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Lesson 5 - Forehand Serve and Basic Game Rules

Racquet Control Fundamentals

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Year 3

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Badminton

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use the forehand serve to start games fairly and accurately?

Learning Objectives

To progress from an underarm hit to an underarm forehand serve
To use a forehand serve to start a badminton game following basic rules
To explain when and why serving is used in badminton games

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct forehand serve technique consistently
Students will apply service rules accurately in game situations
Students will understand the role of serving in competitive badminton

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check all racquets for damage before use

Alternative: Tennis racquets, table tennis bats for modified games

Balls

1 per student + 10 spares (40 total)

Have extras available as shuttles break easily

Alternative: Foam shuttles, balloons for beginners

Coloured Cones

18 (9 of each colour)

Two colours needed for noughts and crosses activity

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, hoops

Benches

6-8 depending on group size

Height should allow successful serves for Year 3

Alternative: Ropes between chairs, cones with string

Sun Markers

20 cones for court boundaries

Clear visible boundaries for mini-courts

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, tape

Key Vocabulary

Forehand serve

An underarm serve hit with the palm of the hand facing forward

Service rules

The regulations that govern how and when to serve in badminton

Basic grip

Holding the racquet like shaking hands, relaxed but controlled

Underarm

Hitting the shuttlecock from below with an upward motion

Shuttlecock

The projectile used in badminton, also called a 'shuttle'

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic racquet grip and control
Underarm hitting technique
Simple rally skills with a partner

Current Skills

Underarm forehand serve technique
Understanding of service rules
Application of skills in competitive games

Next Steps

Backhand serve introduction
Advanced serving placement
Complex game tactics and strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with shuttlecock during serve

Shuttlecock clearing net height consistently

Understanding when to serve in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Forehand serve grip must be relaxed like shaking hands with racquet
Drop shuttlecock into racquet path, don't throw it forward
Serve motion is low to high, like scooping ice cream upward
Every point in badminton starts with a serve from the winner
Shuttle must be hit below waist height for legal serve
Focus on consistency and accuracy rather than power
Good sportsmanship and fair play are as important as technique

Common Misconceptions

Students think serves should be hit hard - emphasise gentle, controlled technique
Confusion about when to serve - clarify serves start every point, not just games
Believing throwing shuttle is same as dropping - demonstrate clear difference
Thinking grip should be tight - teach relaxed, flexible grip for better control
Assumption that high serves are always better - focus on clearing net only
Misunderstanding umpire role - teach fair, honest decision-making

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific praise for focus

dyspraxia

Larger, slower-moving equipment, simplified serving motion, extra practice time, visual technique cards

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of techniques, written rule cards, hand signals for umpiring

physical disability

Seated serving practice, modified court sizes, lightweight racquets, balloon alternatives

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Umpiring vocabulary, explaining rules clearly, communicating decisions to players

Maths

Counting scores, understanding grid coordinates in noughts and crosses, measuring court distances

Science

Understanding trajectory and forces when serving, observing shuttlecock flight patterns

PSHE

Fair play, respect for others, managing competitive emotions, teamwork and cooperation

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe serving technique and game play, position for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct serving grip and technique, monitor rule understanding, assess fair play

Intervention Points

Step in to correct unsafe technique, resolve rule disputes, provide encouragement for struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Show serving technique multiple times, emphasise each component clearly, use enthusiastic tone for engagement

Verbal Cues

•'Drop the shuttle, don't throw it!'
•'Low to high swing like scooping ice cream!'
•'Good grip - fingers spread around the handle!'
•'Remember to serve after every point!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles, non-slip surface

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate lighting for tracking shuttlecocks

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racquets for loose strings or damaged frames before use
•Inspect shuttlecocks for damaged feathers that could cause injury
•Ensure nets and benches are stable and appropriate height
•Verify adequate spacing between courts for safe play

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Shuttlecocks moving at speed could hit students in face
•Racquet collisions during practice or games
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and playing areas
•Emphasise controlled swings and awareness of others
•Teach proper warm-up and cool-down procedures
•Monitor for fatigue and provide rest breaks
•Use age-appropriate equipment and court sizes

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor technique to prevent unsafe swings
•Watch for signs of frustration or aggressive play
•Ensure rotation systems work smoothly

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required