1. Introduce hitting with the backhand
2. Attempt to self-feed backhand shots
3. Identify the differences between forehand and backhand shots

Skill Development: Introduction of backhand shots

1. I can attempt a backhand shot
2. I can use a backhand serve to start a game
3. I can sometimes use a backhand shot in a game

Recognise when to use specific shots within games

L Discuss with a partner the differences between forehand and backhand shots. Which do you feel is harder/easier?

N Keep score of a singles game.

• Put children in groups of approximately 5. Set up as many courts as needed so that children can play against each other over a net or bench 5 v 5.
• Play the game with a soft tennis ball pupils should use their hands to hit the ball in a rally style, back and forth.
• The ball can bounce as many times as needed before being returned but can not roll – the teacher must decide if restricted bounces are required to make it harder where appropriate. e.g. the ball can only bounce twice before it must be returned
• Children should communicate to determine who is going for a ball to increase the chances of keeping the ball going.

Repeat the one-minute rally challenge from lesson 1, in the same pairs where possible. Can the couples improve on last week’s score?

Hoop flip – Play in pairs

• The aim of the game is for children to hit the shuttlecock into the hoop set in the middle of the pair and then move to hoop towards their opposition partner
• If Player 1 gets the shuttle into the hoop, the hoop is turned over towards Player 2, who is then given the shuttle
• Player 2 then attempts to hit the shuttle into the hoop. If they get it in, turn the hoop back towards Player 1; however, if they miss, the hoop stays where it is.
• The shuttle is given back to Player 1 for their next turn
• Player 1 and Player 2 are battling it out to move the hoop towards their opponent, one turn at a time
• Swap partners so children can play against different opposition.

Conditioned Game – Set children to play in pairs over a net. When a player scores a point, ALWAYS restart the game using a backhand serve.

Players concede a point when;

1. They miss the shuttle, i.e. not hit, so lands on the floor
2. They hit the shuttle more than once before going over the net
3. They are unable to hit the shuttle over the net
4. They hit the shuttle out of the playing area

Extension: Children must use a backhand shot to start the game, and it must travel diagonally over the net, replicating how to serve in a full badminton game.

to hit a backhand shot with control and accuracy.

Backhand serve

• Use a backhand grip with the thumb behind the handle (see teaching resource)
• Stand with one foot forward and weight on the front foot or with feet shoulder width apart
• Hold the head of the racquet about waist height and the shuttle in front of it
• Pinch the shuttlecock at the edge of the feathers with the other three fingers extended away
• Take the racquet back and push the shuttle gently over the net

1. What is different between a forehand shot and a backhand?
2. Did you find one easier than the other?
3. Why do use a backhand shot and not swap the racquet to the other hand?