TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to return a birdie to a partner using an overhead backhand shot.
IMPORTANCE
Returning a birdie to a partner using an overhead backhand shot is important because a good return can force the server into a defensive shot and give the receiver a better chance of winning the point. However, be careful not to put maximum force into each return. Aiming at the lines and exerting heavy force increases the likelihood of missing the birdie.
VOCABULARY
Defensive shot: a shot to get the birdie back to the opponent without trying to attack a specific location.
When returning a birdie to a partner using an overhead backhand shot, it is important to:
1. Start in the ready position (feet shoulder width apart, knees bent, racket and non-racket hand out in front of you).
2. Step with your racket foot and bring the racket to your non-racket shoulder (keep your elbow up).
3. Push the birdie out in front of your body.
PRACTICE
- I will divide the class into teams of two. Ro Sham Bo to decide who will start with the birdie first. One teammate will line up on the baseline and the other on the midline. When I say, “GO!” the first teammate will strike the birdie with the racket towards his/her teammate. Continue to hit the birdie back and forth, using an overhead backhand shot.
- Repeat as many times as needed.
VOLLEY STATIONS V
TIME
15-25 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
4-30 students per game
EQUIPMENT
1 racket per student
1 birdie per 2 students
6 hula-hoops
10 dots
10 short cones
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Volley Stations V. Your goal is to return a birdie to your partner using an overhead backhand shot.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide the class into pairs. I will decide which station you will start in.
- In the first station, you will spread out and practice returning the birdie using an overhead backhand shot.
- In the second station, you will practice hitting the birdie back and forth, while staying inside the hula-hoop.
- In the third station, you will practice hitting the birdie back and forth, while keeping two feet on a dot.
- After a couple of minutes, you will rotate stations to have a chance to practice at each one.
Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Exit Ticket: Students return a birdie to the teacher using an overhead backhand shot before putting their equipment away.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- Remind students, this is not a competition – everyone should focus on their own progress.
- Remind students, if they feel they need an increase or decrease in difficulty that the teacher may place them in a different station.
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- Why is it important to not use maximum force when returning the birdie?
- Why is it important to ask for help if you are struggling to return the birdie?
MAZE RUNNERS IV
TIME
10-20 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
2-25 students per game
EQUIPMENT
1 racket per student
1 birdie per student
6 hula-hoops
8 tall cones
10 dots
1 net
2 short cones
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Maze Runners IV. In this game, you are adventuring through a maze. Your goal is to return a birdie to a partner using an overhead backhand shot to unlock the maze.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Before the game begins, stand in a single file line behind the marker cone.
- When I say, "GO!" the first maze runner will go through the maze, while carrying the key.
- You will have to go over the tall cones, hopscotch on the dots and jump with both feet into each hula-hoop. Then, you will have to unlock the maze by tossing your key into the last cone.
- After you toss your key, the teacher will toss you a birdie over the net and you must return it using an overhead backhand shot.
- When you have made it to the hula-hoops, the next student in line can go.
- When you are finished, retrieve your key and go to the back of the line.
- If your key falls off your racket at any point, put it back on.
- We will begin a new game once everyone has made it through the maze.
Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Game 2: Students must hold hands while going through the maze. During hopscotch, students can separate, but the key must be held by someone at all times.
Game 3: Try going backwards through the maze.
Game 4: Students have to do 10 dizzy bats (students spin around with their forehead on the handle and racket head grounded) when they get to the net.
Game 5: If the key falls to the ground at any point, start over.
Exit Ticket: Students return a birdie to the teacher using an overhead backhand shot before putting their equipment away.
TEACHING TIPS
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- Why is it important to not use maximum force when returning the birdie?
- Why is it important to ask for help if you are struggling to return the birdie?
SIDE SHUFFLE
TIME
15-25 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
6 students per game
EQUIPMENT
1 racket per student
1 birdie per 6 students
10 short cones
1 net
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Side Shuffle. Your goal is to return a birdie to a partner using an overhead backhand shot over the net.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide the class into teams of three and will assign you to a court – one court will have a net and the rest will have cones.
- Ro Sham Bo to decide which team will serve first.
- Before the game begins, the opposing team must line up on the sidelines.
- When I say, "GO!" the serving team will serve the birdie and the opposing team will run in from the sidelines and try to strike the birdie back.
- Continue to play until the birdie lands on the ground or is hit out-of-bounds.
- Switch roles after each serve.
Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Exit Ticket: Students return a birdie to the teacher using an overhead backhand shot before putting their equipment away.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- After a couple of minutes, have teams rotate courts – every student will get to play on the net.
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
- Reflection:
- Why is it important to not use maximum force when returning the birdie?
- Why is it important to ask for help if you are struggling to return the birdie?