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Lesson 5 - Shot Selection & Tactics

Skills & Tactics Progression

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Year 4

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can I choose the right shot to outplay my opponent and win the rally?

Learning Objectives

To play a variety of badminton shots with increasing consistency and accuracy
To make tactical decisions about which shot to play based on game situations
To reflect on and recognise success in self and others during game play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate proficiency in at least 4 different badminton shots
Students will explain when and why to use specific shots in different game situations
Students will provide constructive feedback to partners about shot selection and technique

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 courts

Check racket strings and grips before lesson

Alternative: Tennis rackets or table tennis bats for adaptation

Balls

40-50 (mixture of plastic and feather)

Have spare shuttles available as they break frequently

Alternative: Foam balls or balloon for beginners

Cones

32 (8 per compass group)

Set up compass formations before students arrive

Alternative: Spots or markers

Hoops

8-10 for targets

Position at various distances for differentiated challenges

Alternative: Rope circles or chalk circles

Key Vocabulary

Shot Selection

Choosing the most appropriate shot to play based on the situation in the game

Underarm Clear

A defensive shot hit high and deep to push opponent to back of court

Drop Shot

A gentle attacking shot that lands just over the net

Overhead Smash

An attacking shot hit downwards with power to win the rally

Tactical Awareness

Understanding when and why to use different shots to outsmart your opponent

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and stance
Simple forehand and backhand strokes
Understanding of court boundaries and basic rules
Experience with cooperative rally practice

Current Skills

Variety of shot types (serve, clear, drop, smash)
Tactical decision making about shot selection
Moving opponent around the court strategically
Self-reflection and peer assessment skills

Next Steps

Advanced shot combinations and sequences
Complex tactical patterns and game strategies
Tournament-style competitive play
Leadership roles in coaching peers

Milestone Indicators

Can execute backhand serve accurately into target area

Demonstrates understanding of when to use attacking vs defensive shots

Provides specific, constructive feedback to peers

Shows resilience when shots don't go as planned

Key Teaching Points

Shot selection depends on opponent position and game situation, not just personal preference
Tactical thinking is as important as technical ability in badminton success
Different shots serve different purposes - attacking, defending, or moving opponent
Peer feedback and recognition of others' success builds positive learning environment
Self-reflection helps students understand their own learning journey and set improvement goals
Communication with partner enhances both tactical understanding and enjoyment of the game
Safety awareness is essential when multiple students use rackets in shared space

Common Misconceptions

Students often think hitting harder always makes shots better - emphasise control and placement over power
Many believe good technique automatically leads to good tactics - explain that decision-making is a separate skill
Some think they must master technique before learning tactics - show how they develop together
Students may focus only on their own success - encourage recognition of others' achievements
Some believe unsuccessful shots mean bad decisions - explain that good tactics don't guarantee execution success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate feedback, variety in activity types to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Simplified grip instructions, larger targets, extra practice time, breaking skills into smaller components

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules for station rotations, quiet zones available, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles and equipment, provide audio cues for directions, partner support for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, use of hand signals, written instruction cards at stations

physical disability

Seated badminton adaptations, lightweight rackets, modified court sizes and net heights

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems, angles of shots, measuring target distances, data collection on shot success rates

Science

Forces and motion in shuttle flight, angle of trajectory affecting shot outcome, energy transfer from racket to shuttle

Geography

Compass directions during NESW warm-up, spatial awareness and court positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when shots don't work, celebrating others' achievements, communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around circuit stations providing individual feedback, position centrally during whole-class instruction

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip, shot selection decisions, and positive peer interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, tactical understanding needs clarification, or conflict resolution needed

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, involve students in tactical scenario examples

Verbal Cues

•'Think about where your opponent is positioned'
•'Low to high for clears, gentle touch for drops'
•'Celebrate your partner's good decisions!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or 4-6 badminton courts, minimum 20m x 30m clear space

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, appropriate footwear worn by all

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racket strings and grips before use
•Ensure nets are at correct height and securely fastened
•Monitor shuttle supply and replace broken shuttles immediately

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket contact between students during movement
•Shuttles causing slips if left on floor
•Overhead shots near other students
•Collisions during rapid directional changes

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between activities (minimum 5m)
•Clear boundaries established for each station
•Shuttle collection protocols between activities
•Supervision of overhead shot areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all stations
•Monitor high-energy areas like smash practice
•Check equipment condition throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure clear access for emergency services if required