Lesson 1 - Forehand & Backhand Basics
Doubles Strategy Mastery
•Year 6
•Badminton
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How can we win a game of badminton by using different forehand and backhand shots tactically?
Learning Objectives
- To explore and develop different forehand and backhand shots in badminton
- To understand when, where and why to use clear, lob and drop shots during a game
- To develop tactical awareness by identifying and exploiting space on the opponent's side of the court
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate accurate forehand and backhand techniques with increasing consistency
- Students will apply clear, lob and drop shots in game situations showing tactical understanding
- Students will show improved court positioning and recovery to centre court after shots
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket strings are intact, appropriate grip size for students
Alternative: Tennis rackets or table tennis bats for modified play
Mix of plastic and feather shuttlecocks, check for damaged feathers
Alternative: Foam shuttlecocks for beginners, balloon for very basic practice
Set up 6 mini courts, each approximately 8m x 4m
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or court tape
Net height approximately 1.55m at centre
Alternative: Rope or elastic bands between posts at appropriate height
Simple tally system for 3-minute games
Alternative: Whiteboards or paper and clipboards
Key Vocabulary
A high, deep shot that travels to the back of the opponent's court
A gentle shot that just clears the net and lands in the front area of the opponent's court
A high shot that travels over the opponent's head to land at the back of the court
Returning to the centre of the court after playing a shot to be ready for the next return
A stroke played with the palm of the racket hand facing the direction of the shot
A stroke played with the back of the racket hand facing the direction of the shot
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket grip and stance from Year 5
- Simple forehand and backhand strokes from previous units
- Understanding of court boundaries and basic scoring
Current Skills
- Advanced shot selection: clear, lob and drop shots
- Tactical positioning and court recovery
- Creating and exploiting space during rallies
Next Steps
- Advanced serving techniques and strategies
- Doubles play coordination and tactics
- Tournament play with complex scoring systems
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise the tactical purpose of each shot type - clear (defensive), drop (attacking), lob (counter-attacking)
- Reinforce court recovery to centre position after every shot for optimal court coverage
- Connect shot selection to opponent positioning - always think about where they are standing
- Maintain focus on control and accuracy over power - precision wins points
- Encourage experimentation with different shots during competitive games
- Develop deceptive shot preparation - make all shots look the same initially
- Build understanding of space creation and exploitation through shot placement
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking all shots need maximum power - emphasise control and placement instead
- Believing that clear shots go straight rather than in an arc - demonstrate proper trajectory
- Assuming drop shots should be hit downward - explain they must clear the net first
- Not understanding why court recovery is important - link to being ready for opponent's return
- Thinking tactics aren't important in badminton - show how shot selection affects game outcome
- Believing technique doesn't matter if you're strong - demonstrate how proper technique improves consistency
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger/foam shuttlecocks, simplified movement patterns, additional practice time, focus on one shot type at a time
autism spectrum
- Clear visual routine cards, quiet zones available, consistent partner pairings, advance warning of game changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly
physical disability
- Seated badminton version, modified rackets, adapted court size, alternative throwing activities if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces and motion in shuttlecock flight, gravity effects on trajectory, physics of racket swing
Geography
Directional awareness, mapping court spaces, spatial orientation and positioning
PSHE
Resilience through challenging activities, teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions in competition
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of activity area for visibility of all students, move to centre for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique application, tactical understanding, and safety compliance
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggling with technique, not following safety rules, or showing poor sportsmanship
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, involve students in tactical scenarios, emphasise key learning points
Verbal Cues
- •'Up and back for clears!'
- •'Soft touch for drops!'
- •'Over their head with lobs!'
- •'Back to centre after every shot!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall minimum 20m x 15m, preferably sports hall with court markings
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, dry and even, free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all racket strings are intact and properly tensioned
- •Ensure racket grips are secure and appropriate size
- •Inspect shuttlecocks for damage - remove any with broken feathers
- •Verify net height is safe and nets are securely fastened
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket contact between students during close play
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Shuttlecock strikes to face or eyes
- •Collisions between students moving for shuttlecocks
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear court boundaries and adequate spacing between courts
- •Teach students to call 'mine' when going for shuttlecocks
- •Enforce no swinging rackets when not actively playing
- •Progressive warm-up to prepare joints and muscles
- •Clear rules about staying in designated court areas
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts during games
- •Circulate actively during practice activities
- •Monitor high-energy game situations for safety
- •Check students are following court boundaries and safety rules
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed