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Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Shuttle Control

Skills & Tactics Progression

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Year 4

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Badminton

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50 min

Big Question

How can I use the ready position to move quickly and control the shuttlecock effectively?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate the correct ready position in badminton
To develop shuttle control and coordination skills
To link basic movement skills into sequences of actions

Key Outcomes

Students will assume and maintain the ready position with correct technique
Students will demonstrate improved shuttle control and accuracy
Students will perform sequences linking ready position, movement, and shuttle handling

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

15-20 (for progression activities)

Store safely at court edges, distribute when needed

Alternative: Tennis rackets, table tennis bats for modified activities

Balls

30-40 (plastic preferred for beginners)

Have extras available as shuttlecocks can break easily

Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls, balloon for practice

Cones

15 (different colours)

Mark goals, boundaries, and starting positions

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, masking tape

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move quickly in any direction

Shuttlecock

The projectile used in badminton, with feathers or plastic skirt that creates drag for unique flight patterns

Court

The playing area in badminton, marked with boundaries and a net in the middle

Coordination

The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of simple game rules
Experience with running and changing direction

Current Skills

Ready position technique and application
Shuttle control and coordination
Sequential movement patterns

Next Steps

Introduction to racket holding technique
Basic striking skills development
More complex movement sequences

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ready position without prompting

Moves efficiently to intercept shuttlecocks

Links skills smoothly in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is the foundation - feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, weight on balls of feet
Maintain ready position between every action to enable quick movement in any direction
Focus on shuttle control and accuracy rather than power or speed
Use positive peer feedback to build confidence and improve technique
Progressive challenges help build skills systematically
Link individual skills into smooth sequences through practice and application
Competition should enhance learning, not overshadow skill development

Common Misconceptions

That standing upright is better for reaction - emphasise the need for bent knees and low centre of gravity
That throwing hard is better than accurate - focus on control and placement
That rackets automatically make you better - explain they're tools that require technique
That winning is most important - emphasise skill development and improvement over results
That ready position is only for receiving - show how it applies to all movement preparation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, more practice time, larger equipment for easier success

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, verbal cues for all demonstrations, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated versions of ready position, modified throwing distances, adaptive equipment if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, giving clear feedback, using descriptive vocabulary for movement

Maths

Counting scores and attempts, timing activities, measuring distances between courts and goals

Science

Understanding balance and centre of gravity, forces in throwing and catching, reaction times

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions (left/right/forward/back), mapping court layouts

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility of all students, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for ready position technique, safe equipment use, positive peer interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with technique, unsafe behaviour, or negative interactions

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, show both correct and incorrect examples, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Show me your ready position!'
•'Bend those knees like sitting in a chair!'
•'Weight on the balls of your feet!'
•'Encourage your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Indoor hall minimum 20m x 12m or outdoor tennis court size, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry conditions, no loose equipment on floor

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rackets for cracks or loose strings before use
•Ensure shuttlecocks are in good condition (no broken feathers/plastic)
•Cones positioned safely with no sharp edges
•Equipment stored safely when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during activities
•Tripping over equipment or boundaries
•Eye injury from shuttlecock contact
•Overexertion during continuous activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Controlled equipment distribution and collection
•Regular breaks and hydration reminders

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor higher-risk activities (racket use, competitive games)
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety and technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, remove from activity if needed