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Lesson 4 - Creating Space to Win a Point

Shot Technique & Strategy

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Year 5

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can we use tactical shot placement to win points in badminton?

Learning Objectives

To develop students' ability to create space on court through tactical shot placement
To refine understanding of when to apply forehand and backhand in game situations
To apply accurate forehand and backhand techniques to win points

Key Outcomes

Students can select appropriate shots to create space on court
Students demonstrate understanding of tactical positioning and shot selection
Students can consistently return to ready position after each shot

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 (depending on court setup)

Check racket strings are intact, appropriate weight for Year 5 students

Alternative: Tennis rackets or short-handled rackets for smaller hands

Balls

15 (1 per pair plus spares)

Use plastic shuttlecocks for outdoor courts, feather for indoor

Alternative: Foam shuttlecocks for beginners, plastic shuttlecocks for durability

Markers Cones

24 (6 per court)

Mark corners and service areas clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape, or rope to mark boundaries

Markers

Place in corners and sides of courts for aiming practice

Alternative: Hoops, mats, or cones for target areas

Scorecards

15 (1 per pair)

Simple tally charts for tracking points

Alternative: Mini whiteboards or paper sheets

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

Central court position with racket up, knees bent, weight forward

Forehand

Shot played on the dominant side of the body with palm facing forward

Backhand

Shot played on the non-dominant side of the body with back of hand facing forward

Creating Space

Hitting the shuttlecock away from opponent to make them move and create gaps

Recovery

Returning to ready position after playing a shot to prepare for next return

Shot Placement

Deliberately aiming the shuttlecock to specific areas of the opponent's court

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand and backhand technique
Understanding of court boundaries and net rules
Ability to serve and return shuttlecock

Current Skills

Tactical shot placement to create space
Decision making between forehand and backhand shots
Understanding of ready position and court recovery

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play including drop shots and smashes
Understanding of doubles positioning and teamwork
Competitive game strategies and match play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent return to ready position after each shot

Appropriate shot selection based on shuttlecock position

Evidence of tactical thinking in shot placement

Key Teaching Points

Always return to ready position in centre court after playing any shot
Select forehand or backhand based on shuttlecock position relative to body
Create space by hitting shuttlecock away from opponent's current position
Use controlled technique even when trying to win points competitively
Maintain good sportsmanship throughout competitive activities
Think tactically about shot placement rather than just returning the shuttlecock
Develop understanding that winning comes from intelligent play, not just power

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Hitting harder always wins points' - Correct: Placement and accuracy are more important than power
Misconception: 'Stay where you hit the shot' - Correct: Always return to centre ready position for next shot
Misconception: 'Use the same shot every time' - Correct: Select forehand or backhand based on shuttlecock position
Misconception: 'Just get the shuttlecock back over the net' - Correct: Think about where to place it tactically
Misconception: 'Competition means being unfriendly' - Correct: Good sportsmanship enhances competitive play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, movement breaks between sections, simple scoring systems, clear visual boundaries

dyspraxia

Larger shuttlecocks for easier contact, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available, predictable partner arrangements

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks, verbal descriptions of court layout, tactile boundary markers, buddy system for court navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, visual scoreboards

physical disability

Shorter rackets or adapted grips, seated play options, modified court sizes, wheelchair accessible court setup

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of racket head for shot direction, measuring court distances, calculating rally lengths and scoring patterns

Science

Forces and motion in shuttlecock flight, angles of trajectory, cause and effect in tactical shot placement

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and court orientation, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Competitive sportsmanship, cooperation and competition balance, resilience when losing points, respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between courts to observe all pairs, position at corners for maximum court visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for shot selection accuracy, centre return consistency, and tactical thinking development

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down under pressure, guide tactical discussions, ensure fair competitive play

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, highlight tactical thinking through questioning, model competitive sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Back to centre!'
•'Which shot - forehand or backhand?'
•'Where's the space?'
•'Great tactical thinking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4 badminton courts (8m x 13m each) with 2m clear space around each court

Surface Check

Indoor sports hall with non-slip surface, free from water or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket strings are intact and handles secure
•Ensure shuttlecocks are in good condition without sharp edges
•Verify nets are properly tensioned and secure
•Confirm boundary markers are clearly visible and won't cause trips

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students during competitive play
•Eye injury from shuttlecock contact
•Trips from court boundary markers
•Racket contact between players

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries with adequate spacing
•Students awareness of adjacent courts and players
•Controlled competitive play with teacher supervision
•Proper warm-up to prepare for dynamic movements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Move between courts during competitive games
•Monitor equipment handling and storage
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention needed