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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can serve with consistency and into different areas.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: backhand serving technique requires a good balanced stance with the racket foot forward and a wrist flick.
      2. Move: serving short needs to be low over the net to avoid interception.
      3. Think: using the same technique for every serve helps with accuracy, consistency and deception.
      4. Feel: setting goals helps focus efforts and demonstrates self-motivation.
      5. Connect: supporting others to achieve their goals requires encouragement and feedback.

      Keywords

      • Foot fault - stepping over the service line when serving

      • Ace - a great serve that your opponent can't get their racket to

      • Tramline - the areas at the side and back of the court that are used for doubles

      Common misconception

      Pupils serve towards the middle of the court which is easy to return.

      Aiming their serve to force a defensive shot from their opponent is a much stronger way to start the point.

      Teacher tip

      Highlight the impact of left handed players. For example, their backhand is on the right hand side of the court so pupils may need to change where they serve and hit it to so they put them under pressure.

      Equipment

      1 badminton racket per pupil; at least 1 shuttlecock each; posts, nets, floor markers and hoops

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Leaving shots when they are going out is an easy way to do what?

      get long rallies
      Correct answer: win points
      lose points

      Q2.
      What can you do to reduce the time your opponent has to recover from the previous shot?

      Correct answer: return it quickly
      hit at them
      hit a drop

      Q3.
      Running through after hitting the shuttle and being out of position for the next shot can be prevented by doing what?

      using small steps
      Correct answer: lunging
      split steps

      Q4.
      What is it called when you have a plan of action to help achieve an overall aim like winning the point?

      technique
      playing fair
      Correct answer: a strategy

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      In which direction do you serve in a full game of badminton?

      straight
      Correct answer: diagonal
      you choose

      Q2.
      What type of serve is typically easiest to replicate successfully?

      Correct answer: backhand short
      backhand long
      forehand

      Q3.
      What is the problem with serving to the middle area of the court?

      a defensive return
      Correct answer: an attacking return
      serving an ace

      Q4.
      Setting personalised goals will not help with which of the following?

      seeing progress
      Correct answer: winning all games
      motivating your efforts

      To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Target practice serving challenges, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...