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Lesson 3 - Tactical Movement & Rally

Strategic Play Development

•

Year 3

•

Badminton

•

45 min

Big Question

How can I use smart positioning and quick reactions to win more rallies in badminton?

Learning Objectives

To move quickly into position to return the shuttle effectively
To perform overhead, forehand and backhand shots during rallies
To demonstrate tactical awareness in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved court positioning and quick reactions
Students will execute a variety of shots during continuous rallies
Students will show tactical decision-making by hitting to space and varying shots

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check strings are intact and grips are secure

Alternative: Short tennis rackets, table tennis bats

Balls

55 shuttles

Mix of plastic and feather shuttles, check condition

Alternative: Large feathers, balloons for beginners

Hoops

7 hoops

Placed around court perimeter for warm-up

Alternative: Cones arranged in circles, marked areas

Cones

20 cones

For court boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope barriers

Nets

4-6 barriers

Set at appropriate height for Year 3 (120cm)

Alternative: Rope between posts, cones in line

Key Vocabulary

Rally

A sequence of shots between players until the shuttle hits the ground

Active Rally

Fast-paced rally with players moving quickly and using variety

Passive Rally

Slower rally with gentle shots and less movement

Tactical Awareness

Making smart decisions about where and how to hit the shuttle

Positioning

Moving to the best place on court to return the shuttle

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic grip and shuttle control
Simple hitting techniques
Understanding of court boundaries

Current Skills

Quick movement and positioning
Rally development and shot variety
Tactical awareness and decision-making

Next Steps

Advanced shot placement and power
Complex tactical combinations
Competitive game play with scoring

Milestone Indicators

Sustained rallies of 5+ shots

Effective use of different shot types

Clear tactical decision-making in games

Key Teaching Points

Tactical awareness is about making smart decisions with where and how to hit the shuttle
Getting behind the shuttle and moving feet quickly improves shot quality
Rallies are more fun when both players focus on control rather than power
Different shots (forehand, backhand, overhead) give more options in games
Looking for space and using deception makes you a more effective player
Fair play and encouraging partners makes badminton enjoyable for everyone
Self-assessment helps understand your own learning and improvement needs

Common Misconceptions

More power always equals better shots - emphasise control and placement
Standing still and waiting for shuttle - teach active movement and positioning
Rally means hitting as hard as possible - focus on keeping shuttle in play
Only winning matters - celebrate effort, improvement and fair play equally
Advanced players should dominate activities - ensure inclusive participation
Tactical awareness is too complex for Year 3 - break into simple, clear concepts

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Larger shuttles for easier tracking, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, peer support

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet break space available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, clear hand signals for start/stop, written rule cards

physical disability

Seated play options, modified court sizes, lighter rackets, alternative throwing if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rallies and scores, measuring court distances, calculating angles for shot placement

Science

Forces and motion in shuttle flight, gravity effects on trajectory, reaction time and reflexes

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, direction and movement patterns, court mapping

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when making mistakes, celebrating others' success, honest self-assessment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around court perimeter to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, shot technique improvement, and partnership cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if activities become too competitive, safety issues arise, or students need technique support

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, involve confident students in demonstrations, model positive language and sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the shuttle and move your feet!'
•'Hit to the space, not to your partner!'
•'Control over power - keep the rally going!'
•'Great tactical thinking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m hall or court area, clear of obstacles and with adequate ceiling height

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry conditions, check for any hazards or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket strings are intact and handles secure
•Ensure shuttles are in good condition without sharp edges
•Verify hoops and barriers are stable and appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students during movement activities
•Racket contact during partner work
•Slips and falls when moving quickly to retrieve shuttles
•Eye injury from shuttle contact

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Controlled movement - walking pace during warm-up
•Partners maintain safe distance during hitting practice
•Emphasis on controlled shots rather than power hitting
•Clear stop signal established and practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during activities
•Monitor spacing and movement during dynamic activities
•Watch for safe racket handling and shuttle control
•Ensure fair play and appropriate challenge levels

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious injury

Lesson 3 - Tactical Movement & Rally

How can I use smart positioning and quick reactions to win more rallies in badminton?

Learning Objectives

Key Outcomes

Equipment & Resources Required

Key Vocabulary

Skill Progression Pathway

Prior Learning

Current Skills

Next Steps

Milestone Indicators

Key Teaching Points

Common Misconceptions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

dyspraxia

autism spectrum

visual impairment

hearing impairment

physical disability

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Science

Geography

PSHE

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Observation Focus

Intervention Points

Demonstration Notes

Verbal Cues

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Surface Check

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

Risk Management

Key Risks

Risk Mitigation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

Emergency Procedures

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