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Lesson 4 - Footwork Patterns and Shot Variety

Strategic Play Development

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Year 3

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Badminton

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45 min

Big Question

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

Badminton Rackets

4-6 courts

Check racket strings are intact before lesson

Alternative: Tennis rackets if badminton unavailable

Balls

20-25

Mix of plastic and feather shuttles for different activities

Alternative: Foam balls for beginners

Markers Cones

Mark court boundaries and movement zones clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines or tape

Hoops

8-10 hoops or markers

Place targets for shot accuracy practice

Alternative: Chalk circles or cone squares

Key Vocabulary

Split step

A small jump with feet shoulder-width apart, landing ready to move in any direction

Chasse

Sideways movement where feet don't cross over, maintaining balance

Deft shots

Gentle, controlled shots with precise placement rather than power

Footwork patterns

Specific sequences of steps used to move efficiently around the badminton court

Court positioning

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

Consistent split step before movement

Smooth chasse movement to forehand

Controlled variation between powerful and soft shots

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