Lesson 3 - Overhead and Underarm Clears
Fundamentals & Tactics
•Year 9
•Badminton
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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
Arrange in equipment bags at court corners for easy access
Alternative: Tennis racquets for students with grip difficulties
Keep spares readily available, check flight quality before use
Alternative: Foam shuttlecocks for beginners or safety concerns
Place at back corners and service areas for accuracy practice
Alternative: Cones or floor markers for target areas
Laminated cards with clear criteria for peer assessment
Alternative: Simple observation sheets or verbal feedback prompts
Ensure sufficient battery and storage space for recording
Alternative: Smartphone with slow-motion video capability
Key Vocabulary
A high shot played from above head height that travels to the back of the opponent's court
A defensive shot played from below head height, lifting the shuttle high to the back court
The correct way to hold a badminton racquet, with thumb and forefinger forming a V shape
The line that marks the front boundary of the service court
The inner side boundary for singles play
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
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