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Lesson 4 - Split Step & Chasse Skills

Fundamentals to Competition Tactics

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Year 5

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can quick footwork and gentle touches help me control my opponent's position on the court?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate a split step and understand its tactical use
To chasse effectively to reach shots near the net
To play deft shots with controlled power and placement

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to execute a split step as preparation for movement
Students will move efficiently using chasse steps to reach net shots
Students will demonstrate touch control through gentle shot placement

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 portable nets

Check racket strings are intact and handles are dry

Alternative: Tennis rackets with foam balls for beginners

Balls

15-20

Mix of feather and plastic depending on skill level

Alternative: Foam shuttles for outdoor use

Cones

20-30 assorted colours

Use to mark mini-courts and net lines

Alternative: Chalk lines or rope for court marking

Key Vocabulary

Split Step

A small jump with feet apart that prepares you to move quickly in any direction

Chasse

Moving both feet at the same time, bringing them closer together in the air before landing

Deft Shots

Gentle, controlled shots that use minimal power but precise placement

Touch Play

Playing shots close to the net with soft control rather than power

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and shuttle control
Simple forehand and backhand strokes
Basic court positioning awareness

Current Skills

Split step preparation technique
Chasse movement for net approach
Touch and power variation in shots

Next Steps

Combining movements in rally sequences
Advanced tactical shot placement
Reading opponent weaknesses

Milestone Indicators

Consistent split step timing with opponent contact

Smooth chasse movement with correct landing position

Controlled variation between power shots and deft touches

Key Teaching Points

Split step timing is crucial - exactly as opponent makes contact with shuttle
Chasse movement requires both feet off ground together, not running steps
Deft shots need softer grip and gentler wrist action than power shots
Landing position in chasse must be racket leg forward for optimal shot preparation
Peer support and feedback enhances learning for everyone
Linking skills together is more important than perfect individual techniques
Tactical understanding develops through game application, not just practice

Common Misconceptions

Split step should be a big jump - actually it's a small, quick preparation movement
Chasse is just running sideways - it's a specific technique with feet together in air
Deft shots are just weak shots - they require precise control and placement
Footwork is separate from racket work - they must be coordinated together
You can't give feedback unless you're the teacher - peer learning is valuable
Perfect technique is required before playing games - application helps develop skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and expectations, movement breaks, immediate positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Slower pace for footwork learning, larger equipment where appropriate, additional practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule cards for lesson stages, quiet space available, advance warning of transitions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured shuttles, clear verbal cues for movement, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile markers for court boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for timing cues, written instruction cards, partner system for communication

physical disability

Seated chasse practice focusing on upper body, adapted grip techniques, modified court sizes, alternative scoring systems

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Timing and rhythm in split step, angles of chasse movement, scoring systems and number operations

Science

Forces in jumping and landing, momentum in chasse movement, grip pressure and shuttle control

Geography

Court spatial awareness, directional movement vocabulary, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Perseverance when learning complex skills, supporting teammates, honest self-assessment and reflection

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between practice groups during skills, central position for Prison Break, circle edge for reflection

Observation Focus

Split step timing, chasse landing position, grip adjustment for deft shots, peer interaction quality

Intervention Points

When safety is compromised, when technique errors become habitual, when students need encouragement or challenge

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate split step timing, show chasse in slow motion then normal speed, contrast power vs deft grip clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Split step as soon as you see contact!'
•'Feet together in the air, racket leg forward on landing!'
•'Soften your grip for gentle touches!'
•'Great support for your teammate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or 4 badminton courts minimum, clear overhead space for shuttles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, no wet areas, adequate grip for quick movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket strings and handles before use
•Ensure shuttles are in good condition
•Cones positioned to avoid trip hazards
•Nets at appropriate height to prevent collision

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket contact between students during movement
•Slips during chasse footwork
•Collision during Prison Break game
•Shuttle strikes to face or eyes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spatial boundaries between practice areas
•Emphasis on controlled movement over speed
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Consistent safety reminders about racket handling

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple groups during practice
•Closer supervision during Prison Break for collision prevention
•Monitor fatigue levels during intensive footwork practice
•Ensure proper technique to prevent injury

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ice available for minor impacts, clear evacuation route maintained