Lesson 3 - Backhand Shots and Control
Racket Control & Shot Strategy
•Year 4
•Badminton
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check racquet size is appropriate for Year 4 students
Alternative: Tennis racquets or plastic racquets for beginners
Have extras available as shuttles may be damaged
Alternative: Soft tennis balls for starter activity
Place hoops in centre of court areas for activities
Alternative: Cones, targets, or chalk circles
Mark clear court boundaries and serving areas
Alternative: Chalk lines or existing court markings
Key Vocabulary
A shot played with the back of the racquet hand facing the direction of the stroke
Placing the thumb behind the handle for backhand shots for better control
Dropping the shuttlecock yourself to practice shots without a partner
Continuous hitting of the shuttlecock back and forth over the net
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
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