Lesson 2 - Forehand and Backhand Serves
Fundamentals to Competition Tactics
•Year 5
•Badminton
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check racket condition and appropriate size for students
Alternative: Tennis rackets for beginners, plastic rackets for safety
Mix of feather and plastic depending on skill level
Alternative: Foam shuttlecocks for beginners, modified shuttlecocks for indoor use
Various colours for different zones and activities
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops for target areas
Placed at varying distances for accuracy challenges
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, marked squares
Set at appropriate height for Year 5 students
Alternative: Rope between posts, benches, portable nets
Key Vocabulary
A serve performed with the back of the hand facing forward, using an underarm action
A serve performed with the palm of the hand facing forward, using an underarm swing
The correct body position and foot placement for serving effectively
The controlled positioning of the shuttlecock for serving
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
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