Lesson 2 - Forehand and Backhand Serves
Foundation Skills & Tactics
•Year 7
•Badminton
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How can mastering different serving techniques give you a tactical advantage in badminton?
Learning Objectives
- Develop accurate forehand and backhand serving technique with proper grip and stance
- Understand the tactical benefits and appropriate use of different serving styles
- Demonstrate reflective skills by recognising and celebrating success in self and others
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform both forehand and backhand serves with improved accuracy and technique
- Students will explain when and why to use different serves tactically
- Students will provide constructive feedback to peers and reflect on their own progress
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket condition, ensure appropriate weight for age group
Alternative: Tennis rackets for grip practice if insufficient badminton rackets
Mix of plastic and feather shuttles, check for damage
Alternative: Foam balls or balloons for initial grip and serving practice
Different colours for different compass directions if available
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines
Minimum 1m diameter for target areas
Alternative: Rope circles, chalk squares, or cone squares
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, typically with right foot forward for right-handed players
Holding the shuttlecock by the feather tips between thumb and index finger
The body position adopted when preparing to serve, different for forehand and backhand
The smooth, controlled movement used in serving rather than a hard hitting action
The ability to place the serve consistently in the intended target area
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket grip from previous lesson
- Understanding of court areas and basic rules
- Experience with movement patterns and agility work
Current Skills
- Correct grip technique for serving
- Forehand and backhand serving technique
- Understanding of serving tactics and placement
Next Steps
- Serving under pressure in competitive situations
- Advanced serving variations (high, low, flick serves)
- Integrating serves into full game play
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Handshake grip with three-finger control system is fundamental to all badminton success
- Gentle push action prevents poor technique habits and reduces injury risk
- Stance differences between serves create different tactical advantages in games
- Shuttlecock handling requires delicate touch - feather tip grip only
- Partner cooperation and encouragement accelerates individual skill development
- Self-assessment skills develop metacognition and personal responsibility
- Progressive challenges maintain engagement while building confidence
Common Misconceptions
- Students often grip racket like tennis - emphasise different sports need different grips
- Many try to hit serves hard like tennis - stress badminton requires gentle touch
- Confusion about which foot forward for each serve - use memorable phrases like 'right foot for upright stance'
- Thinking serving is just about getting shuttle over net - explain accuracy and placement importance
- Believing stronger players don't need coaching - emphasise everyone benefits from peer support
- Assuming backhand serve is inferior - explain both serves have specific tactical uses
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear visual boundaries, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks between static activities
dyspraxia
- Larger shuttlecocks or balloons for practice, slower demonstrations, additional practice time, simplified movement patterns
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, consistent routines, quiet zones available, predictable partner arrangements
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured shuttlecocks, verbal cues for all demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for court boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication, visual cues for activity changes
physical disability
- Seated serving positions where appropriate, modified grip techniques, adapted distances, use of larger/lighter equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, communication skills in peer coaching
Maths
Measuring serving distances, calculating success percentages, angle analysis for serve trajectories
Science
Forces and motion in serving action, trajectory physics, hand-eye coordination in motor control
Geography
Compass directions in warm-up activity, spatial awareness and positioning concepts
PSHE
Building resilience through practice, developing empathy through peer support and coaching
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter for clear view of all students, position near struggling groups for immediate support
Observation Focus
Grip technique - watch for handshake position and finger placement; Serving action - look for gentle push rather than hard strike; Stance accuracy - check foot positioning and body angle; Safety awareness - monitor spacing and equipment handling
Intervention Points
["Step in immediately if students gripping racket incorrectly", "Correct serving action if students hitting too hard", "Adjust positioning if safety spacing is compromised", "Provide individual support for students struggling with coordination"]
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate grip with exaggerated finger positioning for visibility Show serving action in slow motion to emphasise gentle contact Use contrasting examples of correct vs incorrect technique Position demonstrators where all students can see clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Handshake grip!' for grip correction
- •'Gentle push, not hit!' for serving action
- •'Right foot forward for backhand!' for stance reminder
- •'Feather tip only!' for shuttlecock holding
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m sports hall or outdoor area with clear overhead space for serves
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from water, debris or obstacles that could cause falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket condition - no loose strings or damaged frames
- •Inspect shuttlecocks for damaged feathers that could cause unpredictable flight
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify nets are properly tensioned and securely fastened
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Racket contact with other students during practice
- •Slips and falls on smooth surfaces
- •Shuttlecock strikes to face or eyes
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries and spacing requirements (minimum 3m between pairs)
- •Teach proper racket handling and awareness of others
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic practice
- •Emphasise gentle serving action to reduce impact force
- •Clear 'stop' signals and procedures
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all groups during activities
- •Monitor spacing between students during movement
- •Watch for proper technique to prevent injury
- •Check equipment condition throughout lesson
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required