Lesson 4 - Footwork Patterns and Shot Variety
Strategic Play Development
•Year 3
•Badminton
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I use different footwork patterns to reach the shuttle and play powerful or delicate shots in badminton?
Learning Objectives
- To develop a variety of powerful and delicate badminton shots
- To master different footwork patterns for court movement
- To link skills together in sequences of movement
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to demonstrate at least three different footwork patterns
- Students will show control in both powerful and soft shots
- Students will combine movement and shot selection effectively
Equipment & Resources Required
Check racket strings are intact before lesson
Alternative: Tennis rackets if badminton unavailable
Mix of plastic and feather shuttles for different activities
Alternative: Foam balls for beginners
Mark court boundaries and movement zones clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines or tape
Place targets for shot accuracy practice
Alternative: Chalk circles or cone squares
Key Vocabulary
A small jump with feet shoulder-width apart, landing ready to move in any direction
Sideways movement where feet don't cross over, maintaining balance
Gentle, controlled shots with precise placement rather than power
Specific sequences of steps used to move efficiently around the badminton court
Where you stand on court to best reach and return shots
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic racket grip and simple shots
- Understanding of court boundaries
- Basic movement patterns
Current Skills
- Advanced footwork patterns (split step, chasse)
- Shot variety with power and delicacy
- Linking movement with shot selection
Next Steps
- Tactical shot placement
- Advanced rally play
- Game strategy development
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always use split step before moving to shuttle position
- Maintain balance and control during chasse movement patterns
- Vary shot power appropriately - not every shot needs maximum power
- Link movements smoothly together rather than stopping between skills
- Keep eyes on shuttle throughout movement and shot sequence
- Return to central base position after each shot in games
- Encourage positive communication and support during partner work
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking all shots should be hit as hard as possible - teach shot variety and placement
- Believing you must rush to every shuttle - emphasise controlled, balanced movement
- Assuming footwork doesn't matter if you can hit the shuttle - stress movement quality
- Thinking eliminated players in Prison Break can't contribute - highlight catching opportunities
- Believing badminton is just about hitting - emphasise tactical movement and positioning
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Slower demonstration pace, simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet spaces available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for movement guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for directions, written instruction cards at stations
physical disability
- Seated versions of footwork patterns, modified court sizes, adapted equipment with larger grips
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces in shot power, friction and grip, biomechanics of efficient movement
Geography
Spatial awareness and court positioning, directions and compass points in movement
PSHE
Teamwork development, resilience when learning new skills, celebrating diversity of abilities
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central court position for visibility of all stations and activities
Observation Focus
Footwork technique development, shot variety progression, skill linking ability
Intervention Points
Step in when movement patterns are unsafe or incorrect technique developing
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for footwork patterns, demonstrate shot variety with obvious differences in power
Verbal Cues
- •'Split step ready!'
- •'Chasse smoothly!'
- •'Choose your shot!'
- •'Light on your feet!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full sports hall or 4-6 badminton courts, minimum 15m x 30m clear area
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, clean and dry, free from obstacles and debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket strings are intact and handles secure
- •Ensure shuttlecocks are in good condition
- •Verify net height and tension are appropriate
- •Confirm all court markers are stable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Racket collisions during movement
- •Slips during quick direction changes
- •Shuttle impacts to face/eyes
- •Overexertion during intense activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between students during practice
- •Proper warm-up before intensive movement
- •Graduated progression from basic to complex skills
- •Clear boundaries and movement areas established
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor spacing during partner activities
- •Watch for fatigue during movement circuits
- •Ensure safe equipment handling throughout
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed