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Lesson 2 - Forehand and Backhand Serves

Fundamentals to Competition Tactics

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Year 5

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Badminton

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50 min

Big Question

How can mastering different serves give me a competitive advantage in badminton?

Learning Objectives

Perform both forehand and backhand serves with correct technique
Serve with accuracy to different areas of the court
Understand the strategic importance of different serve types

Key Outcomes

Students can demonstrate correct grip and stance for both serve types
Students can serve accurately to target areas consistently
Students can explain when to use different serves tactically

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket condition and appropriate size for students

Alternative: Tennis rackets for beginners, plastic rackets for safety

Balls

2 per pair (30)

Mix of feather and plastic depending on skill level

Alternative: Foam shuttlecocks for beginners, modified shuttlecocks for indoor use

Cones

20-25

Various colours for different zones and activities

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops for target areas

Hoops

8-10

Placed at varying distances for accuracy challenges

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, marked squares

Barriers

4-6

Set at appropriate height for Year 5 students

Alternative: Rope between posts, benches, portable nets

Key Vocabulary

Backhand serve

A serve performed with the back of the hand facing forward, using an underarm action

Forehand serve

A serve performed with the palm of the hand facing forward, using an underarm swing

Service stance

The correct body position and foot placement for serving effectively

Shuttlecock placement

The controlled positioning of the shuttlecock for serving

Contact point

The optimal position where racket meets shuttlecock during serve

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip from previous lessons
Understanding of court boundaries
Experience with underarm hitting actions

Current Skills

Backhand serve technique and execution
Forehand serve technique and execution
Serve accuracy and placement

Next Steps

Return of serve techniques
Rally building with serves
Advanced serve variations and tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with shuttlecock at correct height

Shuttlecock clearing net with appropriate trajectory

Accurate placement within target areas

Key Teaching Points

Maintain handshake grip with relaxed wrist throughout all serving actions
Emphasise gentle pushing action rather than aggressive hitting for control and accuracy
Ensure opposite foot forward for each serve type to maintain balance and power transfer
Focus on consistent shuttlecock release timing at the moment of racket contact
Develop tactical understanding of when and why to use different serve types
Build positive peer relationships through encouragement and constructive feedback
Progress from accuracy to consistency to tactical application throughout the lesson

Common Misconceptions

Students think harder serving always means better serving - emphasise control over power
Belief that grip should be very tight - teach relaxed grip for flexibility and control
Assumption that backhand and forehand serves are completely different - highlight similarities in basic action
Thinking that serving is just about getting shuttlecock over net - develop understanding of tactical placement
Idea that mistakes mean failure - reinforce that learning includes making and correcting errors

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, high engagement through competitive elements

dyspraxia

Larger targets, simplified technique breakdown, extra practice time, peer support for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual schedule, consistent routines, quiet practice areas available, predictable partner groupings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks, provide verbal descriptions of target locations, pair with sighted buddy for guidance and feedback

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for serve cues, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated serving options, modified grip techniques, alternative serving actions, adapted target distances and sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances to targets, counting successful serves, calculating accuracy percentages, understanding angles of trajectory

Science

Forces and motion in serving action, trajectory and gravity effects on shuttlecock flight, understanding of air resistance

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and court geography, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Building confidence through skill development, teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move consistently between groups during practice, stand where all students can see demonstrations clearly

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip, stance, and serving action. Note students needing additional support or extension

Intervention Points

Step in when technique errors persist, safety concerns arise, or students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for technique, normal speed for game play. Choose confident students as models. Repeat demonstrations as needed.

Verbal Cues

•'Gentle push, not a hit!'
•'Handshake grip, remember!'
•'Chest to the net, opposite foot forward!'
•'Release at the push, not before!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space with additional areas for multiple team activities

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface suitable for quick movements, checked for obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket handles for damage and appropriate grip size
•Ensure shuttlecocks are in good condition with secure feathers
•Verify cones are stable and visible, not creating trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students during movement activities
•Being struck by swinging rackets during serving practice
•Slips during quick direction changes in warm-up

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Controlled serving practice with designated areas
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Constant supervision during racket use

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all serving areas
•Monitor spacing during warm-up activities
•Move between groups during skill development

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional help if required