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Lesson 2 - Forehand & Backhand Application

Doubles Strategy Mastery

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Year 6

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can we use different forehand and backhand shots strategically to win points in badminton?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate understanding of when, where and why to play different forehand and backhand shots during a game
To develop tactical awareness of shot selection based on opponent positioning
To apply accurate technique in forehand and backhand strokes during competitive play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent forehand and backhand technique under pressure
Students will make tactical decisions about shot placement to create space and win points
Students will show understanding of court positioning and recovery after shots

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check strings are intact and handles appropriate size

Alternative: Tennis rackets or plastic paddles for beginners

Balls

20-30 (mix of feather and plastic)

Have extras available as shuttlecocks break easily

Alternative: Foam balls or bean bags for initial practice

Cones

40-50 for court markers and scoring zones

Use bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Chalk lines or rope boundaries

Nets

6-8 for mini courts

Net height should be 1.5m in centre

Alternative: Benches turned on side or rope between posts

Net Materials

Multiple coloured cones for target zones

Place clearly in designated scoring areas

Alternative: Hula hoops or chalk circles

Key Vocabulary

Forehand

A shot played on the same side of the body as the racket hand

Backhand

A shot played on the opposite side of the body to the racket hand

Clear Shot

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

Drop Shot

A gentle shot that lands just over the net in the front court

Lob Shot

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

Ready Position

Balanced stance in centre court, racket up, ready to move in any direction

Court 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 forehand and backhand grip techniques
Understanding of court boundaries and net height
Simple serving and returning skills

Current Skills

Strategic shot placement using forehand and backhand
Recognition of when to use different shot types
Court positioning and recovery after shots

Next Steps

Advanced shot combinations and sequences
Deceptive shots and disguised play
Match play strategies and doubles tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rallies of 6+ shots

Deliberate shot placement to win points

Quick recovery to ready position after each shot

Key Teaching Points

Shot selection should be based on opponent position and tactical intent
Ready position and court recovery are essential for consistent play
Forehand and backhand techniques require different body positioning and follow-through
Controlled, accurate shots are more effective than powerful, uncontrolled attempts
Positive sportsmanship enhances learning and enjoyment for everyone
Tactical thinking develops through practice and reflection on game situations
Clear, drop, and lob shots each serve specific strategic purposes in badminton

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking power is more important than placement - correct by emphasising accuracy targets
Believing the same shot works in all situations - address through tactical scenario practice
Assuming forehand technique works for backhand shots - demonstrate specific backhand mechanics
Thinking ready position is only needed when serving - show importance of constant readiness
Believing winning is only about individual skill - emphasise tactical thinking and adaptation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity rotations, clear boundaries and rules, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger shuttlecocks or foam alternatives, simplified shot selection (focus on one type at a time), additional practice time

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, allow closer positioning to net

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, buddy system for rule explanations

physical disability

Seated play adaptation, lighter equipment options, modified court size to match mobility range

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems, angles of shot placement, time management during matches

Science

Forces and motion in shuttlecock flight, trajectory paths of different shots

Geography

Spatial awareness, court positioning, understanding of directions and space

PSHE

Fair play, respect for opponents, dealing with winning and losing positively

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all courts, rotate between groups during practice

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical application, shot technique consistency, and positive sporting behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggling with shot selection or if competitive behaviour becomes unsporting

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show shot types clearly, emphasise the thinking behind each shot choice

Verbal Cues

•'Watch your opponent's position!'
•'Choose your shot wisely!'
•'Recover to ready position!'
•'Good tactics, well played!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m sports hall with 3m ceiling height, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry conditions, even flooring without damage

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racket strings are intact and handles secure
•Inspect shuttlecocks for damage that could cause unpredictable flight
•Ensure nets are properly tensioned and stable
•Verify cones are not cracked or sharp

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions between students during practice
•Slips when moving quickly to return shots
•Shuttlecock impacts to face/eyes during rallies
•Overexertion during competitive matches

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear court boundaries with adequate spacing between groups
•Teach proper ready position and court awareness
•Emphasise controlled movements, especially during warm-up
•Monitor competitive intensity to prevent dangerous play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally to observe multiple courts simultaneously
•Pay special attention during competitive matches for escalating tensions
•Monitor students with less experience for technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required