Lesson 2 - Hitting with Accuracy and Control
Racquet Control Fundamentals
•Year 3
•Badminton
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we control where the shuttlecock goes by changing the way we hit it?
Learning Objectives
- Recognise that different types of hits are needed for different areas of the court
- Hit shuttlecocks accurately to targets at varying distances
- Use appropriate power and technique for long high hits and short low hits
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved accuracy when hitting to targets
- Students will select appropriate shots based on distance to target
- Students will maintain rallies using varied hitting techniques
Equipment & Resources Required
Check strings are intact, appropriate weight for age group
Alternative: Tennis racquets, table tennis bats for lighter shuttlecocks
Use plastic shuttles for durability, feather for advanced groups
Alternative: Foam shuttles, balloon shuttles for beginners
Various sizes for different difficulty levels
Alternative: Cones, chalk circles, rope circles
Bright colours for visibility
Alternative: Spots, chalk marks
Pre-filled with hole numbers and par scores
Alternative: Clipboards with paper, laminated sheets
Height appropriate for Year 3 students
Alternative: Rope between cones, PE equipment
Key Vocabulary
Hitting the shuttlecock back and forth between players without it touching the ground
Hitting the shuttlecock precisely where you want it to go
The force used to hit the shuttlecock - can be soft or hard
The number of shots it should take to complete a hole in shuttle golf
Dropping the shuttlecock yourself to hit it, rather than someone else serving
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Can hold a racquet correctly
- Can hit a shuttlecock using self-feed method
- Understands basic safety around racquet sports
Current Skills
- Shot selection based on distance
- Accuracy in hitting to targets
- Power variation for different distances
- Rally participation
Next Steps
- Advanced shot placement
- Competitive game strategies
- Serving techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Follow-through direction determines where shuttlecock travels
- Power needs to match distance to target
- Self-feed technique provides consistency for accuracy practice
- Cooperation in rallies helps both partners improve
- Shot selection is more important than maximum power
- Gentle touches work better for close targets
- Communication helps partners succeed in rally activities
Common Misconceptions
- Always hitting with maximum power regardless of target distance
- Believing accuracy comes only from arm movement rather than whole body technique
- Thinking rallies are about winning rather than cooperation
- Assuming follow-through doesn't matter for direction
- Expecting immediate success without practice and patience
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity rotations, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
- Larger, slower shuttlecocks, extended practice time, simplified scoring systems, additional demonstrations
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent equipment placement
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured shuttlecocks and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of target locations, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instructions on cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly
physical disability
- Modified grip aids for racquets, larger targets or closer distances, seated playing options where appropriate
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Using subject-specific vocabulary (rally, par, accuracy), following instructions, explaining techniques
Science
Understanding forces and motion, cause and effect relationships between racquet position and shuttle direction
Mathematics
Scoring in shuttle golf, calculating over/under par, counting shots and rally hits
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, fair play and honesty in scoring, resilience when activities are challenging
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously between groups, position to see all students during activities
Observation Focus
Watch for appropriate power selection, safety compliance, and skill progression
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggle with shot selection, safety issues arise, or to provide individual guidance
Demonstration Notes
Use large, clear movements for whole-class demonstrations, provide individual demonstrations when needed
Verbal Cues
- •'Gentle touch for close targets!'
- •'Follow through where you want it to go!'
- •'Help your partner succeed!'
- •'Think before you hit!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Sports hall or playground, minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards, adequate ceiling height for shuttlecock flight
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racquet strings are secure
- •Ensure racquet weights are appropriate for age group
- •Verify shuttlecocks are in good condition
- •Check hoops have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racquet contact between students
- •Slips during quick movements
- •Eye injury from shuttlecock
- •Collisions during activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Maintain 2-metre minimum spacing during individual practice
- •Clear boundaries for each activity area
- •One person hitting at a time during golf activity
- •Proper equipment storage when not in use
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor high-activity areas during golf and rallies
- •Watch for fatigue and inappropriate challenge levels
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures as needed