Striking with Hands and Paddles

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!

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.

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.