Unit Plan 14 (Grade 5 PE): Tennis/Paddle — Placement & Rallying

Focus: Develop striking for direction and power, adjust force and angle for different shot choices, and build simple rallying strategy by aiming shots deep, angled, or soft into open space.

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: Physical Education (Net/Wall Games • Implement Skills • Shot Selection & Rallying)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students build tennis and paddle skills by learning that successful shots are not only about hitting hard. In this unit, students practice forehand and backhand swings, improve contact control, and begin using simple strategy to place shots away from an opponent. The warm-up introduces striking toward wall targets or floor markers, helping students connect paddle/racket angle with ball direction and height. Students then move into mini-tennis on short courts where the goal is to keep rallies going, recover to ready position, and choose smart shots such as deep shots, angled shots, and soft drop shots. Throughout the unit, students learn that better placement, control, and recovery often matter more than power alone.

Essential Questions

• How can I use my forehand and backhand to send the ball where I want it to go?
• How do force, angle, and timing change the kind of shot I hit?
• When is it smarter to hit deep, angled, or soft instead of hard?
• How can I keep a rally going while also trying to move my opponent?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Strike a ball with a paddle or racket using forehand and backhand form with improving control of direction, trajectory, and power.
2. Combine multiple skills in sequence, such as move to the ball → strike → recover to ready position → move again for the next shot.
3. Adjust the force, angle, and timing of shots based on target distance, opponent position, and desired shot type.
4. Apply simple offensive strategy by choosing shots that create advantage, such as sending the ball deep, angled, or soft into open space.
5. Reflect on enjoyment and preference for racket/paddle activities and explain what makes rallying games fun or challenging.

Standards Alignment — 5th Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.5e – Striking with Implements for Direction & Power Strike a stationary or moving object with a short- or long-handled implement (paddle, racket, bat, stick) with control of direction, trajectory, and power.
  • Example: Students strike balls to specific areas of the field in wiffle ball, or place forehand and backhand shots into open spaces in racket games.
• PE:S1.5f – Combining Multiple Skills in Game Sequences Combine multiple skills (dribble, pass, catch, strike, run, dodge, jump, shoot) fluently and appropriately during game-like sequences.
  • Example: In a modified invasion game, a student dribbles to space, passes to a teammate, cuts toward the goal, receives a return pass, and shoots.
• PE:S2.5c – Adjusting Effort, Force, and Timing for Task Demands Adjust speed, force, angle, and timing of movements based on distance, defenders, and type of shot, pass, or throw required.
  • Example: Students throw softly to a nearby teammate but use greater force and a higher angle when throwing over defenders to a distant partner.
• PE:S2.5d – Offensive Strategies: Creating & Using Advantages Apply basic offensive strategies such as creating numerical advantages, give-and-go, using screens, and selecting high-percentage scoring opportunities.
  • Example: In 3v3 basketball or handball, students set simple screens, drive to draw a defender, then pass to an open teammate for a better shot.
• PE:S5.5a – Enjoyment and Preference for Specific Activities Identify physical activities they enjoy, explain why they prefer them, and show enthusiasm and effort during those activities.
  • Example: Students share that they enjoy basketball because of teamwork and pace, or running club because they like pushing themselves and seeing progress.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can use a forehand and backhand to hit the ball with more control.
• I can move to the ball, strike it, and get back to ready position for the next shot.
• I can change how hard or high I hit depending on where I want the ball to go.
• I can choose a smarter shot, like deep, angled, or soft, instead of always hitting hard.
• I can explain what I enjoy about paddle or tennis games and what makes rallies successful.