Kendra Holtcamp

Tactic: Badminton- Pushing The

Opponent Back Using the
Forehand/Backhand Overhead
Clear

In Badminton, pushing the opponent towards the back of the court

using the forehand/backhand overhead clear is a great tactic in terms
of controlling the game. This allows the attacker to gain time to
position themselves as the opponent is going towards their backcourt
to return the shuttlecock. In order for the hit to be considered an
overhead clear, the attacker must be in their rear court and hit the
shuttlecock into their opponents rear court. Having the correct grip,
approach, direction that the body is facing, and the actual contact of
the racket and the shuttlecock allows for the execution of the overhead
clear. This tactic may be transferred into other net/wall sports including
tennis, pickle ball, and in many ways even squash or racquetball.

Who: The person pushing the opponent back is the one who has
control of the shuttle on their side of the net. Essentially the person on
offense will be the one pushing their opponent back. The opponent is
usually going to be relatively close to the net or the center of their side
of the court. This tactic isnt performed when the opponent is already
at the back of the court.

What: The shuttlecock that will be sent over the net and is used to
force the opponent to back away from the net in order to keep it in
play.

When: This will take place in a game/game like scenario/practice when

the person on offense at the time sees that their opponent is close up
to the net and has open space behind them. This is done quickly as
the goal is to surprise the opponent by pushing the shuttlecock
towards the back of the court.

Why: To catch the opponent in an uncomfortable or awkward position

and not be able to return the shuttlecock as effectively as if they were
to hit it in a ready stance facing forward.

How: In order to effectively complete the overhead clear, there are 5

basic skills in each kind of hit (forehand and backhand) that the
student should be able to perform. While using the forehand
overhead clear the student must: 1) Be perpendicular to the net with
non-racket foot in front. 2) Have weight on the back foot and both arms
 up for balance. 3) Start backswing and cock wrist while aiming for
contact. 4) Push body forward using back foot. 5) Contact shuttlecock
with racket at the height of a reaching arm and swing through. During
the backhand overhead clear the student should: 1) Maintain a
handshake grip. 2) Approach shuttlecock with dominant foot. 3) Point
elbow towards shuttlecock. 4) Pivot upper body and extend wrist. 5)

Badminton: Pushing
Opponent Back Using the
Overhead Clear
Snap wrist at highest point of contact.

Equipment Needed: *1 Badminton Racket and

shuttlecock for every student *Badminton court with net
*3 poly spots for every 2 students
Questions to ask:
1.) When would we use a
forehand/backhand overhead clear?
2.) Why is pushing the opponent back an
effective method?
3.) How would we perform an effective
forehand/backhand clear?

Introduction Introduce the concept of the forehand and

backhand overhead clear in badminton and ask
8:00-8:01 critical thinking questions to start the lesson.

Practicing Forehand Students will partner up and practice the correct

Clears technique to complete the forehand overhead
8:01-8:04 clear. Partners will stand on the opposite sides of
the net at mid court and gradually step further
back, as they are comfortable, until they are in the
backcourt.

Practicing Backhand Students will switch partners and practice the

Clears backhand overhead clear this time. Partners will
8:04-8:07 start at mid court on opposite sides and gradually
step further back, as they are comfortable, until
they are in the backcourt.
 Hitting To the Poly Students will aim at each of the three different
Spots poly spots and try to hit or come as close to them
8:07-8:09 as possible in order to determine accuracy and
allow the students to see the court and aim
towards a position that they want to push their
opponent.

Conclusion Reflect on the lesson and ask for important teaching

8:09-8:10 points that were learned as well as critical thinking
questions.

Forehand Overhead Clear

Backhand Overhead Clear

Students will practice the forehand and backhand

overhead clear with one another while gradually
Ba
moving further away from each other. The poly spots
d
will be used as targets during the last practice activity.
mi
Shuttlecock
nt
on
N
et
Remember the important teaching points and = Poly Spots for
cues while assessing this tactic!! Last Practice
 Sources

eHowSports. (2010). Badminton: How to Hit a Backhand Overhead

Clear Shot in Badminton. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SbxIqMzYv0

Image. (N.D.) Forehand Overhead Clear. Saint. Rochs PE Higher Still.

Retrieved from http://pehigherstill.blogspot.com/2007/03/area-3-skills-
and-techniques-badminton.html

Mood, D. (2012). Badminton. Sports and Recreational Activities, 74-78.

Teach PE. (2016). Forehand Overhead Clear. teachpe.com Retrieved

from http://www.teachpe.com/badminton/shots/forehand_clear.php

Wordpress.com. (N.D.) Clear Backhand Drop Forehand Smash.

Gopixpic.com Retrieved from
http://www.bcaalburg.nl/images/backhand.jpg