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Lesson 2 - Overhead Clear Shot Development

Racket Control & Shot Strategy

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Year 4

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Badminton

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45 min

Big Question

When is the perfect moment to use an overhead clear shot to gain an advantage over your opponent?

Learning Objectives

Develop the technical skills needed to perform an effective overhead clear shot
Understand when to select and use an overhead clear tactically in game situations
Work collaboratively in team games to apply overhead clear shots strategically

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved overhead clear technique with consistent upward trajectory
Students will recognise optimal moments to use overhead clears during gameplay
Students will communicate effectively with teammates to coordinate overhead shot opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 nets

Check racquet tension and ensure grips are secure before lesson

Alternative: Tennis racquets or table tennis bats for modified play

Balls

15-20 (mixture of feather and plastic)

Test shuttlecocks for appropriate flight characteristics before use

Alternative: Foam balls or bean bags for beginners needing slower-moving targets

Hoops

12 orange hoops, 8 green hoops

Place hoops at back of courts as targets, ensuring clear colour distinction

Alternative: Coloured cones, markers, or floor tape circles

Sun Markers

20 cones or markers

Mark clear boundaries for courts and safety zones

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape, or existing court markings

Cards

7 laminated cards

Place cards in different areas around hall for Islands warm-up

Alternative: Verbal calls or projected images

Key Vocabulary

Overhead Clear

A high shot played above the head that sends the shuttlecock to the back of the opponent's court

Sideways Stance

Body position with non-racquet shoulder pointing toward the net, allowing for optimal power generation

Follow Through

The continuation of the racquet motion after hitting the shuttlecock, ensuring complete power transfer

Court Positioning

Strategic placement on court to return to centre quickly after shots

Defensive Shot

A shot used to buy time and return to a stronger court position when under pressure

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racquet grip and control from Lesson 1
Understanding of shuttlecock flight patterns
Experience with underarm return shots
Basic court positioning and movement

Current Skills

Overhead clear shot technique with proper stance
Tactical decision-making for shot selection
Team communication during multi-player activities
Court positioning for defensive play

Next Steps

Advanced overhead shots (smash, drop shot)
Complex tactical play involving multiple shot types
Competitive gameplay with scoring systems
Doubles play coordination and strategy

Milestone Indicators

Student consistently achieves sideways stance before overhead shot

Shuttle trajectory shows clear upward and forward direction

Student makes appropriate shot selection based on shuttle height

Effective communication prevents player collisions

Key Teaching Points

Sideways stance with non-racquet shoulder toward net for maximum power generation
High racquet preparation with elbow elevated to enable proper contact point
Hit shuttlecock at highest point of its flight for optimal trajectory control
Complete follow through motion brings body to front-facing position
Shot selection based on shuttlecock height - overhead when high, underarm when low
Team communication essential for safety and tactical success in multi-player games
Overhead clear creates time and space for defensive repositioning

Common Misconceptions

Students think facing forward gives more power - correct with sideways stance demonstration
Belief that hitting harder always makes shot go further - emphasise technique over force
Assumption that overhead clear should be used for every shot - teach appropriate shot selection
Thinking that individual skill is more important than team communication - highlight collaborative success
Misconception that green hoops are worth more just because they're different colour - explain tactical value of depth

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer leadership roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Use larger, slower-moving targets, provide additional practice time, break down technique into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedule for lesson sections, offer quiet observation time before full participation

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks or balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines for communication

physical disability

Modify stance requirements for wheelchair users, allow seated overhead shots, adapt equipment weight and size as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring and counting points in target practice, measuring distances for court setup, calculating improvement percentages from rally challenge

Science

Understanding forces in racquet sports, trajectory and gravity effects on shuttlecock flight, body mechanics in overhead movements

Geography

Using country names in warm-up activity, understanding spatial relationships and positioning on court

PSHE

Developing teamwork and communication skills, building resilience when learning new techniques, showing respect and encouragement to others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where all students can see demonstrations clearly, move around during practice to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for sideways stance development, safe spacing during practice, positive team communication

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, when students struggle with shot selection, or when team communication breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, show common mistakes to help students recognise and avoid them

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways stance - show me your shoulder!'
•'High contact point - catch it at the top!'
•'Upward and forward trajectory!'
•'Communicate with your team - call 'mine'!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m hall space with 2m clearance around perimeter for safe movement

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or obstacles that could cause falls during movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check badminton racquets for secure grips and intact strings
•Test shuttlecocks for appropriate flight characteristics
•Ensure nets are properly tensioned and secured
•Verify target hoops have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet collisions during overhead swings
•Player collisions during multi-player games
•Eye injury from shuttlecock contact
•Falls during quick directional changes
•Overexertion during sustained rallying

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear spacing requirements during racquet activities
•Teach and enforce communication protocols for team games
•Demonstrate safe swinging techniques and zones
•Provide clear boundaries and movement guidelines
•Monitor exertion levels and provide rest breaks

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during overhead swing practice
•Move between groups during team games to monitor safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure all students understand and follow safety protocols

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed