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Lesson 1 - Underarm Throw & Racquet Control

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 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

Balls

1 per student (30)

Pre-distributed around court perimeter in baskets

Alternative: Lightweight foam balls if shuttlecocks unavailable

Badminton Rackets

2-3

Check strings are intact, appropriate size for Year 3

Alternative: Short tennis racquets or table tennis bats

Markers

8-10

Various sizes, bright colours for visibility

Alternative: Cones, chalk circles, mats

Markers Cones

Define playing areas and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries

Softballs

For warm-up activity only - lightweight essential

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls

Key Vocabulary

Shuttlecock

The projectile used in badminton, with feathers or plastic skirt and rubber base

Underarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm swings forward from below shoulder height

Self-feeding

Setting up your own shuttlecock before hitting it with a racquet

Force

How hard or soft you throw or hit to control distance

Target

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

Consistent shuttle release pointing toward target

Stepping forward with opposite foot naturally

Adjusting force based on target distance

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