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Lesson 6 - Singles Game Application

Racket Control & Shot Strategy

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Year 4

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can I use different shots strategically to outmanoeuvre my opponent in a singles badminton game?

Learning Objectives

Use forehand and backhand shots effectively in singles game situations
Position correctly to move efficiently around the court to return shots
Return shots tactically to different areas of the opponent's court

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate forehand and backhand shots in game scenarios
Students will show improved court positioning and movement patterns
Students will make tactical decisions about shot placement during rallies

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check string tension appropriate for year group, distribute at start

Alternative: Tennis racquets for beginners, shorter racquets for confidence

Balls

7 per court (minimum 24)

Have extras available at each court, mix of speeds if available

Alternative: Foam shuttles for outdoor use, plastic shuttles for durability

Badminton Courts with Nets

7 courts for class of 30

Nets at regulation height (1.55m), clear boundaries marked

Alternative: Volleyball nets lowered, rope between posts, playground markings

Cones

24-32 cones

Mark clear singles court boundaries, different colours if possible

Alternative: Chalk lines, playground markings, rope boundaries

Scorecards

1 per court (6-8)

Simple flip scoreboards or laminated sheets with markers

Alternative: Whiteboard markers, paper sheets, verbal scoring

Key Vocabulary

Singles game

A badminton match played between two individual players

Rally

Continuous exchange of shots between players until a point is won

Centre court position

The optimal position in the middle of your court area for returning shots

Ready position

Balanced stance with racquet up, ready to move in any direction

Tactical shot placement

Deliberately hitting the shuttle to areas that challenge your opponent

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can perform basic forehand and backhand shots
Students understand court boundaries and basic rules
Students have practised rally skills with a partner
Students can serve underarm from both sides

Current Skills

Applying shots in competitive game situations
Making tactical decisions about shot placement
Developing court positioning and movement patterns
Playing conditioned singles games with scoring

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play including deceptive shots
Tournament play with multiple opponents
Officiating and scoring in competitive matches
Analysing and improving game performance

Milestone Indicators

Maintains rallies of 5+ shots consistently

Moves opponent around court deliberately

Returns to centre court after most shots

Can explain tactical reasons for shot choices

Key Teaching Points

Always return to centre court position after playing a shot for optimal coverage
Use tactical shot placement to corners and different areas to move opponent around
Maintain ready position with racquet up and weight on balls of feet
Apply both forehand and backhand shots appropriately during game situations
Think strategically about shot selection based on opponent's position
Demonstrate good sportsmanship and fair play during competitive games
Understand scoring system and serving rules for singles badminton games

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking they should stay where they hit their shot from instead of returning to centre court
Believing that hitting hard is more important than accurate shot placement
Assuming forehand shots are always better than backhand shots
Thinking competitive games mean being unsporting or unfriendly to opponents
Misconception that serving alternates after every point regardless of score
Believing that winning is only about technique rather than tactical thinking

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent rotation to maintain engagement, clear boundaries and rules, regular positive feedback, structured game formats

dyspraxia

Simplified scoring systems, larger/slower shuttles, reduced court size, extra practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear structure for rotation systems, visual schedules for game format, quiet zones available, predictable routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles, verbal descriptions of court layout, tactile court boundary markers, buddy system for court positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all techniques, hand signals for game management, written score sheets, clear visual boundaries

physical disability

Seated play options, modified court sizes, lighter racquets, slower shuttles, adapted serving positions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems and number recognition, spatial awareness through court positioning, angles of shot direction

Science

Forces and motion in shuttle flight, effects of exercise on body, physics of racquet and shuttle interaction

Geography

Spatial awareness and court mapping, direction and positioning concepts

PSHE

Resilience and perseverance in competitive situations, fair play and respect for opponents, managing emotions during games

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between courts to provide tactical coaching and ensure fair play, position to observe multiple games

Observation Focus

Look for tactical shot placement, court positioning, appropriate use of forehand/backhand, and good sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in for tactical coaching moments, resolve scoring disputes, manage rotation in winner stays on games

Demonstration Notes

Use brief pauses between games to demonstrate tactical concepts, show court positioning, reinforce key technical points

Verbal Cues

•'Hit to the corners!'
•'Get back to the middle!'
•'Make them move!'
•'Ready position!'
•'Think about where you're hitting!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space (sports hall) with minimum 6 badminton courts, clear run-off areas around each court

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from moisture, equipment, or debris that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings are intact and grips secure
•Ensure net heights are correctly set and stable
•Remove damaged shuttles that could cause unpredictable flight

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players moving quickly around courts
•Racquet contact between players during enthusiastic play
•Slips and falls on smooth sports hall floor
•Over-exertion during extended competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established with adequate spacing
•Rotation system prevents fatigue and over-competitive behaviour
•Teacher positioning allows supervision of multiple courts
•Cool-down period ensures safe conclusion to physical activity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe maximum number of courts simultaneously
•Move between groups to monitor game intensity and fair play
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration during competitive elements

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, clear access to first aid, procedures for dealing with minor collisions or falls