School Pickleball on a Low Net
Intro to pickleball, a paddle sport played over a low net, in doubles with school-friendly rules: underhand serve, the two-bounce rule and a no-volley zone by the net. Students practice paddle strokes, controlling pace and playing with a partner.
How to play
- Chalk 6 courts about 13 x 30 ft with a low net at about 30 in, and mark a 5-ft no-volley zone ("the kitchen") on each side. Doubles: four per court, with an extra student as rotating referee (4 min).
- 3-minute crosscourt rally with the opposing partner, always off a bounce.
- Serve underhand and crosscourt from behind the baseline. Two-bounce rule: the return of serve and the next shot must bounce before they're hit; after that, volleys are allowed.
- Nobody may volley while standing in the kitchen. Only the serving team scores; games to 7 (about 6 minutes).
- Play 2 games, rotating opponents (12 min). Wrap up by discussing the two-bounce rule and why it makes the game fairer.
Rules
- Serve below the waist and crosscourt; one attempt only.
- Two bounces to start every point, and no volleys in the kitchen.
- Safety: use a light plastic ball, and never slam the ball at an opponent standing at the net.
Variations
Easier
Play cooperative singles and remove the kitchen.
Standard
Doubles with the two-bounce rule and a kitchen.
Harder
Points count only on shots that bounce inside the opponent's kitchen.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the ball may bounce twice on that student's side throughout the point.
- Shyness: keep the same partner all lesson and rotate opponents only.
- Skill level: a bigger foam ball or a paddle with a larger face.
Learning goals
- Hit with a paddle, controlling force off the bounce.
- Apply the two-bounce rule and the kitchen rule.
- Work with a partner to cover the court.
Equipment for a class of 25
- paddles: 25
- pickleballs: 8
- low net: 6
- chalk: 6
Teacher tip
Basic wooden paddles and perforated plastic balls are enough to start. Scoring confuses beginners: call the score yourself for the first few points, then hand it to the referee.
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