Lesson 4 - Split Step & Chasse Skills
Fundamentals to Competition Tactics
•Year 5
•Badminton
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check racket strings are intact and handles are dry
Alternative: Tennis rackets with foam balls for beginners
Mix of feather and plastic depending on skill level
Alternative: Foam shuttles for outdoor use
Use to mark mini-courts and net lines
Alternative: Chalk lines or rope for court marking
Key Vocabulary
A small jump with feet apart that prepares you to move quickly in any direction
Moving both feet at the same time, bringing them closer together in the air before landing
Gentle, controlled shots that use minimal power but precise placement
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
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