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Year 4

Forehand (underarm shots) using paddles

I can play a forehand shot with control and understand the importance of the ready postiion.

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New
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Year 4

Forehand (underarm shots) using paddles

I can play a forehand shot with control and understand the importance of the ready postiion.

Download all resources
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These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: the ready position enables us to move our feet quickly to hit the ball with the paddle on our forehand side.
  2. Move: holding the paddle with the correct grip will help us to control the forehand shot.
  3. Think: hitting the ball outside of the court means that we lose a point.
  4. Feel: accurately keeping score when playing a cooperative rally with our partner demonstrates self discipline.
  5. Connect: collaborating with our partner and listening to their feedback shows you are respectful.

Keywords

  • Forehand - a shot in which the palm of your hand faces the direction in which you are hitting the ball

  • Paddle - similar shape to a tennis racket but it is smaller and doesn't have strings

  • Control - keeping the ball close to the paddle to help you hit the ball accurately

Common misconception

Pupils often stand with their paddle down by their side and are not in the ready position. Pupils often wait for the ball to reach them.

Keep repeating the ready positon throghout he lesson. Make sure pupils understand that the ball should only bounce once so they have to run to meet the ball.


To help you plan your year 4 physical education lesson on: Forehand (underarm shots) using paddles, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

If you do not have pickleball balls, you can use an alternative. This lesson can also be taught through short tennis. 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 paddle per pupil, 1 pickleball (or alternative) bewteen two, 30+ 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).

Starter quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Why do we step forward with our opposite foot when throwing a ball?
for flexibilty
for strength
Correct answer: for balance
Q2.
What happens if we hit the ball out of court?
score a point
we celebrate
Correct answer: lose a point
Q3.
How can we show respect to our partner?
Correct answer: listen to them
ignore them
shout
Q4.
Why do we need to control where we send the ball?
Correct answer: improve our accuracy
to hit harder
hit the net

Exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
When we are standing in the ready position, where should our paddle be?
Correct answer: up in front
on the floor
behind you
Q2.
What is it called when we hit the ball back and forth to our partner in pickleball?
Correct Answer: a rally , rallying , rallies
Q3.
Why do we always need to be on the balls of our feet in pickleball?
Correct Answer: to return the ball , retrieve the ball, get the ball , hit the ball
Q4.
What qualities do we have if we are self-disciplined?
angry and upset
happy and sad
Correct answer: controlled and focused