Pickleball: My Rating Versus My Partner's

A pickleball assessment task in doubles games where each student self-assesses on four indicators (deep return, dink into the kitchen, net position and communication) and their doubles partner rates them on the same scale without seeing the self-assessment. Then both columns are compared and the pair discusses the indicators with the biggest gap.

How to play

1. Explain the four indicators and the 1-4 scale, and make clear that today's game is what is assessed, not what you can do on other days (4 min).
2. An 8-minute doubles game on each court, rotating every 4 minutes to play different opponents (8 min).
3. Each student fills in their self-assessment column and, on another sheet, their partner's, without looking at each other's (3 min).
4. Partners put their sheets together, mark indicators with a gap of two or more points and discuss a specific example from the game for each one (5 min).
5. A second 6-minute game focusing on the indicator both rated lowest (6 min).
6. Quick check: did anything change in that indicator? Note it at the bottom of the sheet (2 min).

Rules

• Partner ratings are given privately and shared only with that partner.
• Gaps are explained with facts from the game (on the third point...), not with judgments.
• Play with the two-bounce rule and no volleys inside the kitchen.
• Balls that roll onto another court are asked for and waited for; nobody runs in to get them.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: plays with two bounces allowed on their side, and the position indicators are adapted.
• Mild visual impairment: larger, high-contrast ball and a large-print sheet.
• Autism: is told beforehand that ratings may differ and is given a script of phrases for the conversation.

Learning goals

• Bring self-assessment in line with what actually happens in the game.
• Improve doubles play based on a specific indicator.
• Share ratings respectfully and based on facts.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pickleball paddles: 30
• pickleballs: 15
• badminton nets: 6
• worksheets: 30
• pencils: 30

Teacher tip

Big gaps often come from one person judging what they tried and the other judging what they saw: a good topic for the wrap-up. If there are not enough courts, play on low badminton nets.

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