questions

Q1.
If we hit a target, what are we showing?
Correct answer: accuracy
anger
respect
Q2.
If you concentrate before playing a shot, what will this improve?
nothing
Correct answer: control
the weather
Q3.
What should we do with our feet in the ready position?
slide
sprint
Correct answer: move them
Q4.
How would you hit your shot differently if the target is further away from you?
less power
Correct answer: more power
don't change it

4 Questions

Q1.
When playing a backhand shot, how many hands on the paddle would provide greater accuracy and control?
Correct Answer: two , 2, both
Q2.
If the ball bounces on our non dominant side, what shot should we hit?
Correct Answer: backhand, back hand
Q3.
When playing competitively, where should we aim our backhand shots?
Correct answer: into space
the net
down low
Q4.
When we feed the ball accurately to our partner, what are we demonstrating?
Correct Answer: respect , being respectful