The forehand and backhand
I can use both the forehand and backhand shot and apply tactics to decide which shot is best to use in a rally.
The forehand and backhand
I can use both the forehand and backhand shot and apply tactics to decide which shot is best to use in a rally.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Move: returning to the middle of the court quickly after each shot means we are ready to return the ball again.
- Move: aim for space on the court increases our chance of scoring points against an opponent.
- Think: reflecting on our performance improves our decision making as to when to play a forehand or a backhand shot.
- Feel: managing our emotions when we lose and being respectful of the rules demonstrates excellent self discipline.
- Connect: striving to be respectful when we win or lose shows that we understand the importance of fairness.
Keywords
Rally - a continuous number of shots played without stopping
Court - an area marked out for playing games such as paddle tennis
Points - a unit of scoring used to measure success in a game
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle when switching from a cooperative rally to a competitive rally. Pupils may struggle to use their backhand and rely too much on their forehand.
A cooperative rally involves pupils trying to help one another to play longer rallies. A competitive game involves hitting the ball into space away from their opponent. Encourage pupils to use their forehand and backhand in rallies.
To help you plan your year 4 physical education lesson on: The forehand and backhand, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 physical education lesson on: The forehand and backhand, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Net and wall games: tactics to overcome an opponent through pickleball unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
1 paddle per pupil, 1 pickleball (or alternative) between 2, 50+ cones of different colours
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
