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Lesson 4 - Rallying and Court Movement

Racquet Control Fundamentals

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Year 3

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Badminton

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to keep a shuttlecock rally going for as long as possible?

Learning Objectives

To develop the ability to rally with a partner over a bench or net
To improve movement around the court to return the shuttlecock effectively
To understand and explain the skills needed to maintain a rally

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to participate in cooperative rallies with a partner
Students will demonstrate improved court movement and positioning
Students will understand the concept of rallying and cooperation in badminton

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check all racquets are appropriate size and weight for Year 3

Alternative: Tennis racquets, table tennis bats for beginners

Balls

1 per pair (15)

Use plastic shuttles for durability in school environment

Alternative: Foam shuttles or balloon shuttles for beginners

Benches

8-10

Set at approximately 1 metre height for Year 3

Alternative: Cones with rope, or simply floor markings for beginners

Soft Dodgeballs

20-30

For warm-up clearing game

Alternative: Bean bags, soft play balls

Cones

20-30

For marking boundaries and relay courses

Alternative: Markers, spots, or line markings

Key Vocabulary

Rally

Unbroken returns between two or more players working together

Forehand

Hitting the shuttlecock on the same side as your racquet hand

Backhand

Hitting the shuttlecock on the opposite side to your racquet hand

Court Movement

Moving around the playing area to reach the shuttlecock

Shuttle Control

Keeping the shuttlecock at the right height and speed for your partner

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racquet grip and control
Simple striking techniques
Understanding of hitting the shuttlecock upwards

Current Skills

Cooperative rallying techniques
Court movement and positioning
Control and accuracy in shot placement

Next Steps

Competitive rallying games
Introduction to serving techniques
Basic tactical awareness in rallying

Milestone Indicators

Can maintain rallies for increasing lengths of time

Shows improved movement to reach the shuttlecock

Demonstrates understanding of cooperation in rallying

Key Teaching Points

Rallying is about cooperation, not competition - emphasise working together
Controlled, gentle shots help maintain rallies better than powerful shots
Movement and positioning are essential for successful rallying
Encourage and support your partner to help them succeed
Focus on improvement and personal bests rather than comparison with others

Common Misconceptions

Thinking rallying means trying to beat your partner - correct by emphasising cooperation
Believing harder shots are better - demonstrate that controlled shots are more effective
Assuming you should stay in one position - show importance of movement and positioning
Thinking only forehand shots count - introduce and value backhand technique
Focusing only on winning - redirect to focus on learning and improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear focus, movement breaks between activities, clear boundaries and rules

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter equipment, slower shuttlecocks, reduced complexity of movement patterns

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, quiet practice area available, visual schedule of activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks, provide verbal descriptions of partner's position, use larger equipment

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and signals, ensure face-to-face communication, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt racquet grip, allow seated play if needed, modify distances and height requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills with partner, learning and using new vocabulary, giving and receiving instructions

Maths

Counting rally scores, measuring distances for court setup, timing activities and tracking improvement

Science

Understanding forces and motion in shuttlecock flight, effects of exercise on the body, gravity and trajectory

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, managing emotions when rallies break down, celebrating others' successes

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of playing area to observe all pairs, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for cooperation between partners, controlled technique, and understanding of rallying concept

Intervention Points

Step in if students become competitive rather than cooperative, correct unsafe technique immediately

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with a volunteer showing both correct technique and cooperative attitude, emphasise the partnership aspect of rallying

Verbal Cues

•'Help your partner succeed!'
•'Gentle and controlled!'
•'Work together for the highest score!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m hall with clear boundaries and adequate ceiling height for shuttlecock flight

Surface Check

Non-slip surface clear of obstacles, adequate space between playing areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racquets for damage and appropriate size
•Ensure shuttlecocks are in good condition
•Verify benches/nets are stable and appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet collisions between partners
•Trips over benches or equipment
•Overexertion during relay activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between pairs (minimum 3 metres)
•Controlled movement and technique emphasis
•Regular safety reminders about equipment handling

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple pairs simultaneously
•Monitor energy levels during activities
•Watch for unsafe technique or behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact office if needed