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Lesson 2 - Forehand and Backhand Serves

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 7

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Badminton

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1h 12min

Big Question

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

Badminton Rackets

3.5 nets if available

Check racket condition, ensure appropriate weight for age group

Alternative: Tennis rackets for grip practice if insufficient badminton rackets

Balls

2 per pair (30 total)

Mix of plastic and feather shuttles, check for damage

Alternative: Foam balls or balloons for initial grip and serving practice

Cones

40 (8 per group for warm-up, remainder for court marking)

Different colours for different compass directions if available

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Hoops

15 hoops or marked areas

Minimum 1m diameter for target areas

Alternative: Rope circles, chalk squares, or cone squares

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, typically with right foot forward for right-handed players

Shuttle grip

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

Service stance

The body position adopted when preparing to serve, different for forehand and backhand

Gentle push action

The smooth, controlled movement used in serving rather than a hard hitting action

Service accuracy

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

Consistent contact with shuttlecock on serve attempts

Shuttle travels in intended direction with appropriate trajectory

Can switch between forehand and backhand serves smoothly

Demonstrates understanding through peer coaching

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