Athletics & Wellness
Grade 4
45 min
Striking with Hands and Paddles
Ready to hit a ball like a sports star? This lesson teaches you how to strike with your hands and paddles, a super important skill for fun games like volleyball and paddleball!
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What & Why
Striking is when you hit an object, like a ball or a shuttlecock, with a part of your body (like your hand) or with a piece of equipment (like a paddle or racket).Learning to strike well helps you control where the object goes, which is key to playing lots of awesome games and staying active!
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Example 1 — The Volleyball Bump
Get Ready: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees. You should be in a low, athletic stance.Make a Platform: Put your hands together, one on top of the other, and point your thumbs down. Keep your arms straight out in front of you to make a flat "platform."Watch the Ball: Keep your eyes on the ball all the way until it touches your arms.Contact: Let the ball hit the flat part of your forearms, between your wrists and elbows. Don't swing your arms! Instead, push up with your legs to send the ball upwards.Follow Through: Point your arms towards where you want the ball to go.
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Example 2 — The Paddle Forehand
Get Ready: Hold the paddle firmly but not too tight. Stand with your side facing your target. If you're right-handed, your left shoulder should point towards the target.Swing Back: Bring the paddle back to about waist level. Keep your eyes on the approaching ball.Step and Swing: As you swing the paddle forward to meet the ball, step with your front foot (your left foot if you're right-handed).Contact: Try to hit the ball in front of your body. Keep the paddle face flat or slightly angled up.Follow Through: Continue your swing in the direction you want the ball to go.
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Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Beginner
In sports, what does the word 'striking' mean?
A.Hitting an object with a body part or implement
B.Catching a ball with two hands
C.Running as fast as you can
D.Throwing an object very far
Beginner
You are playing paddleball and the ball is coming towards you. What is the BEST first step to prepare to strike it?
A.Close your eyes and swing hard
B.Turn your body so your side faces the ball
C.Stand with your feet together
D.Hold the paddle with both hands
Beginner
When striking any object, what is the most important thing to do with your eyes?
A.Close them right before you hit
B.Look at your target
C.Watch the object all the way to your hand or paddle
D.Look at your feet to check your balance
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