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Lesson 3 - Returning the Shuttlecock

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 position myself and move effectively to return a shuttlecock from any position on the court?

Learning Objectives

Move effectively to return the shuttlecock from different areas of the court
Perform different shots to return the shuttlecock with control
Develop agility and court awareness in badminton

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective movement towards shuttlecocks from various court positions
Students will return shuttlecocks using appropriate technique and positioning
Students will show improved agility and quick reactions during court movement

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 courts

Check racquet strings are intact and grips are secure

Alternative: Tennis racquets or table tennis bats for beginners

Balls

40-50 (mix of feather and plastic)

Use plastic shuttlecocks for durability, feather for advanced students

Alternative: Foam balls or bean bags for skill development

Coloured Cones

20 (4 different colours)

Used for agility diamond formations and court markers

Alternative: Coloured markers or spots

Sun Markers

As needed

Clearly define court boundaries and centre lines

Alternative: Chalk lines or tape

Key Vocabulary

Agility

The ability to move quickly and easily, changing direction rapidly

Ready Position

Standing on toes with racquet up, prepared to move in any direction

Court Coverage

Moving efficiently around the court to reach and return shuttlecocks

Anticipation

Watching the opponent and predicting where the shuttlecock will go

Return

Hitting the shuttlecock back over the net to your opponent

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racquet grip and handling
Simple hitting of shuttlecock
Understanding of court boundaries

Current Skills

Moving effectively to return shuttlecock
Agility and quick directional changes
Court awareness and positioning

Next Steps

Advanced shot selection
Tactical play and court coverage
Competitive game situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistently moves towards shuttlecock before attempting return

Maintains ready position between shots

Shows quick reactions to shuttlecock direction

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is fundamental - weight on toes, racquet up, watching opponent
Movement should be quick and light, not heavy and slow
Return to centre position between movements to maintain court coverage
Agility is about quick, controlled movements, not just speed
Support and encourage partners during challenging activities
Focus on effort and improvement rather than perfect technique
Safety first - controlled movements prevent injuries

Common Misconceptions

Thinking ready position means standing completely still - emphasise being 'ready to move'
Believing agility is just about running fast - explain it's about quick direction changes
Assuming successful returns are more important than good movement - prioritise getting to the shuttle
Thinking you need to hit the shuttlecock hard - focus on placement and control
Believing only sporty students can be agile - emphasise that agility can be developed through practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step instructions, use larger equipment if helpful

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine and structure, use visual schedule, offer quiet space if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, pair with sighted buddy

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instructions, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt starting positions, allow seated participation where appropriate, modify equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following and giving clear instructions, describing movement patterns, vocabulary development

Maths

Geometry in diamond cone formations, counting attempts and successes, measuring court distances

Science

Forces and motion in shuttlecock flight, balance and gravity in ready position, reaction time studies

PSHE

Perseverance when facing challenges, supporting and encouraging partners, building self-confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe different groups, position for maximum visibility of all students

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ready position, movement quality, and safe participation

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, students are struggling with concepts, or group dynamics need support

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate key points for visibility, use students to demonstrate good examples, show common mistakes and corrections

Verbal Cues

•'On your toes, racquet ready!'
•'Watch the shuttle, quick first step!'
•'Light feet, quick movement!'
•'Back to centre, ready position!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor courts - minimum 30m x 20m with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, appropriate for quick directional changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings are intact and handles secure
•Ensure shuttlecocks are appropriate type for age group
•Verify nets are at correct height and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Trips or falls during agility exercises
•Eye injuries from shuttlecocks
•Muscle strains from quick movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Progressive warm-up before intense movement
•Emphasis on controlled movement over speed
•Proper cool-down and stretching

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all court areas simultaneously
•Monitor agility activities for appropriate intensity
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required