Lesson 4 - Rallying and Court Movement
Racquet Control Fundamentals
•Year 3
•Badminton
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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
Check all racquets are appropriate size and weight for Year 3
Alternative: Tennis racquets, table tennis bats for beginners
Use plastic shuttles for durability in school environment
Alternative: Foam shuttles or balloon shuttles for beginners
Set at approximately 1 metre height for Year 3
Alternative: Cones with rope, or simply floor markings for beginners
For warm-up clearing game
Alternative: Bean bags, soft play balls
For marking boundaries and relay courses
Alternative: Markers, spots, or line markings
Key Vocabulary
Unbroken returns between two or more players working together
Hitting the shuttlecock on the same side as your racquet hand
Hitting the shuttlecock on the opposite side to your racquet hand
Moving around the playing area to reach the shuttlecock
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
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