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Lesson 3 - Backhand Shots and Control

Racket Control & Shot Strategy

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Year 4

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Badminton

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use different grips and body positions to control where the shuttlecock goes?

Learning Objectives

To introduce hitting with the backhand shot with control and accuracy
To attempt to self-feed backhand shots consistently
To identify the differences between forehand and backhand shots

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct backhand grip and stance
Students will execute backhand shots with improved accuracy
Students will apply backhand serves to start games effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 courts

Check racquet size is appropriate for Year 4 students

Alternative: Tennis racquets or plastic racquets for beginners

Balls

20-25 (plastic or feather)

Have extras available as shuttles may be damaged

Alternative: Soft tennis balls for starter activity

Hoops

1 per pair (15)

Place hoops in centre of court areas for activities

Alternative: Cones, targets, or chalk circles

Cones

20-30 for court boundaries

Mark clear court boundaries and serving areas

Alternative: Chalk lines or existing court markings

Key Vocabulary

Backhand

A shot played with the back of the racquet hand facing the direction of the stroke

Thumb grip

Placing the thumb behind the handle for backhand shots for better control

Self-feeding

Dropping the shuttlecock yourself to practice shots without a partner

Rally

Continuous hitting of the shuttlecock back and forth over the net

Serve

The shot used to start each point in badminton

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand grip and shot technique from previous lessons
Understanding of court boundaries and scoring
Experience with serving and basic rallying

Current Skills

Backhand grip technique with thumb positioning
Backhand stance and body positioning
Self-feeding shuttles for practice

Next Steps

Combining forehand and backhand in game situations
Advanced shot placement and tactical play
Doubles play strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistently grips racquet correctly for backhand shots

Maintains balance and control during backhand execution

Demonstrates understanding of when to use backhand vs forehand

Key Teaching Points

Backhand grip requires thumb placement behind the handle on the flat surface
Body positioning with forward foot provides stability for backhand shots
Gentle technique and control are more important than power in badminton
Self-feeding skills enable independent practice and improvement
Backhand serves must be used to restart after every point scored
Communication and sportsmanship are essential for successful partner activities
Technique consistency under game pressure shows true skill development

Common Misconceptions

That hitting harder will make shots more accurate - emphasise gentle control instead
That changing racquet to other hand is easier than learning backhand - explain tactical advantages
That backhand grip is just forehand grip reversed - demonstrate specific thumb positioning
That serves can be hit overhand like tennis - reinforce underhand badminton serving rules
That winning points is more important than using correct technique - emphasise skill development focus

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate feedback and encouragement, movement breaks built into activities

dyspraxia

Extra time for grip changes, simplified technique breakdowns, additional modelling and guided practice

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness support

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards available, hand signals for key coaching points

physical disability

Adapted grips or modified racquets available, seated versions of activities where appropriate, alternative target sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, communication during partner activities, following and giving clear instructions

Maths

Counting successful hits during rally challenges, scoring systems in games, timing activities with one-minute challenges

Science

Understanding forces and angles in shuttle flight, grip pressure and control relationships, body positioning for balance and power

PSHE

Perseverance with challenging new techniques, cooperation and fair play during competitive activities, building confidence through skill development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear view of all courts, mobile during practice phases for individual support

Observation Focus

Grip technique consistency, shuttle control development, sportsmanship and cooperation during activities

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggling with grip changes, technique breaking down under pressure, or competitive tension rising

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for grip changes, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison, show enthusiasm for student attempts and improvements

Verbal Cues

•'Thumb behind the handle for backhand power!'
•'Gentle contact, let the racquet do the work!'
•'Remember your backhand grip after each point!'
•'Great sportsmanship, that's what champions do!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor court area, minimum 20m x 15m for multiple courts

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, adequate grip for quick movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings are secure and handles not slippery
•Ensure shuttlecocks are in good condition without damaged feathers
•Verify net height appropriate for Year 4 students (1.3m recommended)
•Check hoops are placed safely away from swing areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet contact with other students during swing
•Tripping over nets or court equipment
•Overstretching when reaching for difficult shots
•Competitive pressure leading to unsafe play

Risk Mitigation

•Ensure adequate spacing between courts and students
•Emphasise controlled swing speeds throughout lesson
•Clear boundaries and safety zones established
•Regular technique reminders to maintain safe practices
•Monitor competitive activities for appropriate intensity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts during activities
•Circulate actively during skill practice for immediate feedback
•Monitor grip technique to prevent racquet slipping
•Watch for fatigue or frustration affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with clear signal, assess any incidents, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safe and supervised