🏸

Lesson 5 - Advanced Shot Selection

Fundamentals to Competition Tactics

•

Year 5

•

Badminton

•

Big Question

How can I select and execute the right shot at the right time to outwit my opponent?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate consistent execution of smash and drop shot techniques
Select appropriate shots based on game situations
Assess and reflect on performance in self and others

Key Outcomes

Students will execute smashes and drop shots with 70% accuracy
Students will demonstrate tactical shot selection in game situations
Students will provide constructive feedback to peers

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check grip size appropriate for students, strings at correct tension

Alternative: Tennis rackets or modified rackets for beginners

Balls

50+ (mix of feathered and plastic)

Have extras available as shuttles damage easily

Alternative: Foam shuttles for beginners, balloon shuttles for indoor use

Hoops

8-10 various sizes

Different sizes for varying difficulty levels

Alternative: Cones, floor spots, or marked areas with chalk

Cones

20 for boundaries and markers

Bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Chalk lines or existing court markings

Nets

4-6 across hall width

Adjust height to 1.2m for Year 5 students

Alternative: Benches turned on side, or tape between posts

Key Vocabulary

Smash

An aggressive overhead shot hit downward with maximum power to win the point

Drop shot

A delicate shot played softly to land just over the net in the opponent's forecourt

Shot selection

Choosing the most appropriate shot based on the situation and opponent position

Consistency

The ability to repeat successful shots with reliable technique and accuracy

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and why to play certain shots to gain an advantage

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand and backhand techniques
Understanding of court areas and boundaries
Experience with underarm clear and basic serving

Current Skills

Overhead smash technique and application
Drop shot placement and timing
Tactical shot selection in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced combination shots and deception
Complex rally construction and court craft
Competitive match play with advanced tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact point for overhead shots

Ability to vary power and placement

Strategic thinking evident in shot choice

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise identical preparation for smash and drop shot to develop deception
Focus on contact point consistency before adding power to shots
Develop tactical awareness through questioning and game application
Build peer assessment skills through structured observation opportunities
Ensure safety during powerful smash practice with adequate space
Link all shots to game situations and opponent positioning
Celebrate both technical improvement and positive social interaction

Common Misconceptions

Believing power is more important than accuracy and placement
Thinking different shots need completely different preparations
Assuming smash is always the best attacking option
Not understanding the tactical value of defensive shots like clears
Believing that drop shots are weak shots rather than tactical weapons
Thinking that peer feedback is less valuable than teacher feedback

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement between stations, clear time boundaries, immediate feedback opportunities, leadership roles for focus

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, larger targets and equipment, extra practice time with teacher support, step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed, consistent routines at each station, advance warning of transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks and targets, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for movement around stations

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations with written station instructions, hand signals for rotation, visual timing cues instead of whistle

physical disability

Modified grip sizes, lighter rackets available, seated versions of activities where appropriate, reduced court distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems in golf game, measuring distances for accuracy, calculating improvement percentages, angles of trajectory for different shots

Science

Forces and motion in shuttlecock flight, gravity effects on trajectory, air resistance impact on different shots, energy transfer in racket to shuttlecock

Geography

Court mapping and spatial awareness, understanding directions and positions, tactical positioning relative to opponent

PSHE

Building confidence through skill development, peer support and encouragement, dealing with competitive pressure, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between circuit stations to observe technique, spend extra time at smash station for safety, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent contact points, shot selection decisions, peer interaction quality, safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if technique becomes dangerous, provide individual support for struggling students, manage competitive elements

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demos for technique, exaggerate key points for visibility, show common errors vs correct technique, involve student demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'High contact point for power!'
•'Soft touch for drop shots!'
•'Same preparation, different finish!'
•'Think tactically - where is your opponent?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or equivalent outdoor area minimum 20m x 30m for circuit stations and golf course

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, check for any wet areas or damage before lesson

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racket strings for fraying or breakage
•Inspect shuttlecocks for damaged feathers or splits
•Ensure hoops and targets are stable and won't tip
•Check nets are secure at correct height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions during circuit stations
•Powerful smash shots hitting other students
•Slips during dynamic warm-up activities
•Eye injuries from shuttlecock strikes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries between all circuit stations
•Controlled smash areas with adequate space behind targets
•Proper warm-up before vigourous activity
•Teach awareness of other students when hitting shots
•Emphasise looking up and communication

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all stations during circuit
•Pay special attention to smash station for powerful shots
•Monitor warm-up activity for safe sliding technique
•Watch for fatigue during extended activity periods

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students continue safely away from incident