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Lesson 3 - Overhead and Underarm Clears

Fundamentals & Tactics

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Year 9

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can you use different types of clear shots to control the game and force your opponent into defensive positions?

Learning Objectives

To perform and replicate overhead and underarm clear with control and accuracy
To develop the skill of outwitting an opponent using a combination of shots
To accurately replicate basic shots in a small sided game implementing basic strategies and tactics

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled overhead and underarm clear techniques
Students will apply tactical understanding of when to use different clear shots
Students will understand court markings and basic scoring systems

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4 courts minimum

Arrange in equipment bags at court corners for easy access

Alternative: Tennis racquets for students with grip difficulties

Balls

2 per pair (30 total), feather and plastic mix

Keep spares readily available, check flight quality before use

Alternative: Foam shuttlecocks for beginners or safety concerns

Hoops

8-12 for target practice

Place at back corners and service areas for accuracy practice

Alternative: Cones or floor markers for target areas

Score Sheets

10 copies of 'defensive clears checklist'

Laminated cards with clear criteria for peer assessment

Alternative: Simple observation sheets or verbal feedback prompts

Tablets

1-2 for video analysis

Ensure sufficient battery and storage space for recording

Alternative: Smartphone with slow-motion video capability

Key Vocabulary

Overhead Clear

A high shot played from above head height that travels to the back of the opponent's court

Underarm Clear

A defensive shot played from below head height, lifting the shuttle high to the back court

V Grip

The correct way to hold a badminton racquet, with thumb and forefinger forming a V shape

Service Line

The line that marks the front boundary of the service court

Singles Side-line

The inner side boundary for singles play

Back Line

The rear boundary of the court for both singles and doubles

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racquet grip (V grip)
Underarm serving technique
Simple rally skills
Basic court positioning

Current Skills

Overhead clear technique and timing
Underarm clear from defensive positions
Shot selection based on shuttle height
Tactical use of clears to move opponents

Next Steps

Drop shots and net play
Smash technique development
Advanced tactical combinations
Doubles positioning and tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with shuttle above head for overhead clears

Smooth weight transfer from back to front foot

High trajectory on clears to reach back of court

Quick recovery to centre court position

Key Teaching Points

Shuttle height determines shot selection - above head for overhead, below for underarm
Positioning under the shuttle is crucial for successful overhead clears
Weight transfer from back to front foot powers both clear shot types
High trajectory on clears pushes opponents to back court and creates tactical advantage
Wrist snap at contact provides power and accuracy in overhead shots
Non-racquet hand guides positioning and balance for overhead technique
Rally sequences combine shots to outmanoeuvre opponents tactically

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Power is more important than technique' - Correction: Controlled technique creates consistent power and accuracy
Misconception: 'Overhead shots are always better than underarm' - Correction: Shot choice depends on shuttle height and court position
Misconception: 'The harder you hit, the better the shot' - Correction: Placement and trajectory matter more than pure power
Misconception: 'You can score at any time' - Correction: Only the serving player can score points in badminton
Misconception: 'All clears should go to the same place' - Correction: Tactical placement to different court areas creates better opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement opportunities, immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Larger, slower shuttlecocks, simplified technique focus, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual activity schedule, quiet zones available, predictable lesson format

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for court positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, vibrating timer for activity changes

physical disability

Seated badminton version, modified court size, lightweight racquets, larger shuttlecocks

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Physics of shuttle flight and air resistance, biomechanics of clear shot technique, energy transfer in racquet sports

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, directional movement and navigation

Mathematics

Angles of shot trajectory, court measurements and geometry, scoring systems and statistics

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, fair play and sporting conduct

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing oversight of all practice areas and courts

Observation Focus

Technical development, tactical understanding, safety awareness, and peer interaction quality

Intervention Points

["Step in when technique is consistently incorrect", "Support struggling learners with individual guidance", "Address safety concerns immediately", "Facilitate peer feedback when needed"]

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, provide slow-motion demonstrations for complex skills

Verbal Cues

•'High and deep for those clears!'
•'Watch the shuttle height - that decides your shot!'
•'Position first, then swing!'
•'Snap that wrist on contact!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4 badminton courts (13.4m x 6.1m each) with 2m clear space around

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip sports hall floor free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings are secure and handles not loose
•Ensure shuttlecocks are in good condition
•Verify net height is correct (1.55m at posts, 1.524m at centre)
•Inspect hula hoops for cracks or sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet collisions during overhead shots
•Shuttle strikes to eyes during play
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing rules between courts and players
•Emphasis on controlled technique before power
•Regular reminders about court awareness
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts during games
•Monitor overhead swing areas for safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure proper warm-up and cool-down completion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid response, emergency services if required