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Lesson 4 - Rally Techniques & Trick Shots

Racket Control & Shot Strategy

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Year 4

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Badminton

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50 min

Big Question

How can creativity and precision in trick shots enhance our badminton rallying abilities?

Learning Objectives

To practice and perfect advanced badminton trick shots with increasing accuracy
To devise creative challenges and activities using different shot conditions
To work collaboratively in teams to achieve targets and support each other's learning

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent trick shots including through-the-legs and over-the-head returns
Students will create original badminton challenges incorporating available equipment
Students will cooperate effectively in teams to achieve collective targets

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check strings are intact and grips are secure

Alternative: Tennis racquets or large plastic racquets for younger students

Balls

40-50 (plastic outdoor shuttles recommended)

Mix of speeds available, extras for station activities

Alternative: Soft balls or balloon balls for beginners

Cones

30-40 assorted sizes

Bright colours for visibility, stable base

Alternative: Plastic cups or markers

Hoops

15-20 medium sized

Flat on ground, well-spaced for safety

Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles

Spots

20-25

Non-slip, bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Chalk marks or small mats

Water Containers

6-8 boxes or baskets

Positioned safely at station perimeters

Alternative: Large cones or buckets

Key Vocabulary

Trick shots

Advanced badminton techniques that require special skill and creativity to execute

Through the legs

A shot played by hitting the shuttle between your legs while it's low

Over the head

A backwards shot played over your head when the shuttle is behind you

Shuttle switch

A drill using two shuttlecocks simultaneously to improve reaction time and control

Rally

Continuous hitting of the shuttle back and forth between partners

Accuracy

The ability to hit the shuttle precisely where you aim

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racquet control and grip
Simple rallying over low nets
Understanding of shuttle flight patterns
Basic footwork and positioning

Current Skills

Advanced trick shots under pressure
Creative shot-making abilities
Team collaboration and target setting
Accuracy and consistency development

Next Steps

Competitive station work with scoring
Match play incorporating trick shots
Tournament-style challenges
Advanced tactical awareness

Milestone Indicators

Consistent execution of at least two trick shots

Ability to maintain rallies while attempting advanced techniques

Successful collaboration in creating new challenges

Improved accuracy in target-based activities

Key Teaching Points

Trick shots require precise timing and body positioning rather than power
Cooperation and communication are essential for successful pair and team activities
Quality of technique should always be prioritised over speed or score
Creative thinking enhances both skill development and enjoyment
Progressive challenges build confidence and competence systematically

Common Misconceptions

That trick shots are just for showing off - actually they develop important skills
That hitting harder will make trick shots more effective - control is more important
That only naturally gifted students can master these techniques - all can improve with practice
That teamwork is less important in individual sports like badminton - cooperation enhances learning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks, use positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Use larger, slower shuttles initially, provide extra demonstration and practice time, offer simplified coordination tasks

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule for lesson progression, establish quiet break area if needed, use consistent routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, establish buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards for stations, establish hand signals for key instructions

physical disability

Provide seated versions of activities, use modified equipment like larger racquets, adapt trick shots to individual capabilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Using descriptive vocabulary for trick shots, clear communication during pair work, expressing opinions during reflection

Maths

Counting consecutive hits, measuring distances for trick shots, calculating team scores, timing activities with stopwatch

Science

Understanding trajectory and angle of shuttle flight, forces involved in trick shots, balance and stability principles

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding direction and movement patterns, using positional language

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between pairs during trick shot practice, then central during stations for overall monitoring

Observation Focus

Watch for proper technique development, safe equipment use, and positive group dynamics

Intervention Points

["Step in if trick shots becoming dangerous or uncontrolled", "Assist pairs struggling with shuttle switch coordination", "Support teams not cooperating effectively during stations"]

Demonstration Notes

Use slow, exaggerated movements for trick shots, emphasise key body positions, repeat demonstrations as needed for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Control over power!'
•'Watch the shuttle, not your racquet!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Quality over quantity!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 30m clear space, preferably sports hall or multiple courts

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and equipment

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racquet strings are secure and grips intact
•Ensure shuttlecocks are in good condition - no broken feathers
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Confirm hoops lay flat and are not warped

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during trick shot practice
•Slips while moving quickly to shots
•Equipment contact during group activities
•Eye contact from shuttlecocks

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries between pairs and groups
•Teach proper falling techniques if balance is lost
•Emphasise controlled movements over speed
•Ensure adequate spacing for all activities
•Regular reminders about spatial awareness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during trick shot practice
•Monitor station activities for safe equipment use
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety during intense activities
•Ensure proper technique to prevent overuse injuries

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed