Movement skills/concepts

Striking (forehand and backhand), receiving a ball and relationships (with objects and others).

Set-up

• Bat or racquet, small ball.
• Children in pairs, with a racquet/bat each and one ball, face a wall with a line on it that is 1 metre high. They stand behind a line that is 1 metre from the wall (marking the ‘no volley’ zone).

Activity

The object of the game is to hit the ball against the wall, above the line, so your opponent is unable to return it. Partners alternate hits and the ball may be returned either after one bounce or before the bounce. No one can enter the ‘no volley’ zone to hit the ball.

• moving feet to get into receiving position
• eyes on the ball
• following through

Variations

Vary the rules: In a cooperative activity, try to keep the rally going for as long

as possible. In a competitive activity, try to make it hard for the partner to return the ball.     A point is scored if the partner misses the return. Points scored only when you serve.