Panhandle Grip

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to identify the characteristics of the panhandle grip in badminton.
Students will be able to demonstrate the proper panhandle grip with a racket.
Students will be able to perform basic forehand and backhand swings with the panhandle grip.
 

Description Of Activity

Grip Guessing Game: Divide the class into pairs. One student holds the racket behind their back with different grips (forehand, backhand, panhandle). Their partner has to guess the grip by feeling the handle. This activates their touch and gets them thinking about grip variations.

1. Hand Positioning: Start with the basketball in your dominant hand. Your hand should be positioned with your palm facing downwards towards the ground.
Grip with the Back of the Hand: Instead of using your palm and fingers to control the ball, use the back of your hand. Allow the ball to rest on the back of your fingers and hand.
2. Finger Placement: Your fingers should be slightly bent, providing support for the ball as it rests on the back of your hand. Keep your fingers relaxed but firm to maintain control.
3. Dribbling Motion: Begin dribbling the basketball by pushing it downwards with the back of your hand. Use a controlled motion to bounce the ball off the ground.
Practice Coordination: The Panhandle grip requires coordination and control. Practice dribbling with this grip until you can maintain a consistent rhythm and control over the basketball.
4. Experiment with Speed and Height: Once you've mastered the basic Panhandle grip, experiment with varying the speed and height of your dribble. Practice dribbling low to the ground for quick moves or higher for added style.
5. Powerhouse Panhandle: Gather everyone in a circle.  Introduce the panhandle grip as a "powerhouse" grip used for specific badminton strokes.  Show a picture (or hold up a racket) and explain its key features: holding the racket like a hammer (all four fingers on the bevel), and minimal wrist involvement.
6. Grip Glove Creation: Divide the class into pairs.  Hand each pair of masking tape.  Students create a "Grip Glove" on their partner's non-dominant hand, using tape to outline the panhandle grip with all four fingers together on the bevel.
7. Powerhouse Poses:  Hand out rackets.  Instruct students to hold the racket with their dominant hand in the Grip Glove created by their partner.  Ask them to strike different "Powerhouse Poses" while holding the racket with the panhandle grip, emphasizing minimal wrist movement and focusing on core and shoulder engagement.

Target Practice:  
Set up the bucket or laundry basket at one end of the court.  Students stand on the other end, holding tennis balls (easier) or shuttlecocks (more advanced).  Instruct them to use the panhandle grip and perform basic forehand and backhand swings, aiming to hit the target.  Encourage them to call out "Powerhouse Punch!" before each swing.

Grip Challenge: 
Play a quick game of "Grip Relay."  Divide the class into teams lined up.  The first person runs to a cone with a picture of a badminton grip (forehand, backhand, panhandle), performs that grip with their racket, runs back, and tags the next person.  The first team to finish wins.  This reinforces grip recognition.

High Five Power Up!:  
Gather everyone back into a circle.  Ask students to share a time they used a powerful swing in another activity (e.g., hitting a baseball).  End with high fives to celebrate their newfound "Powerhouse Punch!"

Differentiation:
For younger students, use balloons instead of tennis balls or shuttlecocks.
For older students, increase the difficulty by introducing a partner who throws the tennis balls/shuttlecocks for them to hit with forehand and backhand swings using the panhandle grip.

Fun Twists:
Play upbeat music during the "Target Practice" activity.
Award points for hitting the target or keeping the ball/shuttlecock in the air for a certain number of hits.
Let students decorate their Grip Gloves with markers to personalize their learning experience.

Variations

Once you're comfortable with the Panhandle grip, you can add variations to your dribbling routine. Try incorporating crossovers, between-the-legs dribbles, or behind-the-back dribbles using the Panhandle grip for added creativity.
Showmanship: The Panhandle grip is often used to showcase dribbling skills and entertain spectators. Use it sparingly and at the right moments to add excitement to your game.

Equipment/Material Required

Badminton rackets (one per student)
Tennis balls (enough for pairs)
Badminton shuttlecocks (optional, for more advanced students)
Masking tape
Balloons (optional, for a variation)
Large bucket or laundry basket