🏸

Lesson 6 - Tournament Play Basics

Shot Technique & Strategy

•

Year 5

•

Badminton

•

Big Question

How can we use tactical thinking and shot placement to consistently win rallies in competitive badminton matches?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate accurate serving and shot placement in tournament competition
To apply tactical thinking to create space and win points against opponents
To show resilience and sportsmanship during competitive matches

Key Outcomes

Students will serve accurately to specific court areas under pressure
Students will demonstrate tactical shot selection based on opponent positioning
Students will maintain fair play and resilience throughout tournament matches

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check rackets for loose strings or damage before tournament

Alternative: Shorter-handled rackets for students with coordination difficulties

Balls

15 (1 per court plus spares)

Test shuttles for correct flight - should arc and fall steeply

Alternative: Foam shuttles for students with visual impairments (brighter, slower)

Markers Cones

40 (8 per court minimum)

Create 5 mini-courts with clear boundaries, spaced safely apart

Alternative: Rope or chalk lines for permanent court marking

Nets

5 (1 per court)

Height approximately 1.2m at centre, slightly higher at posts

Alternative: Cones with rope/ribbon, benches turned on side

Clipboards

5 (1 per court)

Position where both players can see, appoint neutral scorekeeper if needed

Alternative: Simple paper scoresheets, students tracking own scores

Normative Data Charts

1 large display

Visible to all students showing current court positions and results

Alternative: Whiteboard with court numbers and student names

Key Vocabulary

Tactical placement

Deliberately hitting the shuttlecock to specific areas to gain an advantage

Tournament format

A structured competition where players compete in organised matches with progression

Ready position

Balanced stance in centre of court, prepared to move in any direction

Court positioning

Where you stand on court based on tactical situation and opponent position

Shot selection

Choosing the most appropriate shot based on shuttlecock position and tactical goals

Tiebreak

A single point played to determine winner when match is drawn

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand and backhand technique established
Understanding of court boundaries and scoring system
Experience with cooperative rally practice
Knowledge of ready position and basic footwork

Current Skills

Tactical shot placement under pressure
Serving accuracy in competitive situations
Adapting strategy based on opponent analysis
Maintaining performance consistency during tournaments

Next Steps

Advanced tactical combinations and shot sequences
Complex tournament formats and competitive strategies
Officiating and coaching peers during matches
Cross-sport tactical transfer to other net/wall games

Milestone Indicators

Consistently wins points through tactical placement rather than power

Demonstrates emotional regulation during competitive pressure

Shows leadership in organising and officiating matches

Articulates tactical decisions and reasoning clearly

Key Teaching Points

Tournament success comes from tactical thinking, not just technical skill
Serving accuracy becomes crucial under competitive pressure
Adapting tactics based on opponent analysis shows advanced understanding
Sportsmanship and resilience are as important as winning matches
Recovery to ready position must be maintained even when tired
Shot placement into spaces is more effective than powerful shots
Mental preparation between matches affects performance quality

Common Misconceptions

Hitting harder will automatically win more points - correct with placement focus
Good players don't need to change tactics against different opponents - emphasise adaptation
Losing matches means you're not improving - celebrate learning and effort
Tournament play is just about individual skill - highlight tactical thinking importance
Serving is less important than rally shots - emphasise serving as point foundation
Ready position doesn't matter when tired - reinforce consistent positioning
Fair play is less important during competition - strengthen sportsmanship emphasis

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use frequent position changes and varied opponents to maintain engagement. Provide clear, immediate feedback on tactical decisions.

dyspraxia

Allow additional preparation time for serves and shots. Use larger targets and provide extra tactical thinking time between points.

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament schedule and routine. Offer quiet space for breaks and visual tournament progression tracking.

visual impairment

Use bright coloured shuttlecocks and clear verbal descriptions of court positions. Provide tactile court boundary markers and verbal score calling.

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for time keeping and court changes. Provide written tournament rules and progress charts.

physical disability

Adapt court sizes for wheelchair users or reduced mobility. Allow seated play options and modified serving rules.

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Tournament brackets and progression calculations, scoring systems, timing and measurement of court dimensions

Science

Forces and angles in shuttlecock flight paths, reaction times in competitive situations, heart rate changes during tournament play

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, angles and directions for tactical placement

PSHE

Resilience during competitive challenges, fair play and integrity in self-scoring, respect for opponents and teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location allowing visual access to all tournament courts, mobile circulation during matches

Observation Focus

Balance between tactical development, technical safety, and emotional well-being during competition

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety issues, rule disputes, or students showing distress from competitive pressure

Demonstration Notes

Use live tournament examples to highlight tactical excellence and sportsmanship. Celebrate specific behaviours immediately when observed.

Verbal Cues

•'Look for the spaces!' during tactical moments
•'Great sportsmanship!' to reinforce positive behaviours
•'Think tactically!' to prompt strategic thinking
•'Championship behaviour!' to acknowledge excellence

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or gymnasium minimum 30m x 20m with 5 separate court areas clearly marked

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry and clean, free from any equipment or obstacles between courts

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All rackets checked for tight strings and secure handles before tournament
•Shuttlecocks tested for proper flight - replace damaged or inconsistent ones
•Court markers securely positioned and not presenting trip hazards
•Nets or net substitutes at appropriate height and safely anchored

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during intense rallies
•Overexertion during sustained competitive play
•Disputes or emotional reactions to competitive outcomes
•Equipment failure during matches affecting safety

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between courts to prevent interference
•Regular hydration breaks and monitoring for fatigue
•Clear dispute resolution procedures and adult mediation
•Continuous equipment monitoring and immediate replacement when needed
•Emphasis on controlled technique over power throughout tournament

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all 5 courts simultaneously
•Circulate between courts to monitor safety and fair play
•Intervene immediately in any disputes or unsafe play
•Monitor competitive intensity and emotional responses

Emergency Procedures

Stop all matches immediately if safety issue arises. Assess situation and provide appropriate first aid or support. Clear procedures for serious injury or emotional distress.