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Lesson 1 - Underarm Forehand Shots

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 I use precise underarm forehand shots to control the shuttle and win rallies?

Learning Objectives

Practice the correct technique for underarm forehand shots with consistent grip and body position
Apply forehand shots effectively in rallies and game situations
Explore tactical use of forehand shots to place the shuttle accurately

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate underarm forehand technique with correct grip and swing path
Students will successfully participate in sustained rallies using forehand shots
Students will show tactical awareness by directing shots to specific target areas

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

2-3 (court dependent)

Check all racquets for damage, ensure appropriate weight for Year 4

Alternative: Tennis racquets or table tennis bats for adaptation

Balls

15-20 (mixture of feather and synthetic)

Use synthetic shuttles for durability, feather for demonstration

Alternative: Foam balls or bean bags for initial practice

Large foam dice

2-3

Ensure dice are large enough for whole class visibility

Alternative: Number cards 1-6 or digital spinner

Hoops

20 (5 per group of 4)

Different colours for different point values

Alternative: Chalk circles or cones with numbers

Sun Markers

20 (1-10 twice)

Large, visible numbers for maths activities

Alternative: Chalk numbers or laminated cards

Stopwatch

Visible countdown timer for rally challenges

Alternative: Smartphone timer or class clock

Key Vocabulary

Underarm Forehand

A shot played below waist height with the racquet face open, swinging from back to front

Rally

Continuous back-and-forth hitting of the shuttle between players

Grip

How you hold the racquet handle - relaxed like shaking hands

Shuttle/Shuttlecock

The projectile used in badminton with feathers or synthetic skirt

Contact Point

Where the racquet meets the shuttle - ideally at waist height

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racquet handling and safety awareness
Simple catching and throwing skills
Understanding of personal space and movement

Current Skills

Correct grip technique for badminton racquet
Underarm forehand swing mechanics
Basic rally skills and shuttle control

Next Steps

Backhand shots and grip changes
Overhead clear shots
Serving techniques and game rules

Milestone Indicators

Maintains relaxed grip throughout swing

Consistent contact point at waist height

Smooth swing path from back to front

Key Teaching Points

Maintain relaxed handshake grip throughout all activities - tension reduces control
Contact point at waist height is crucial for consistent underarm forehand shots
Smooth swing path from back to front creates better shuttle control than power
Drop timing coordination - release shuttle just before racquet contact point
Encourage cooperation over competition during rally challenges and partner work
Integrate mathematical thinking naturally into physical activity challenges
Focus on technique maintenance under pressure during game applications

Common Misconceptions

Students think hitting harder makes shots better - emphasise control and placement instead
Belief that the rubber tip of shuttle should be contacted - teach feather-only handling
Assumption that grip should be tight for power - demonstrate relaxed grip benefits
Misconception that tallest students should always get highest scores - value technique over physical advantages
Thinking that fast swings are better - show benefits of smooth, controlled movements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter racquets if available, foam balls initially for success, extra practice time, simplified instruction steps

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet practice space available, consistent coaching language

visual impairment

Use bright coloured shuttles and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for safety

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure clear line of sight for lip reading

physical disability

Adapt grip for different hand functions, allow seated play if needed, modify swing patterns for individual needs

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with technical terms, explanation of strategies and tactics, communication during partner work

Science

Understanding of forces in shuttle flight, gravity effects on drop shots, cause and effect in technique changes

Mathematics

Addition and subtraction in target games, problem-solving to reach number targets, mental calculation during activities

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork during rallies, resilience when shots don't work, celebrating others' success and improvement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, move actively during practice for individual feedback, corner positioning during games for overview

Observation Focus

Grip consistency - watch for tensing during practice; Swing path - ensure smooth underarm motion; Contact point - shuttle hit at waist height consistently; Safety awareness - students maintaining space and control

Intervention Points

["Step in if students showing frustration with technique", "Correct dangerous swings or movements immediately", "Support students struggling with coordination", "Encourage positive behaviour during competitive activities"]

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for technique breakdown, contrast good vs poor examples, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate, repeat key demos throughout lesson

Verbal Cues

•'Handshake grip - shake hands with your racquet!'
•'Smooth swing like painting a fence!'
•'Drop and hit - let the shuttle fall to your racquet!'
•'Gentle power - control is better than force!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 15m clear area, or half sports hall with adequate ceiling height for overhead swings

Surface Check

Non-slip, dry surface free from trip hazards, suitable for dynamic movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racquets for cracks, loose grips, or sharp edges before use
•Inspect shuttles for damaged feathers that could cause eye injury
•Ensure nets are properly secured and at appropriate height
•Verify dice and hoops are in good condition without sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet collisions between students during swings
•Eye injuries from fast-moving shuttles
•Slips and falls during dynamic warm-up activities
•Equipment-related injuries from damaged racquets

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain 3-metre minimum spacing during all swing activities
•Establish clear swing directions - all students facing same way
•Use synthetic shuttles for safety, feather only for demonstration
•Teach proper equipment handling and carrying techniques
•Clear boundaries and movement patterns for all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during practice
•Move actively between groups during skill development
•Monitor swing techniques to prevent dangerous movements
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety and technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately with clear signal, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact office for serious injuries