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Lesson 2 - Forehand Shot Technique

Shot Technique & Strategy

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Year 5

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Badminton

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50 min

Big Question

How can we use accurate forehand shots to outwit our opponents in badminton?

Learning Objectives

Students will understand when and where to play the forehand shot
Students will demonstrate correct forehand technique with accuracy and control
Students will apply forehand shots tactically to win points in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students can execute consistent forehand shots over the net
Students can aim forehand shots into specific spaces with accuracy
Students can apply different types of forehand shots (clear, lob, smash) tactically

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket strings are intact, appropriate weight for Year 5

Alternative: Table tennis bats for beginners

Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Mix of feather and plastic shuttles, check condition before use

Alternative: Foam shuttles for outdoor use

Cones

Use to mark court boundaries and target zones

Alternative: Spot markers or bean bags

Markers

9 sets (3 per court)

Mark three equal horizontal zones on each court side

Alternative: Different coloured cones or hoops

Key Vocabulary

Forehand

A shot played on the racket side of the body with palm facing forward

Ready Position

Balanced stance with knees bent, racket up, ready to move in any direction

Clear

A high, deep shot to the back of the opponent's court

Lob

A high shot over the opponent's head to the back court

Smash

A powerful downward shot from above head height

Recovery

Returning to the centre court position after playing a shot

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and ready position
Understanding of court boundaries and net play
Basic throwing and catching of shuttlecock

Current Skills

Correct forehand grip and stance
Forehand swing technique and timing
Tactical placement using forehand shots

Next Steps

Advanced forehand variations (drops, drives, clears)
Combination shots linking forehand and backhand
Game strategies using forehand dominance

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with shuttlecock using racket face

Accurate placement into target zones

Smooth transition from ready position to shot execution

Key Teaching Points

Forehand technique foundation: grip, stance, and swing sequence must be established before adding complexity
Cooperative feeding quality directly impacts learning success - teach feeders to enable success
Recovery movement to centre court is as important as the shot itself for tactical development
Accuracy and control should always be prioritised over power, especially in Year 5
Different forehand shots (clear, lob, smash) require different techniques and tactical applications

Common Misconceptions

Students often think power equals good shots - emphasise control and placement over force
Many believe the forehand is just 'hitting hard' - teach it as a precise, technical skill
Students may think badminton is just 'tennis with different ball' - highlight unique techniques and tactics
Common belief that racket grip doesn't matter - demonstrate how grip affects shot control and power
Misconception that you can stand still and play good badminton - emphasise movement and recovery

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts with clear start/stop signals, provide movement breaks between skill phases, offer leadership roles for engagement

dyspraxia

Use larger shuttlecocks and longer practice time, break technique into smaller steps, provide hand-over-hand guidance for grip and swing

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedule for lesson phases, offer quiet practice space if needed, warn of activity transitions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured shuttlecocks and larger target zones, provide audio cues for technique phases, pair with sighted buddy for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and written technique reminders, establish hand signals for common instructions, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Allow seated forehand practice, use lighter rackets or modified grips, adjust court size and net height as needed, focus on technique over power

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring angles of racket face, counting successful shots, calculating success percentages, understanding court dimensions and zones

Science

Forces and motion in shuttlecock flight, gravity effects on trajectory, friction between racket strings and shuttlecock, biomechanics of swing motion

Geography

Directional language (forehand side, backhand side), spatial awareness and positioning, mapping court areas and target zones

PSHE

Resilience when learning new skills, supporting partners through encouragement, fair play and respect for opponents, celebrating individual progress

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of main teaching area for visibility of all courts, move between pairs during practice phases

Observation Focus

Watch for grip consistency, stance stability, swing plane, and recovery movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic grip, safety concerns arise, or competitive tension escalates

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Shake hands with your racket!'
•'Point your racket head where you want it to go!'
•'Step and swing!'
•'Soft hands, controlled power!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 12m hall space for 6 mini courts with 2m clearance between courts

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, check for any shuttlecock/cone trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket strings are intact and heads secure
•Ensure shuttlecocks are in good condition without sharp edges
•Verify cone stability and placement away from movement areas
•Check racket grip size is appropriate for Year 5 hands

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket contact between students during swings
•Slips and falls when moving quickly to shots
•Eye contact with shuttlecock or racket
•Collisions when recovering to centre court

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain 2m minimum spacing between courts during active play
•Establish clear court boundaries and movement areas
•Teach controlled swing technique before increasing intensity
•Use progressive skill building from stationary to moving activities
•Emphasise awareness of other students when recovering to centre

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts simultaneously
•Monitor swing control especially during competitive games
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Be alert to any equipment damage during lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, ensure other students remain safe and calm