Lesson 2 - Forehand & Backhand Application
Doubles Strategy Mastery
•Year 6
•Badminton
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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
Check strings are intact and handles appropriate size
Alternative: Tennis rackets or plastic paddles for beginners
Have extras available as shuttlecocks break easily
Alternative: Foam balls or bean bags for initial practice
Use bright colours for clear visibility
Alternative: Chalk lines or rope boundaries
Net height should be 1.5m in centre
Alternative: Benches turned on side or rope between posts
Place clearly in designated scoring areas
Alternative: Hula hoops or chalk circles
Key Vocabulary
A shot played on the same side of the body as the racket hand
A shot played on the opposite side of the body to the racket hand
A high, deep shot to the back of the opponent's court
A gentle shot that lands just over the net in the front court
A high shot that goes over the opponent's head to the back court
Balanced stance in centre court, racket up, ready to move in any direction
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
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