Lesson 2 - Forehand and Backhand Serving
Technical to Tactical Progression
•Year 6
•Badminton
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can different serving techniques give me a tactical advantage in badminton?
Learning Objectives
- To perform accurate forehand and backhand serves with correct technique
- To understand when and why to use different serving styles tactically
- To reflect on and recognise success in self and others during practice
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate both forehand and backhand serves with consistent accuracy
- Students will explain the tactical advantages of different serving positions and styles
- Students will provide constructive feedback to peers and self-assess their performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all rackets for damage, ensure appropriate grip size for students
Alternative: Tennis rackets can be used if badminton rackets unavailable
Have extras available as shuttlecocks get damaged easily
Alternative: Foam shuttles for indoor use, tennis balls for initial practice
Place hoops at varying distances for differentiated challenges
Alternative: Cones arranged in circles, marked targets on floor
Use bright colours for clear visibility, ensure stable placement
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
A serve performed with the racket face forward, typically with left foot forward for right-handed players
A serve performed with the back of the racket hand facing forward, chest parallel to net
The specific area where the serve must land to be legal in badminton
Holding the shuttlecock by the feather tips between thumb and index finger
The continuation of the racket movement after hitting the shuttlecock
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic badminton grip and racket control
- Understanding of court areas and basic rules
- Experience with underarm hitting actions
Current Skills
- Forehand and backhand serving technique
- Serving accuracy and placement
- Tactical awareness of serve selection
Next Steps
- Advanced serving variations (high, low, flick serves)
- Serving under pressure in competitive situations
- Reading opponent positioning for serve placement
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Correct badminton grip is fundamental to all other skills - spend time establishing this properly
- Backhand serve is easier for beginners - teach this first before progressing to forehand
- Serving is about accuracy and placement, not power - emphasise control over force
- Peer teaching and feedback develops both technical and communication skills
- Game applications should maintain focus on serving skills while adding fun and competition
- Self-reflection and peer recognition build confidence and learning awareness
- Safety in racket sports requires constant awareness of others and proper equipment handling
Common Misconceptions
- Students often think serving hard is better than serving accurately - emphasise precision over power
- Many confuse the grip positions between forehand and backhand serves - use clear hand references
- Students may think reflection means being critical - teach positive, constructive reflection language
- Some students believe natural ability is fixed - emphasise improvement through practice and effort
- Children often focus only on their own performance - encourage awareness of others' successes
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified equipment, extra practice time, breaking skills into smaller steps, peer support
autism spectrum
- Clear visual routines, consistent structure, quiet space available, advanced warning of changes
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured shuttlecocks and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and signals, written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines to teacher
physical disability
- Adapted rackets or lighter alternatives, seated serving options, modified distances and targets
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful serves, measuring distances, calculating accuracy percentages, angles of trajectory
Science
Forces in racket swing, projectile motion of shuttlecock, aerodynamics of feather vs synthetic shuttles
Geography
Court dimensions and spatial awareness, directional movement, mapping serving strategies
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, celebrating diverse achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter for clear view of all students, position near serving areas during skill practice
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip technique, serving accuracy, peer interaction quality, and safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in for safety issues immediately, provide technique help when students struggling, facilitate peer teaching opportunities
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key points for visibility, involve students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Gentle push, not hit!'
- •'Handshake grip!'
- •'Follow through forward and up!'
- •'Help your partner succeed!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles, suitable for badminton activities
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, non-slip flooring essential
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all rackets for damage or loose strings
- •Ensure shuttlecocks are in good condition
- •Cones placed safely away from movement areas
- •Nets securely fastened and at appropriate height
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Racket contact with other students
- •Slipping on dropped shuttlecocks
- •Eye injuries from shuttlecock impact
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained
- •Adequate spacing between serving pairs
- •Regular collection of dropped shuttlecocks
- •Controlled serving directions away from others
- •Emergency stop signal established
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique safely
- •Ensure equipment handled responsibly
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required