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Lesson 2 - Backhand Serve & Court Sense

Fundamentals & Tactics

•

Year 9

•

Badminton

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50 min

Big Question

How can mastering the backhand service give you a tactical advantage in badminton?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate correct grip techniques (thumb and V grip) and ready position
To perform a consistent backhand service within the rules and target areas
To understand court areas and move efficiently between them during gameplay

Key Outcomes

Students will execute backhand serves with correct technique in game situations
Students will identify and use appropriate grips for different shots
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness through service placement

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 courts

Check string tension and grip condition before lesson

Alternative: Various grip sizes available for different hand sizes

Balls

7 per student (200 total)

Store in containers around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Mix of feather and synthetic shuttles for different abilities

Hoops

8-12 hoops

Place in service boxes as target areas

Alternative: Cones, lines marked with tape, or chalk marks

Tablets

1.5 devices

Set up with video delay app for technique analysis

Alternative: Video camera, smartphone with delay app

Key Vocabulary

Thumb Grip

A grip where the thumb is placed flat against the back of the racquet handle, used for backhand shots

V Grip

The basic forehand grip where the V formed by thumb and forefinger points down the handle

Backhand Service

A low serve performed using backhand technique, typically used in doubles play

Service Line

The line that marks the minimum distance a serve must travel

Ready Position

The athletic stance used when preparing to receive or play a shot

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racquet handling and shuttle control
Understanding of badminton court layout
Basic forehand shots and movement

Current Skills

Backhand service technique and accuracy
Grip variations for different shots
Tactical service placement

Next Steps

Advanced service variations (high serve, flick serve)
Return of service techniques
Complex tactical gameplay

Milestone Indicators

Consistent service over net with correct technique

Appropriate grip selection without prompting

Tactical thinking in service placement

Key Teaching Points

Thumb grip placement is crucial - flat against back of handle like holding a frying pan
Service must contact shuttle below waist level to be legal
Side-on stance improves accuracy and power generation
Smooth acceleration through contact is more effective than sudden force
Tactical service placement can create immediate advantage
Consistent technique under pressure requires regular practice
Court awareness and movement efficiency develop through repetition

Common Misconceptions

Thinking power is more important than accuracy in serving - correction: emphasise placement and consistency first
Believing backhand serve is only for defensive play - correction: show tactical offensive applications
Assuming thumb grip is weaker than V grip - correction: demonstrate power potential with correct technique
Thinking service rules are the same as tennis - correction: clearly explain badminton-specific rules
Believing court lines are just boundaries - correction: teach tactical use of different service areas

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short practice bursts with movement breaks, clear activity boundaries, immediate feedback on technique

dyspraxia

Simplified grip instruction with physical guidance, larger shuttles for easier tracking, extended practice time

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual task cards, quiet practice area available, predictable partner rotations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured shuttles, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for court navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards, clear hand signals for communication

physical disability

Adapted grip techniques for different hand abilities, modified serving positions, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring calculations, angle analysis for service placement, statistical tracking of success rates

Science

Physics of shuttle flight, forces acting on shuttlecock, biomechanics of serving action

Geography

Spatial awareness, court dimensions and proportions, directional movement concepts

PSHE

Resilience when techniques don't work immediately, teamwork during partner activities, respect for others during competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all courts, rotate between groups during practice

Observation Focus

Thumb grip accuracy, service technique consistency, tactical decision-making

Intervention Points

Incorrect grip usage, unsafe serving technique, poor sportsmanship during games

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion technique breakdowns, exaggerate key positions for visibility, compare correct and incorrect examples

Verbal Cues

•'Thumb flat against the back!'
•'Side on like checking your watch!'
•'Smooth motion, not power!'
•'Eyes on your target area!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple badminton courts (minimum 4) with adequate space between courts for movement

Surface Check

Non-slip indoor surface, clean and dry, free from obstacles or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings for breaks or loose areas
•Ensure racquet grips are secure and not slippery
•Verify net height and tension are correct
•Check shuttles for damaged feathers that could cause injury

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet contact with other students during practice swings
•Slips and falls during rapid movement
•Eye injury from shuttle contact
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain 2-metre spacing during individual practice
•Clear pathways for shuttle collection
•Emphasise controlled movements over power
•Regular hydration breaks during intense activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts simultaneously
•Monitor technical practice for safe technique
•Watch competitive activities for appropriate intensity

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required