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New
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Year 4

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.

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New
New
Year 4

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.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: returning to the middle of the court quickly after each shot means we are ready to return the ball again.
  2. Move: aim for space on the court increases our chance of scoring points against an opponent.
  3. Think: reflecting on our performance improves our decision making as to when to play a forehand or a backhand shot.
  4. Feel: managing our emotions when we lose and being respectful of the rules demonstrates excellent self discipline.
  5. 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.

Pupils should reflect on placement of the ball. For example, if an opponent is on the left side of the court, where should the next shot be played? Check pupils are using both forehand and backhand. 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) between 2, 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.
Why do we aim for spaces in pickleball?
Correct answer: to score points
to lose
to be fair
Q2.
Which shot should you hit on your dominant side?
backhand
Correct answer: forehand
serve
Q3.
What are we demonstrating when we play by the rules?
cheating
Correct answer: self-discipline
running
Q4.
What is it called when we play consecutive shots with our partner?
Correct answer: rally
walk
serve

4 Questions

Q1.
What are we trying to do in a competitive rally?
Correct answer: win a point
lose a point
draw
Q2.
If we hit a shot to the righthand side of our opponents court, where will there be space to play our next shot?
Correct Answer: left, the left, the left side
Q3.
If the ball lands just over the net, what part of our body needs to move quickly to get to the ball?
our head
our fingers
Correct answer: our feet
Q4.
What are we showing if we can manage our emotions when playing against an opponent?
Correct answer: self discipline
frustration
good technique