🏸

Lesson 2 - Backhand and Forehand Serving

Strategic Play Development

•

Year 3

•

Badminton

•

Big Question

How can I serve accurately using both backhand and forehand techniques to start a rally effectively?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate backhand serving technique over a net
To understand the rules and positioning for serving in badminton
To reflect on and recognise success in self and others during practice

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to perform a backhand serve with correct technique and positioning
Students will demonstrate understanding of serving rules including shuttle height requirements
Students will show ability to give constructive feedback to partners and self-assess their performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

2-3 (depending on hall size)

Check all rackets for damage, ensure appropriate weight for age group

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, table tennis bats for beginners

Balls

15-20 (1 per pair plus spares)

Use plastic shuttles outdoors, feather indoors if available

Alternative: Foam shuttles for beginners, balloon for initial practice

Cones

40-50 for marking areas and compass points

Bright colours for clear visibility, spread around hall perimeter

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops

Hoops

6-8 for serving practice

Place at varying distances and angles from service line

Alternative: Cones arranged in squares, chalk circles

Key Vocabulary

Backhand serve

A serve performed with the back of the racket hand facing the direction of the shot

Forehand serve

A serve performed with the palm of the racket hand facing the direction of the shot

Waist height

The maximum height the shuttle can be when struck during a serve, level with the lowest rib

Service stance

The balanced position taken before serving with feet positioned correctly

Shuttle contact

The moment the racket face connects with the shuttle during the serve

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket handling and grip from Unit 1
Understanding of ready position and court awareness
Experience working cooperatively with a partner

Current Skills

Backhand serving technique with correct stance
Forehand serving as progression
Understanding serving rules and shuttle height requirements
Self and peer assessment skills

Next Steps

Serving to specific target areas with consistency
Returning serves with appropriate shots
Applying serving skills in competitive game situations

Milestone Indicators

Shuttle consistently crosses net on serves

Correct stance and grip maintained throughout serve

Can explain serving rules to others confidently

Key Teaching Points

Backhand serve is easier to learn and should be mastered before progressing to forehand
Shuttle must be contacted below waist height (lowest rib level) for legal serve
Serving stance requires racket foot forward for balance and direction
Push action rather than hitting generates more control and accuracy
Peer coaching develops both technical and social learning
Game application shows technique transfer under pressure
Self-reflection skills are as important as physical skills development

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Hitting harder makes the serve better' - Correction: Controlled push action gives more accuracy
Misconception: 'Waist height means belly button level' - Correction: Waist height is level with lowest rib
Misconception: 'Forehand serve is always better than backhand' - Correction: Backhand is easier to learn and often more accurate for beginners
Misconception: 'Only the best players should give feedback' - Correction: Everyone can observe and help others improve
Misconception: 'Games are separate from learning technique' - Correction: Games help apply and test technique under pressure

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks, specific roles in team games

dyspraxia

Simplified technique breakdown, larger equipment, extra practice time, step-by-step visual guides

autism spectrum

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

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles, verbal descriptions of technique, partner support for positioning, larger target areas

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, visual signals for game rules, peer buddy system

physical disability

Shorter rackets or adapted grip aids, seated serving practice, modified target distances, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Understanding compass directions (North, South, East, West), measuring distances for serving practice, counting successful serves and calculating improvement

Science

Forces and motion in serving action, trajectory and gravity affecting shuttle flight, understanding of push and pull forces

Geography

Compass points and directional awareness, spatial relationships and positioning

PSHE

Building resilience through practice, supporting others in learning, celebrating diverse achievements and building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between pairs during practice to provide individual coaching, stand centrally during demonstrations for visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct serving stance, legal shuttle height at contact, quality of peer feedback, engagement in game activities

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, provide additional support for struggling learners, manage competitive game situations

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key positions for visibility, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Racket foot forward!'
•'Push, don't hit!'
•'Waist height only!'
•'Great coaching words!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor court area, minimum 20m x 15m, clear overhead height for shuttles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, appropriate for running and direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all rackets for cracks or loose strings before use
•Ensure shuttlecocks are in good condition with no sharp edges
•Verify nets are securely fastened and appropriate height
•Cones placed safely and visible, no trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students during movement activities
•Racket contact with other students or objects
•Shuttle impact to face or eyes
•Slips during direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between pairs and teams maintained
•Shuttles travel in controlled directions only
•Proper technique emphasised to reduce wild swinging
•Supervised practice with teacher monitoring

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor spacing during warm-up compass activity
•Watch for proper racket handling throughout
•Ensure game rules followed to prevent collisions

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any injuries, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if needed, maintain supervision of other students