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Lesson 2 - Forehand and Backhand Serving

Technical to Tactical Progression

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Year 6

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Badminton

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Big Question

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

Badminton Rackets

4-6 depending on space

Check all rackets for damage, ensure appropriate grip size for students

Alternative: Tennis rackets can be used if badminton rackets unavailable

Balls

40-50 (plastic preferred for beginners)

Have extras available as shuttlecocks get damaged easily

Alternative: Foam shuttles for indoor use, tennis balls for initial practice

Hoops

15 (1 per pair)

Place hoops at varying distances for differentiated challenges

Alternative: Cones arranged in circles, marked targets on floor

Cones

30 for boundaries and targets

Use bright colours for clear visibility, ensure stable placement

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Forehand serve

A serve performed with the racket face forward, typically with left foot forward for right-handed players

Backhand serve

A serve performed with the back of the racket hand facing forward, chest parallel to net

Service court

The specific area where the serve must land to be legal in badminton

Shuttlecock grip

Holding the shuttlecock by the feather tips between thumb and index finger

Follow-through

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

Consistent contact with shuttlecock on serve

Appropriate follow-through and body positioning

Ability to place serves in intended areas

Understanding of tactical serve selection

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