🏸

Lesson 5 - Shot Selection & Positioning

Strategic Play Development

•

Year 3

•

Badminton

•

Big Question

How can I choose the right shot to outwit my opponent and win points in badminton?

Learning Objectives

To develop proficiency in executing a variety of badminton shots with improved accuracy
To understand tactical shot selection based on court position and opponent placement
To reflect on and analyse performance in self and others

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate competent execution of at least 4 different badminton shots
Students will make appropriate shot choices 75% of the time during game situations
Students will provide constructive feedback to peers and reflect on their own performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check strings are intact and grip size appropriate for Year 3 hands

Alternative: Tennis rackets or table tennis bats for adapted play

Balls

2 per pair (30 total)

Use plastic shuttles for outdoor courts, feather for indoor halls

Alternative: Foam balls or bean bags for beginners

Cones

8 per pair for warm-up (120 total)

Different colours for compass directions if available

Alternative: Markers, domes, or tape markers

Hoops

6-8 for target practice

Various sizes for different skill levels

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or cardboard targets

Coloured Bibs

15 (for identifying pairs/groups)

Match colours for tee and green identification in golf game

Alternative: Coloured cones to mark groups

Key Vocabulary

Backhand serve

A serve performed with the back of the hand facing the direction of play

Underarm clear

A defensive shot played underarm to send the shuttle high and deep to the back of the court

Drop shot

A delicate attacking shot that just clears the net and drops quickly into the front court

Overhead clear

A defensive shot played overhead to send the shuttle high and deep to the back court

Overhead smash

A powerful attacking shot played overhead to hit the shuttle downwards quickly

Shot selection

Choosing the most appropriate shot based on court position and tactical situation

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and stance
Simple forehand and backhand strokes
Understanding of court boundaries
Basic serving technique

Current Skills

Advanced shot selection and execution
Tactical awareness and court positioning
Performance analysis and reflection
Competitive game application

Next Steps

Complex game strategies and tactics
Tournament-style competitive play
Umpiring and officiating skills
Advanced technical refinement

Milestone Indicators

Consistent execution of multiple shot types

Tactical decision-making under pressure

Effective peer coaching and feedback

Strategic court movement and positioning

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise smooth technique over power in all shot development
Encourage strategic thinking about shot selection based on court position
Foster positive peer relationships through collaborative analysis and feedback
Develop self-reflection skills through regular assessment opportunities
Progress from isolated skill practice to game application
Celebrate effort and improvement alongside achievement
Maintain focus on fun and engagement throughout challenging skill development

Common Misconceptions

Believing power is more important than accuracy in badminton - emphasise control and placement
Thinking all shots should be played with the same technique - teach specific techniques for different shot purposes
Assuming that winning points requires only attacking shots - explain the importance of defensive shots
Expecting immediate mastery of complex shots - reinforce that improvement takes time and practice
Believing that feedback means only pointing out mistakes - teach constructive and positive feedback skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, movement breaks between explanations

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time, larger equipment, reduced complexity in multi-step activities

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet areas available, consistent partnerships throughout lesson

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, tactile guidance for grip and stance, audio signals for direction changes

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards at stations, sign language support if available, visual signals for transitions

physical disability

Modified rackets or equipment, seated versions of activities, adapted targets and distances, peer support partnerships

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions to partners, descriptive feedback and analysis

Maths

Scoring and counting in golf game, measuring distances for targets, angles of shots, statistical analysis of accuracy rates

Science

Forces and motion in racket sports, trajectory and air resistance with shuttlecocks, biomechanics of different shot techniques

Geography

Compass directions in warm-up activity, spatial awareness and court positioning, navigation around circuit stations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between activities, position for maximum visibility of all students, central location during whole-class instructions

Observation Focus

Technical development in shot execution, tactical decision-making, cooperation and communication between partners

Intervention Points

Step in to correct unsafe practices, provide technical guidance when students struggle, facilitate positive peer interactions

Demonstration Notes

Use students as models when appropriate, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, provide clear verbal descriptions alongside visual demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Smooth swing like painting a rainbow!'
•'Think before you shoot - what's the best choice?'
•'Help your partner succeed!'
•'Technique first, then power!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full badminton court or equivalent space (minimum 20m x 10m), additional space for 5 circuit stations

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, appropriate for quick directional movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket strings are intact and grips secure
•Ensure cones are stable and visible
•Inspect shuttlecocks for damage
•Verify hoops are stable and appropriately positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during warm-up compass activity
•Racket contact with other students
•Slips during directional movements
•Shuttlecocks hitting students at close range

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between pairs during all activities
•Clear boundaries and movement pathways established
•Progressive skill building from basic to advanced shots
•Constant supervision during partner activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe maximum number of students
•Monitor warm-up activity for safe movement patterns
•Circulate between stations during skill development
•Central position during golf game for full court vision

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical staff if required