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Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Basic Striking

Fundamentals to Competition Tactics

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Year 5

•

Badminton

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use proper positioning and technique to control where the shuttle goes?

Learning Objectives

To assume and maintain an effective ready position
To develop basic forehand striking technique with control
To demonstrate correct grip and shuttle handling

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently assume a balanced ready position
Students will strike a shuttle with increasing accuracy using forehand technique
Students will link movement skills to perform coordinated sequences

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check all rackets for damage, adjust grip size with tape if needed

Alternative: Short tennis rackets if badminton rackets unavailable

Balls

15-20 (mix of feather and plastic)

Use plastic shuttles for beginners, feather for advanced students

Alternative: Foam balls or bean bags for initial practice

Cones

20-30

Mark court boundaries and target areas clearly

Alternative: Spots or chalk lines

Bibs

15 (different colours)

Use to distinguish teams in competitive activities

Alternative: House team colours or none if clear organisation

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

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

Handshake Grip

Holding the racket as if shaking someone's hand, with thumb and finger forming a 'V' shape

Shuttlecock/Shuttle

The projectile used in badminton, with cork base and feather or synthetic 'skirt'

Forehand

A striking action where the palm of the hand holding the racket faces the direction of the shot

Underarm Strike

A low-to-high striking action where the racket moves upward from below waist height

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hand-eye coordination from ball games
Understanding of ready positions from other sports
Simple striking actions from tennis or rounders

Current Skills

Badminton-specific ready position
Correct racket grip technique
Basic forehand striking action
Movement coordination with equipment

Next Steps

Backhand striking technique
Overhead clear shots
Tactical positioning in games
Simple rally techniques

Milestone Indicators

Maintains balanced ready position throughout activity

Strikes shuttle with consistent contact point

Demonstrates smooth transition between movements

Shows understanding of cause and effect in shuttle flight

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is foundation of all badminton skills - emphasis throughout lesson
Handshake grip must be maintained consistently for effective technique
Underarm striking only - racket head below wrist for legal serves
Shuttle aerodynamics - cork heavy, feathers light, affects flight pattern
Movement before striking - feet first, then hands for better positioning
Controlled technique more important than power in skill development
Positive sportsmanship and encouragement enhance everyone's learning

Common Misconceptions

Harder hitting equals better technique - emphasise control and accuracy first
Ready position is only for start of point - needed throughout rally
Any grip will work - specific badminton grip essential for wrist action
Shuttle can be hit like tennis ball - unique aerodynamics require different approach
Competition is only about winning - focus on skill application and improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, movement breaks built in, clear behavioural expectations, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter equipment, extra demonstration time, break skills into smaller steps, additional physical support

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual activity cards, quiet zones available, consistent partner pairings, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured shuttles or balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy, use larger targets

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals for instructions, written key point cards, ensure facing student when speaking

physical disability

Seated variations of ready position, modified grip for different hand abilities, shorter striking distances, lightweight rackets

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting scores and strikes, measuring court distances, calculating success rates and improvement percentages

Science

Understanding flight physics of shuttlecock, forces in striking actions, balance and centre of gravity in ready position

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directions and movement patterns, understanding court boundaries and areas

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, resilience through challenge, fair play and sportsmanship, goal setting and self-reflection

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around outside of activity areas for clear view of all students, position near potential problem areas during competitive activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip maintenance, consistent ready position, controlled striking technique, positive social interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when technique consistently incorrect, safety concerns arise, or students become frustrated with challenges

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate from position visible to all students, use exaggerated movements for clarity, invite students to demonstrate good technique, contrast correct and incorrect technique clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Handshake grip!' for grip corrections
•'Invisible chair!' for ready position
•'Cork down!' for shuttle holding
•'Smooth and controlled!' for striking technique

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 18m x 9m clear space, ideally sports hall with badminton court markings

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, appropriate footwear worn

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rackets for loose strings, cracked frames, or sharp edges
•Inspect shuttles for damage that might affect flight
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions during movement activities
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
•Eye injuries from shuttlecock strikes
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain 2m minimum spacing between pairs during striking practice
•Establish clear movement boundaries to prevent collisions
•Teach safe racket carrying and handling from start
•Progressive skill building to avoid technique breakdown
•Regular hydration breaks during intense activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all striking activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during competitive games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration affecting safety
•Ensure immediate response to any equipment damage

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, arrange medical support if needed, complete incident reports