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Lesson 4 - Close Control

Tactical Play & Tournament Prep

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Year 5

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Badminton

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use gentle touches and clear communication to work successfully with a partner in badminton?

Learning Objectives

Develop reaction time and close control, including controlling the shuttle over short distances
Play cooperatively in modified doubles games with effective partner communication
Execute soft touches and net-ready skills for advanced badminton play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled, gentle shuttle play over short distances
Students will communicate effectively with partners during collaborative games
Students will show improved reaction time and anticipation skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 nets

Check grip size is appropriate for Year 5 hands

Alternative: Tennis racquets or short-handled racquets for beginners

Balls

15-20 (allowing for breakages)

Mix of plastic and feather if available - plastic for beginners

Alternative: Foam shuttles or small sponge balls for developing students

Cones

25 (various colours)

For marking playing areas and boundaries

Alternative: Markers or spots

Small Foam Balls

10-15

For adaptation of Ferris wheel activity for struggling students

Alternative: Foam balls or bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Close control

Playing the shuttle with gentle touches over short distances

Soft touch

A gentle hit that keeps the shuttle close and controlled

Reaction time

How quickly you can respond to the shuttle's movement

Doubles collaboration

Working effectively with a partner to cover the court and communicate

Net shot

A gentle shot played close to the net to make it difficult for opponents

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic shuttle control from previous lessons
Understanding of forehand and backhand grips
Experience working in pairs during PE activities

Current Skills

Soft touch shuttle control over short distances
Partner communication during collaborative games
Reaction time and anticipation development

Next Steps

Introduction to formal doubles rules and positioning
Net shot technique development
Advanced tactical awareness in doubles play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent gentle touches without power hits

Clear verbal and non-verbal communication with partners

Quick reactions to changing shuttle direction

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise gentle wrist control over arm power for close shuttle control
Model and reinforce positive partner communication throughout all activities
Connect soft touch skills to real badminton applications like net shots
Celebrate collaborative success over individual achievement
Use clear, specific feedback about technique rather than general praise
Maintain focus on skill development even during competitive game phases
Encourage problem-solving and adaptation when activities don't go as planned

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking harder hits are always better - emphasise control over power
Believing competition means not helping your partner - reinforce collaborative approach
Assuming good badminton requires expensive equipment - discuss accessibility alternatives
Thinking quick reactions mean rushing - teach controlled, purposeful movement
Believing they can't improve if they struggle initially - emphasise growth mindset

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, specific roles and responsibilities, regular praise and feedback opportunities

dyspraxia

Larger shuttles or foam alternatives, simplified movement patterns, additional practice time with basic skills

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, consistent partner throughout lesson

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles and racquets, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, pair with sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, ensure facing student when speaking, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated versions of activities where appropriate, modified racquet grips, adapted shuttle throwing games without racquets

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with badminton terminology, giving clear instructions and explanations to partners

Maths

Counting rally attempts, measuring court areas, exploring angles of shuttle flight and trajectory

Science

Forces and motion - understanding how gentle force creates controlled movement, gravity's effect on shuttle flight

Geography

Spatial awareness, understanding direction and positioning on court, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Communication skills, teamwork and collaboration, dealing with frustration and celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities to provide individual feedback, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for gentle technique development, quality of partner communication, and application of skills in game situations

Intervention Points

Step in if students become overly competitive, provide support for struggling partnerships, ensure fair rotation in games

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show contrast between power and control, involve students in demonstrations to model good communication

Verbal Cues

•'Gentle touches - imagine the shuttle is made of soap bubbles!'
•'Talk to your partner - let them know where you are!'
•'Use your wrist, not your whole arm for soft shots!'
•'Help your partner succeed - don't make it too difficult!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space minimum 20m x 15m, or multiple smaller courts with clear boundaries between activities

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate ceiling height for shuttle flight

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racquet grips are secure and appropriate size for students
•Inspect shuttlecocks for damage - remove broken feathers or cracked plastic
•Ensure nets are at appropriate height and securely fastened
•Verify cone markers are visible and positioned safely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet collisions between students during partner work
•Trips and falls while moving quickly to reach shuttles
•Eye injuries from shuttlecocks, particularly during enthusiastic game play
•Overexertion during competitive phases

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Emphasise controlled movements and awareness of others
•Regular reminders about gentle hits and shuttle control
•Monitor energy levels and provide water breaks as needed
•Clear rules about racquet handling and shuttle retrieval

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple groups during Ferris wheel activity
•Monitor closely during pairs work for communication and spatial awareness
•Active observation during competitive games to ensure fair play and safety
•Check for signs of fatigue or frustration throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation calmly, apply appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed