Backhand shots
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can hit backhand serves, clears, drives, smashes and drop shots with consistency.
Key learning points
- Move: underarm shots have a U-shaped swing with a slightly bent elbow.
- Move: overarm shots have a high elbow and flick movement to meet the shuttle up high in front of the body.
- Think: it is sometimes best to run round the shuttle to enable a forehand shot but that requires fast footwork.
- Feel: confidence is needed to persevere with tougher backhand shots to maximise learning and muscle memory development.
- Connect: striving to help others to improve their performance shows excellent teamwork and cooperation.
Keywords
Smash - hitting the shuttle down to attack with power
Drop shot - hitting the shuttle from the back of the court to go just over the net
Net shot - a touch shot played at the front of the court to return the shuttlecock just over the net
Common misconception
Drop shots and net shots are two terms for the same thing.
Whilst both shots play the shuttle just over the net, a drop shot is hit from the back of the court whereas a net shot is hit from the front of the court close to the net.
Teacher tip
Consider hand feeding for longer with pupils who struggle to master the backhand. It does take longer but is needed to make progress and achieve in badminton.
Equipment
1 badminton racket per pupil, at least a shuttlecock between 2 but ideally more and the additional materials to support with technique.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which component of fitness is most important in performing a smash?
Q2.Which part of the court should we avoid hitting into?
Q3.What racket face orientation helps to loft the shuttle defensively?
Q4.Helping others to improve their performance by feeding carefully shows what?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Where do you hit a drop shot from?
Q2.Where do you hit a net shot from?
Q3.When playing an overhead backhand shot, which body part do you point high?
Q4.Persevering with tougher backhand shots shows resilience and takes time to master whilst you build up ...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Backhand shots, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Backhand shots, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Non-examined assessment: badminton practical unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.