BADMINTON Special Olympics Sports Skills Program

Steps to Teach the Forehand Overhead Clear
3 4
• Set up in a side to the net hitting position between the
baseline and the mid-court position.
• Point nonracket hand toward the oncoming shuttle.
• Push with the back leg forward and upward into the hit.
• Rotate trunk and extend arm leading with the elbow into
the hit.
• Contact shuttle at full body and arm extension.
• Follow through to the opposite side of the body
(Figures 16-21).
Drills
1. Distance Hits
One partner serves a high serve to his or her partner, who
attempts to hit the shuttle, using the forehand overhead stroke,
as far as possible. A minimum height of 3 meters
(10 feet) is suggested.
2. Cooperative Overhead Rally
Partners attempt to initiate and maintain consecutive
overhead rallies.
3. Clear Battle
Partners hit overhead clears as far as possible in an attempt to
force their partner to be unable to clear the shuttle back over
the net. This drill encourages high and deep hits to help
develop strength and timing relative to overhead clears.
4. Rope Drill
Stretch a rope across the court at a height of 3 meters (10 feet)
midway between the service line and the baseline (use two
additional standards if necessary). This gives the players a
visual for how high and deep the serve and clears should be
during play.
Suggestions for the Te a c h e r / C o a c h
All overhead stroking patterns should depict a sound
overhead throwing motion. If athletes have difficulty
throwing an object using a mature overhead throwing
pattern, consider allocating some time in practice to play
catch with the shuttles to practice good throwing
mechanics.
Cue Words
• Side and point
• Push (back leg) and extend (racket arm)
• Follow through
Figure 16
Figure 18
Figure 20
Figure 17
Figure 19
Figure 21