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Lesson 6 - Defensive Formations and Umpiring

Advanced Shot Tactics

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Year 6

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can tactical positioning and game officiating enhance our badminton performance and understanding?

Learning Objectives

To umpire a game of badminton using correct procedures and rules
To compete effectively using defensive formations in doubles play
To identify specific strategies for improvement in badminton performance

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently umpire games using official badminton rules
Students will demonstrate deep and centre defensive formations during gameplay
Students will analyse their performance and identify areas for improvement

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 (height 1.55m)

Check all racquets for loose strings or damage before lesson

Alternative: Tennis racquets or table tennis bats for adapted play

Balls

20-30 (mix of feather and plastic)

Have extras ready as shuttlecocks break frequently

Alternative: Foam balls or bean bags for beginners

Markers Cones

32 (8 per court for 4 courts)

Set up courts with clear service lines and boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape, or existing court markings

Score Sheets

8 (2 per court)

Pre-prepared sheets with space for multiple games

Alternative: Whiteboards or simple paper

Whistles

Ensure whistles are clean and working

Alternative: Hand signals only

Key Vocabulary

Deep Defence

A defensive formation where players position themselves near the back of the court to defend against powerful smash shots

Centre Defence

A defensive formation where players position themselves in the middle of the court to defend against shots from the back court

Umpiring

Officiating a game by making fair decisions about rules, scoring, and player conduct

Formation

The strategic positioning of teammates on the court to maximise defensive or offensive opportunities

Tactical Awareness

Understanding when and why to use different strategies based on the game situation

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic badminton shots (serve, clear, drop)
Understanding of court boundaries and basic rules
Experience playing doubles games cooperatively

Current Skills

Defensive positioning and formations
Umpiring skills and rule application
Performance analysis and improvement identification

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play in different situations
Tournament organisation and management
Coaching and mentoring younger students

Milestone Indicators

Confident movement between defensive positions

Accurate umpiring with minimal teacher support

Clear communication of improvement strategies

Key Teaching Points

Defensive formations must match the attacking situation - read opponents' positions
Umpiring requires confidence and consistency - trust your decisions and signal clearly
Partner communication is essential in doubles - constant talking improves defensive coordination
Body position in defence affects reaction time - low centre of gravity with weight forward
Fair play and respect for officials models excellent sportsmanship for lifelong participation
Tactical awareness develops through game experience - encourage analysis and adaptation
Skill transfer from badminton applies to many sports - emphasise universal defensive principles

Common Misconceptions

Thinking one defensive formation works for all situations - teach situational awareness
Believing umpiring is about making friends happy - emphasise fairness over popularity
Assuming defensive play is passive - show how it creates attacking opportunities
Thinking perfect technique matters more than tactical understanding - balance both aspects
Believing competition reduces fun - demonstrate how skills and rules enhance enjoyment

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent position changes, clear role definitions, regular positive feedback, shorter game segments with breaks

dyspraxia

Larger shuttlecocks, simplified court layouts, extra practice time for formations, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules, structured rotation system, quiet spaces available, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Bright coloured shuttlecocks, tactile court boundaries, clear verbal cues for all instructions, buddy system for court navigation

hearing impairment

Visual signals for all communications, written rule cards, clear demonstrations, sign language support if available

physical disability

Seated badminton variations, shorter racquets, lower nets, modified court sizes, focus on upper body movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication skills for umpiring, technical vocabulary development, constructive feedback language

Maths

Scoring systems, court measurements and angles, statistical analysis of game results

Science

Forces in racquet sports, projectile motion of shuttlecock, reaction times and reflexes

Geography

Badminton as global sport, Olympic venues, cultural significance in different countries

PSHE

Leadership development through umpiring, conflict resolution, teamwork and cooperation in defensive play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sightlines to all courts, move between courts during games

Observation Focus

Defensive formation accuracy, umpiring confidence, partner communication, tactical decision-making

Intervention Points

Support struggling umpires, correct unsafe movements, mediate disputes, encourage positive play

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for formations, demonstrate confident umpiring posture and signals

Verbal Cues

•'Read their position!'
•'Clear signal!'
•'Communicate with your partner!'
•'Trust your decision!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m, preferably sports hall with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquets for loose strings or cracked frames
•Ensure nets are securely fastened and at correct height
•Verify shuttlecocks are in good condition
•Check court markers are firmly placed

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet contact between players
•Collisions during quick defensive movements
•Tripping over court boundaries or nets
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate spacing between courts
•Controlled movement practice before full games
•Regular rotation to prevent fatigue
•Umpires positioned safely away from play areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts simultaneously
•Monitor defensive movement quality to prevent injury
•Watch for signs of fatigue during competitive games
•Ensure fair play and emotional management

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal, assess injury, appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required