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Lesson 1 - Introduction to Badminton Strategy

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 thinking and positioning to outwit our opponent in badminton?

Learning Objectives

Develop understanding of how to win points in badminton through tactical placement
Learn the importance of court positioning and recovery after shots
Apply basic badminton techniques using both throwing and racket skills

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by placing the shuttlecock in spaces away from opponents
Students will consistently return to the ready position after each shot or throw
Students will show improved control when using badminton rackets and shuttlecocks

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4 portable nets

Check rackets for damage, ensure appropriate size for Year 5 students

Alternative: Tennis rackets or table tennis bats for grip practice

Balls

1 per pair + 20 spares

Mix of feathered and plastic shuttlecocks for different abilities

Alternative: Balloons for less able students, foam balls for windy conditions

Cones

32 (8 courts x 4 corners)

Set up 5m x 2m mini courts with clear boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or rope to mark boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

Standing in the centre of the court, knees slightly bent, racket up, ready to move in any direction

Recovery

Returning to the ready position after playing a shot

Outwitting

Using tactics to beat your opponent by being cleverer than them

Shuttlecock

The feathered or plastic projectile used in badminton

Court Boundaries

The lines that mark the playing area - shuttlecock must land inside to be valid

Forehand

Hitting the shuttlecock with the palm of your hand facing forward

Backhand

Hitting the shuttlecock with the back of your hand facing forward

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills from earlier years
Understanding of simple game rules and turn-taking
Experience with aiming activities and target games
Basic spatial awareness and movement patterns

Current Skills

Tactical awareness in net games
Court positioning and ready position
Basic badminton racket handling
Understanding of winning and losing points

Next Steps

Advanced badminton strokes (clear, drop, smash)
Doubles play and team tactics
Competitive tournament play
Advanced court movement and positioning

Milestone Indicators

Consistently aims for spaces rather than directly at opponent

Automatically returns to centre court position

Shows understanding of consequences of shots landing out

Demonstrates both cooperative and competitive mindsets

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is fundamental - return to centre court after every shot or throw
Tactical awareness develops through questioning 'Where is the space?' before each shot
Cooperation before competition - build skills in supportive environment first
Recovery movement is as important as the shot itself - always return to ready position
Equipment progression from throwing to rackets allows differentiated skill development
Fair play and sportsmanship are equally important as tactical and technical skills
Shuttlecock flight characteristics are unique - students need time to understand and adapt

Common Misconceptions

Students think hitting harder makes shots better - emphasise control and placement over power
Belief that standing still is easier - demonstrate why movement and positioning are essential
Assumption that aiming at opponent is tactical - explain space creation and exploitation
Thinking ready position is just waiting - show it's active preparation for any shot
Misconception that badminton is easy - highlight skill and tactical complexity involved
Belief that winning is only about individual skill - emphasise tactical thinking and decision making

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Larger shuttlecocks for easier tracking, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, peer support partnerships

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet spaces available, predictable routine with advance warning of changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for game instructions, written rule cards available

physical disability

Seated play options, modified court sizes, lighter rackets or continue with throwing, extended time allowances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting points and scores, measuring court dimensions, angles of shuttlecock flight, geometry of court shapes

Science

Forces and motion in shuttlecock flight, air resistance affecting shuttlecock movement, reaction times and movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping court positions, directional vocabulary (north, south, east, west)

PSHE

Cooperation and competition balance, dealing with winning and losing, encouraging others, fair play values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing view of all mini courts, move between courts during games to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision making, court positioning, and safe racket technique development

Intervention Points

Step in when students not applying ready position, when competitive spirit becomes unsporting, or when technique needs correction

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for ready position visibility, demonstrate both cooperative and competitive mindsets clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Ready position!' as reminder for court positioning
•'Where's the space?' to encourage tactical thinking
•'Gentle contact!' for racket technique control
•'Back to centre!' for recovery movement

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m hall space to accommodate 8 mini courts (5m x 2m each) with walkways

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, appropriate for quick directional movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Badminton rackets checked for cracks or loose strings
•Shuttlecocks inspected for sharp or protruding feathers
•Cones positioned securely without sharp edges
•Nets at appropriate height (1.2m) and properly secured

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions between students during play
•Slips and falls during quick directional movements
•Eye injury from shuttlecock contact
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries with adequate spacing between courts
•Emphasis on controlled movements and awareness of others
•Progressive skill building from throwing to racket use
•Regular hydration breaks and monitoring for fatigue
•Clear rules about racket handling and safe swing techniques

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all courts simultaneously
•Move between courts during competitive play
•Monitor equipment use and safe handling techniques
•Watch for signs of overcompetitiveness or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact office for serious injuries