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Lesson 3 - Serving Techniques and Accuracy

Tactical Play & Tournament Prep

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Year 5

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Badminton

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use different serving techniques to gain a tactical advantage in badminton?

Learning Objectives

To accurately perform both forehand and backhand serves with control and precision
To understand and apply different serving strategies for tactical advantage
To demonstrate consistent serving technique under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will execute forehand and backhand serves with improved accuracy
Students will select appropriate serves for different tactical situations
Students will demonstrate understanding of serving rules and techniques

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 courts setup

Check strings are intact and grips are secure before use

Alternative: Tennis racquets or table tennis bats for modified play

Balls

8 (2 per team for warm-up)

Use plastic shuttles for durability, feather for advanced students

Alternative: Foam balls or balloons for beginners

Hoops

16 (4 per team for warm-up)

Place in square formation 2-3 metres apart

Alternative: Cones or markers in square formation

Markers

30-40 cones or spots

Various sizes for differentiated targeting challenges

Alternative: Hoops, mats or paper targets

iPads

4-6 for video demonstration

Video cued to serving techniques, volume appropriate

Alternative: Print photos or demonstration cards

Key Vocabulary

Serve

The shot used to start each rally in badminton

Forehand serve

Serving with the palm of the hand facing forward

Backhand serve

Serving across the body with the back of the hand leading

Service line

The line that marks the minimum distance for a legal serve

Short serve

A gentle serve that just clears the net and lands close to the service line

Long serve

A powerful serve aimed towards the back of the service area

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racquet grip and control
Understanding of court boundaries
Simple underarm striking movements

Current Skills

Forehand and backhand serving techniques
Service accuracy and placement
Tactical understanding of serving

Next Steps

Advanced serving variations
Combining serves with rally play
Competitive serving under pressure

Milestone Indicators

Consistent shuttle contact below waist height

Accurate placement in target areas

Smooth transition between forehand and backhand serves

Key Teaching Points

Shuttle must be held in fingertips, not palm, for better control and legal serving action
All serves must begin with racquet below waist height - this is a fundamental badminton rule
Power control is more important than maximum power - adjust swing size for different targets
Tactical serve selection based on opponent position and game situation
Smooth, controlled technique remains consistent whether serving short or long
Both forehand and backhand serves have specific applications and advantages
Serving accuracy improves with practice and proper technique, not just power

Common Misconceptions

Believing overhead serves are legal in badminton - correct with underarm requirement
Thinking more power always equals better serves - emphasise control and placement
Assuming serving is just about getting the shuttle over - explain tactical importance
Believing you must use maximum strength - teach power variation for different serves
Thinking backhand serves are inferior to forehand - show tactical advantages of both

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular activity changes, clear focus points, movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities during games

dyspraxia

Step-by-step technique breakdown, extra practice time, simplified grip and serving actions, supportive peer partnerships

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual lesson schedule, quiet zones for breaks, predictable game rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright yellow shuttles, verbal descriptions of court layout, partner guidance system, audio cues for serve timing

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for serve types, visual feedback systems

physical disability

Adapted serving positions (seated or supported), lightweight racquets, larger/slower shuttles, modified court sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, communicating tactics and feedback to partners

Maths

Calculating scores and target success rates, measuring distances for serves, angles of shuttle flight paths

Science

Forces involved in shuttle flight, air resistance affecting shuttle movement, trajectory and gravity concepts

Geography

Court directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns during serving

PSHE

Fair play and sportsmanship, resilience when facing challenges, teamwork during partner activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around activity areas to observe all students, position near demonstrations for best visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip, legal serving action, accuracy development, and safe spacing

Intervention Points

Step in for technique correction, safety concerns, or rule clarifications as needed

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for serving actions, ensure all students can see demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Fingertips on shuttle!'
•'Racquet starts low!'
•'Smooth and controlled!'
•'Choose your serve type!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor courts, minimum 30m x 20m with multiple badminton court markings

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate ceiling height for serving actions

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings and handles before use
•Inspect shuttles for damage or loose feathers
•Ensure nets are secure and at correct height
•Verify target equipment is stable and safe

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet contact between students during serving
•Slips during quick direction changes
•Eye contact from shuttles during serves
•Collisions during game enthusiasm

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing guidelines for serving practice
•Controlled serving directions away from others
•Proper warm-up to prevent muscle strain
•Clear rules and boundaries for games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear visibility of all serving actions
•Monitor technique to prevent strain or injury
•Ensure safe equipment handling throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed