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Lesson 2 - Backhand & Forehand Serving

Skills & Tactics Progression

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Year 4

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can I serve the shuttle accurately and consistently to set up successful rallies in badminton?

Learning Objectives

To develop backhand and forehand serving techniques with accuracy and control
To understand and apply the rules of serving in badminton
To reflect on performance and provide constructive feedback to peers

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent backhand serves over the net
Students will show understanding of serving rules including shuttle height requirements
Students will effectively assess their own and others' serving performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 nets

Check strings are intact and grips are secure

Alternative: Tennis rackets or modified rackets for beginners

Balls

20 (mix of feather and plastic)

Have extras available as shuttles break easily

Alternative: Tennis balls for initial practice, foam balls

Cones

40 (8 per group for warm-up, extras for marking)

Bright colours for visibility, different colours for different purposes

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or spot markers

Sun Markers

Sufficient for 6 courts

Clear service areas and court boundaries marked

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Backhand Serve

A serving technique where the racket face is turned away from the body during contact

Forehand Serve

A serving technique where the racket face is open towards the target during contact

Service Line

The line that marks the back boundary of the service area

Waist Height Rule

The shuttle must be struck below the server's waist level (lowest part of ribcage)

Shuttle Flight

The path the shuttlecock takes through the air after being struck

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket control and grip
Understanding of court boundaries and net height
Experience of sending and receiving objects over a net

Current Skills

Backhand serving technique with accuracy
Forehand serving technique development
Application of serving rules and regulations

Next Steps

Serving to specific target areas
Tactical serving in game situations
Advanced serving variations and placement

Milestone Indicators

Consistent shuttle contact below waist height

Shuttle clears the net consistently

Accurate placement within service area

Key Teaching Points

Backhand serve is easier for beginners - start here before progressing to forehand
Shuttle must be struck below waist height (ribcage level) - this is a legal requirement
Focus on gentle pushing action rather than aggressive hitting for better control
Stance is crucial - racket foot forward, feet pointing toward target
Partner feedback and encouragement builds confidence and skill development
Game situations apply pressure - maintain technique focus under competition
Self-assessment skills are as important as physical serving skills

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder serves are better - accuracy and control are more important than power
Believing forehand is always superior - backhand serve offers excellent control for beginners
Assuming serving is just about getting the shuttle over - placement and legality are crucial
Thinking individual skill is most important - peer support accelerates everyone's learning
Believing assessment is only about perfect technique - effort and improvement are equally valuable

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity rotations, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Simplified serving technique initially, extra practice time, larger shuttles, reduced serving distance

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection spaces, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured shuttles and rackets, provide clear verbal descriptions of technique, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, vibrant hand signals for communication

physical disability

Modified serving positions, larger target areas, adapted rackets if needed, seated serving variations

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, clear communication during peer feedback, descriptive language for technique analysis

Maths

Counting successful serves, measuring distances for serving positions, angles of shuttle flight, scoring systems in games

Science

Forces in shuttle flight, air resistance affecting shuttlecock movement, body mechanics in serving action, physics of trajectory

Geography

Directional awareness in compass warm-up, court positioning and spatial relationships, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, fair play and sporting behaviour, supporting others' learning

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between serving pairs during practice, central position for demonstrations, visibility of all activity areas during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct serving stance, legal shuttle height, appropriate racket swing, peer interaction quality

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety concerns, correct technique errors early, support struggling students, manage game competition levels

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique clarity, demonstrate common errors followed by corrections, involve confident students in peer demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Racket foot forward, weight balanced!'
•'Shuttle at waist height, gentle push!'
•'Watch the shuttle, soft hands for catching!'
•'Encourage your partner, positive feedback!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or 4 badminton courts minimum, adequate height for shuttlecock flight

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, marked boundaries visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket strings and grips before use
•Inspect shuttlecocks for damage
•Ensure net height and stability
•Verify cone placement for clear boundaries

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket contact between students
•Shuttlecock strikes to face/eyes
•Collisions during movement
•Trips over equipment or boundaries

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between serving pairs
•Clear movement boundaries and no-go areas
•Proper racket handling instruction
•Alert positioning for retrievers
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all serving areas
•Monitor technique to prevent dangerous swings
•Watch for students entering active serving areas
•Ensure equipment is used appropriately

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, seek medical attention if required