Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Basic Striking
Fundamentals to Competition Tactics
•Year 5
•Badminton
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check all rackets for damage, adjust grip size with tape if needed
Alternative: Short tennis rackets if badminton rackets unavailable
Use plastic shuttles for beginners, feather for advanced students
Alternative: Foam balls or bean bags for initial practice
Mark court boundaries and target areas clearly
Alternative: Spots or chalk lines
Use to distinguish teams in competitive activities
Alternative: House team colours or none if clear organisation
Key Vocabulary
A balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move in any direction
Holding the racket as if shaking someone's hand, with thumb and finger forming a 'V' shape
The projectile used in badminton, with cork base and feather or synthetic 'skirt'
A striking action where the palm of the hand holding the racket faces the direction of the shot
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
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