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Lesson 1 - Strategic Shot Placement

Tactical Play & Tournament Prep

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Year 5

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can we use different shots and court positioning to outsmart our opponents in badminton?

Learning Objectives

To develop strategic shot placement skills in badminton
To understand how to move opponents around the court effectively
To apply tactical thinking during competitive rally games

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate ability to place shuttles in different court areas with increasing accuracy
Students will show understanding of tactical positioning and shot selection
Students will engage in sustained rallies whilst applying strategic thinking

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 nets

Check strings are intact and grips are secure before distribution

Alternative: Tennis rackets for beginners, table tennis bats for very young students

Balls

20-30 shuttles

Mix of feather and synthetic shuttles - synthetic more durable for class use

Alternative: Foam shuttles for beginners, balloon shuttles for very young students

Sun Markers

20 cones or spots

Use different colours to mark court areas and target zones

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers, bean bags

Bibs

15 sets

For identifying pairs and teams during competitive activities

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Rally

A sequence of shots between players before a point is won

Court placement

Deliberately hitting the shuttle to specific areas of the court

Centre position

The optimal position in the middle of your court area

Forehand

Hitting the shuttle on the same side as your racket hand

Backhand

Hitting the shuttle on the opposite side from your racket hand

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and stance
Simple shuttle hitting and catching
Understanding of court boundaries

Current Skills

Strategic shot placement to different court areas
Tactical movement and positioning
Rally maintenance with purpose

Next Steps

Advanced serve techniques and variations
Complex tactical combinations
Competitive game strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate placement to named areas

Deliberate tactical shot selection during rallies

Sustained competitive play with strategic thinking

Key Teaching Points

Strategic shot placement is more important than power in badminton
Returning to centre court position after each shot improves tactical options
Observing opponent weaknesses and adapting strategy is key to success
Controlled, accurate shots are more effective than powerful wild shots
Good sportsmanship enhances the tactical game for everyone
Tactical thinking can be applied to many sports beyond badminton
Practice and patience lead to improvement in placement accuracy

Common Misconceptions

That hitting harder always wins points - correct with emphasis on placement over power
That staying in one position is fine - teach importance of centre court recovery
That random shot selection is acceptable - emphasise deliberate tactical choices
That only winning matters - focus on skill improvement and good sportsmanship
That tactics are too complicated for Year 5 - show how strategic thinking is natural and enjoyable

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement breaks between activities

dyspraxia

Use larger shuttles initially, provide additional practice time, break skills into smaller sequential steps

autism spectrum

Establish clear routines and expectations, provide visual activity schedules, offer quiet break spaces when needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles and audible cues, provide tactile court markers, ensure clear verbal descriptions of activities

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written activity cards, ensure good line of sight for lip reading

physical disability

Provide seated playing positions, use lightweight rackets, modify court sizes and net heights as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting scores, calculating percentages of successful shots, measuring court areas and angles

Science

Forces and motion in shuttle flight paths, angles of trajectory, gravity effects on shuttle speed

Geography

Understanding of spatial relationships, mapping court areas, directional vocabulary

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents and rules

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing view of all courts, rotate between courts during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical thinking application, accuracy improvement, and safe technique

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with tactical concepts or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating shots, involve students in demonstrations where safe

Verbal Cues

•'Think tactically - where's the space?'
•'Return to centre after your shot!'
•'Great strategic thinking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6m x 13m per court, clear run-off areas of 2m minimum

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket strings and handles before use
•Ensure nets are properly tensioned and secured
•Inspect shuttles for damage that might affect flight

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions between students
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Eye contact with shuttles during overhead shots

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries with adequate spacing
•Emphasise controlled swinging and spatial awareness
•Teach proper ready position with racket awareness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all courts simultaneously
•Monitor competitive intensity levels
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, record incident as required