Lesson 1 - Underarm Throw & Racquet Control
Racquet Control Fundamentals
•Year 3
•Badminton
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How can we use different amounts of force to control where our shuttlecock lands?
Learning Objectives
- To throw and hit a shuttlecock using underarm technique with increasing accuracy
- To understand how hard and soft hits affect shuttlecock flight and landing
- To play simple target games showing fair play and cooperation
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate underarm throwing technique with correct stance and release
- Students will successfully hit shuttlecocks to designated targets using varying force
- Students will play cooperative and competitive games following simple rules
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-distributed around court perimeter in baskets
Alternative: Lightweight foam balls if shuttlecocks unavailable
Check strings are intact, appropriate size for Year 3
Alternative: Short tennis racquets or table tennis bats
Various sizes, bright colours for visibility
Alternative: Cones, chalk circles, mats
Define playing areas and boundaries clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries
For warm-up activity only - lightweight essential
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls
Key Vocabulary
The projectile used in badminton, with feathers or plastic skirt and rubber base
A throwing technique where the arm swings forward from below shoulder height
Setting up your own shuttlecock before hitting it with a racquet
How hard or soft you throw or hit to control distance
A marker or area you are aiming to hit with your shuttlecock
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of taking turns and simple rules
- Experience with different ball games
Current Skills
- Underarm throwing technique with shuttlecocks
- Basic racquet holding and control
- Understanding force variation in throwing/hitting
Next Steps
- Overarm throwing techniques
- Basic badminton serves
- Simple rallying with a partner
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Shuttlecock flight differs significantly from ball flight - emphasise this throughout
- Underarm technique with step and follow-through is crucial for accuracy
- Force control is more important than power - shuttlecocks slow down quickly
- Self-feeding requires timing and coordination - build gradually
- Fair play and cooperation are as important as skill development
- Safety with racquets requires constant awareness and control
- Target accuracy improves through practice and technique refinement
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking shuttlecocks fly like balls - they slow down much more quickly
- Believing power equals accuracy - control and technique are more important
- Assuming overarm throws are better - underarm provides better control initially
- Expecting immediate success with racquets - coordination takes time to develop
- Thinking competitive means rough or aggressive play - emphasise controlled competition
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear boundaries and rules, frequent activity changes, movement breaks, positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified equipment (larger racquets), extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown, celebration of effort
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet practice space if needed, consistent equipment and rules
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks and large targets, verbal descriptions of technique, partner guidance for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, buddy system for rule clarification, hand signals for communication
physical disability
- Seated throwing/hitting option, larger lightweight equipment, adapted targets at appropriate heights, peer support
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, describing technique, using technical vocabulary, communicating with partners during games
Science
Forces and motion - how different forces affect flight, air resistance with shuttlecock feathers, comparing materials
PSHE
Taking turns fairly, managing emotions during competition, helping and encouraging others, resilience when learning new skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around groups during skill development, central for demonstrations, corner position for game observation
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, underarm technique, appropriate force use, and safe play
Intervention Points
Step in for unsafe racquet use, technique correction, or unfair play during games
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate slowly first, then at normal speed. Use student helpers for technique examples. Emphasise key points with exaggerated movements.
Verbal Cues
- •'Gentle pinch of the feathers!'
- •'Step and swing, low to high!'
- •'Soft hits for close targets!'
- •'Watch the shuttle flight pattern!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m indoor space or playground area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, check for any wet patches or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racquet strings are intact and handles secure
- •Ensure shuttlecocks are not damaged or sharp
- •Foam balls must be soft and lightweight only
- •Target hoops checked for cracks or sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racquet contact with other students during swinging
- •Slips from shuttlecocks underfoot
- •Collisions during game play
- •Over-enthusiastic throwing causing injury
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing guidelines for racquet work
- •Controlled throwing force emphasised throughout
- •Defined court boundaries to prevent collisions
- •Adult supervision during all racquet activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all racquet work clearly
- •Monitor force levels during throwing activities
- •Watch for unsafe equipment handling
- •Ensure fair play during competitive elements
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, first aid if qualified, seek additional help if needed