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Lesson 1 - Forehand & Backhand Basics

Doubles Strategy Mastery

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Year 6

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Badminton

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Big Question

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

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racket strings are intact, appropriate grip size for students

Alternative: Tennis rackets or table tennis bats for modified play

Balls

20-30 shuttlecocks

Mix of plastic and feather shuttlecocks, check for damaged feathers

Alternative: Foam shuttlecocks for beginners, balloon for very basic practice

Markers Cones

24 cones

Set up 6 mini courts, each approximately 8m x 4m

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, or court tape

Nets

6 portable nets

Net height approximately 1.55m at centre

Alternative: Rope or elastic bands between posts at appropriate height

Scorecards

12 scorecards

Simple tally system for 3-minute games

Alternative: Whiteboards or paper and clipboards

Key Vocabulary

Clear shot

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

Drop shot

A gentle shot that just clears the net and lands in the front area of the opponent's court

Lob shot

A high shot that travels over the opponent's head to land at the back of the court

Court recovery

Returning to the centre of the court after playing a shot to be ready for the next return

Forehand

A stroke played with the palm of the racket hand facing the direction of the shot

Backhand

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

Consistent shuttlecock control over net

Deliberate shot placement to create space

Recovery to centre court after each shot

Tactical shot selection based on opponent position

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