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Lesson 6 - Competitive Gameplay and Boundaries

Racquet Control Fundamentals

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Year 3

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Badminton

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use boundaries and tactical shots to win points against different opponents?

Learning Objectives

Play competitive games against opponents of varying abilities whilst adhering to court boundaries
Use forehand shots strategically to score points and serve effectively to start games
Move efficiently around the court to return shuttlecocks from various positions

Key Outcomes

Students will play multiple games demonstrating understanding of boundaries and scoring
Students will execute forehand shots with increasing accuracy and tactical awareness
Students will demonstrate improved court movement and positioning throughout games

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check strings are intact and handles are appropriate size

Alternative: Smaller racquets for struggling students, larger racquets for advanced students

Balls

2 per court (20 total)

Have spare shuttlecocks ready for quick replacement

Alternative: Slower shuttlecocks for beginners, foam shuttlecocks for indoor use

Nets

1 per court (10)

Ensure stable and appropriate height (approximately waist high)

Alternative: Cones with rope, gymnastics benches turned on side

Markers Cones

40 (4 per court)

Place at corners of rectangular playing areas

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries, existing court markings

Scorecards

15 (1 per court)

Pre-prepared with player names and score tracking

Alternative: Whiteboard and marker, mental scoring

Key Vocabulary

Boundaries

The lines that mark the edges of the playing area - shuttlecocks must land inside these lines

Forehand

A shot played with the racquet face forward, typically on the dominant side of the body

Serve

The shot used to start each point, hit underarm from behind the baseline

Umpire

The person who watches the game to make sure rules are followed and decides if shots are in or out

Round-robin

A competition format where every player plays against every other player once

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Students can hold a badminton racquet correctly
Students can hit a shuttlecock using forehand technique
Students understand basic court setup and net height

Current Skills

Playing competitive games with boundary awareness
Strategic use of forehand shots for scoring
Improved court movement and positioning

Next Steps

Introduction to backhand shots
Advanced tactical play and shot placement
Tournament-style competition formats

Milestone Indicators

Consistently plays within court boundaries

Uses forehand shots with tactical intent

Moves confidently around the court

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise sportsmanship and respect throughout competitive play
Focus on tactical shot placement rather than just hitting hard
Use boundary awareness as key learning objective
Ensure all students get equal opportunities against different opponents
Build confidence through positive reinforcement during games
Connect serving technique to game strategy
Develop umpiring skills as part of game understanding

Common Misconceptions

Thinking hitting harder always wins points - correct with tactical placement focus
Confusion about which boundary lines matter - use clear visual demonstrations
Believing winning is most important - emphasise effort and improvement
Serving overarm like tennis - demonstrate correct underarm badminton serve
Not understanding umpire's role - practice decision-making and respect for officials

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game format, clear rotation signals, regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger shuttlecocks, reduced court size, additional technique practice time

autism spectrum

Provide clear game schedule, allow breaks between rotations, use visual supports for rules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks and cones, provide verbal descriptions of court layout

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game starts/stops, ensure umpire uses hand signals

physical disability

Modify court size, allow seated play, adapt serving rules as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following and explaining game rules, using positional language (in/out/corners)

Maths

Scoring games to 5 points, calculating tournament results, measuring court boundaries

Science

Understanding forces when hitting shuttlecock, effects of exercise on body

PSHE

Sportsmanship, dealing with winning and losing, working with different partners

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during games to provide support and monitor progress

Observation Focus

Watch for skill application, sportsmanship, and understanding of rules

Intervention Points

Step in if disputes arise or students become overly competitive

Demonstration Notes

Continue to model excellent technique and positive attitude throughout games

Verbal Cues

•'Great forehand shot!'
•'Remember to aim for the corners!'
•'Excellent sportsmanship!'
•'That's how champions play!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 4m per court, clear corridors between courts for movement

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, appropriate for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings are intact and handles secure
•Ensure nets/benches are stable and appropriate height
•Verify shuttlecocks are in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players on adjacent courts
•Overexertion during competitive games
•Disputes during competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries between courts established
•Regular breaks between games
•Strong emphasis on sportsmanship and respect

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts during games
•Monitor competitive intensity and student wellbeing
•Support umpires in making fair decisions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate support