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Lesson 2 - Backhand and High Serve Development

Shot Development & Tactics

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Year 8

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can mastering different serving techniques give you a tactical advantage in badminton?

Learning Objectives

All students can describe the key techniques for backhand and high serves with correct terminology
Most students can demonstrate both serving techniques with increasing accuracy and consistency
Some students can adapt their grip seamlessly during rallies and link serves with subsequent shots

Key Outcomes

Students will execute backhand serves with improved technique and accuracy
Students will demonstrate high serves that consistently reach the back court
Students will apply serving skills tactically in competitive game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

6 courts (12 posts, 6 nets)

Check string tension and grip size suitability

Alternative: Shorter junior rackets for struggling students

Balls

2 per pair (30 total)

Test flight speed - should drop 1 metre from 1.5m height

Alternative: Foam shuttles for beginners, feather for advanced

Coloured Cones

20 cones

Bright colours for visibility, placed in corners and service areas

Alternative: Hula hoops, chalk marks, or paper targets

Score Sheets

1 per pair (15 sheets)

Include simple technique checkpoints and scoring areas

Alternative: Laminated peer assessment cards

Video Device

6 devices (1 per court)

Ensure battery charged and storage space available

Alternative: Smartphones or basic video cameras

Key Vocabulary

Backhand serve

A serve executed with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot

High serve

A serve hit high and deep to the back of the opponent's court

Overhead clear

A shot played from above the head to send the shuttle high and deep

Grip change

Rotating the racket handle to switch between forehand and backhand grips

Service area

The designated court area where serves must land to be legal

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic forehand grip and stance
Simple underarm serving action
Understanding of court dimensions and service areas

Current Skills

Backhand grip and serving technique
High serve execution and placement
Grip changes during continuous play

Next Steps

Advanced serving variations (flick, drive serves)
Tactical serving to exploit opponent weaknesses
Combination shots following different serves

Milestone Indicators

Consistent grip changes without looking at racket

7 out of 10 serves landing in target areas

Smooth transition from serve to next shot

Key Teaching Points

Grip change is fundamental - thumb position determines accuracy and power
Contact point consistency creates serving reliability - drop and timing are crucial
High serves should peak above opponent's reach and descend steeply
Tactical serving means thinking about what advantage each serve type provides
Competitive pressure reveals true skill level - practice under game conditions
Link serves with next shots to develop tactical understanding
Assessment should focus on improvement rather than comparison with others

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Harder serves are always better' - Correction: Accuracy and placement are more important than power
Misconception: 'Backhand serves are weaker' - Correction: Backhand serves offer better control and accuracy
Misconception: 'You need different rackets for different serves' - Correction: Grip change and technique matter, not equipment
Misconception: 'High serves waste energy' - Correction: High serves are tactical weapons that create time and space
Misconception: 'Games are just for fun, not learning' - Correction: Competitive pressure tests and consolidates skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments with clear transitions, provide movement breaks, use immediate positive feedback for focus maintenance

dyspraxia

Use larger, slower shuttlecocks initially, break down serving action into smaller components, provide additional practice time for coordination development

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedules of lesson progression, establish quiet zones for breaks, use consistent routines and familiar equipment

visual impairment

Use bright yellow shuttlecocks for better visibility, provide verbal descriptions of court areas and targets, pair with sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide written instruction cards, use hand signals for communication during games

physical disability

Adapt serving technique for seated position, use lighter rackets or shorter handles, modify target distances and sizes as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Using technical vocabulary accurately, giving clear instructions and feedback, developing presentation skills through peer coaching

Maths

Calculating serving accuracy percentages, measuring court distances and angles, statistical analysis of game scores

Science

Understanding projectile motion and trajectory in high serves, forces and angles in racket swing mechanics, physics of shuttlecock flight

PSHE

Developing resilience through practice and competition, building confidence through skill mastery, demonstrating respect and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between courts to observe technique and provide individual feedback, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip changes, serving accuracy improvement, tactical decision-making in games, and safe spatial awareness

Intervention Points

Step in when technique becomes unsafe, when students need individual support, or when competitive intensity needs managing

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique clarity, demonstrate both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Thumb behind the handle for backhand!'
•'High like a rainbow!'
•'Soft grip, quick wrist!'
•'Think tactically - where's your opponent?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Sports hall minimum 20m x 30m with 6 badminton court setup

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket strings for fraying or breaks
•Ensure shuttlecocks are not damaged or split
•Verify net heights and tensions are correct
•Confirm all targets and markers are securely placed

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions during serving practice
•Slips from shuttlecock debris on floor
•Eye injury from shuttlecock impact
•Muscle strain from serving action

Risk Mitigation

•Clear serving directions established with adequate spacing
•Regular collection of shuttlecocks to prevent slipping
•Emphasise controlled serving practice over power
•Proper warm-up including wrist and shoulder preparation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts during game play
•Monitor serving areas for proper technique and spacing
•Watch for signs of fatigue or poor technique leading to injury

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if required