🏸

Lesson 2 - Doubles Serve & Smash Skills

Advanced Shot Tactics

•

Year 6

•

Badminton

•

Big Question

How can we use powerful attacking shots to control and win points in a doubles badminton game?

Learning Objectives

To master doubles serving rules and boundaries accurately
To develop positioning and technique for the smash shot
To apply smash shots tactically in doubles game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will serve consistently within doubles boundaries
Students will demonstrate correct positioning for smash shots
Students will attempt smash shots during competitive play

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 nets for multiple courts

Check racquet strings are intact and grips are secure

Alternative: Share racquets if insufficient, use tennis racquets for beginners

Balls

20-30 shuttlecocks

Mix of speeds - use slower shuttles for learning, faster for games

Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, balloon for introduction activities

Markers Cones

40 cones or markers

Clearly mark doubles service boxes and boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines, masking tape, existing court markings

Badminton Bingo Cards

1 per pair (15 sheets)

Laminated sheets with dry-wipe markers for reuse

Alternative: Skill checklist cards, teacher observation sheets

Key Vocabulary

Doubles Service Box

The specific area where the shuttle must land when serving in doubles - shorter and wider than singles

Smash Shot

A powerful attacking overhead shot hit downwards into the opponent's court

Whipping Action

Quick, explosive movement of the wrist and forearm to generate power in the smash

Court Positioning

Moving to the optimal place behind the shuttle to execute an effective shot

Attacking Shot

A shot played with the intention of winning the point immediately or gaining a significant advantage

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racquet grip and control from previous units
Understanding of singles court boundaries
Basic rally skills and underarm serve

Current Skills

Doubles service rules and boundaries
Positioning for overhead shots
Smash shot technique and application

Next Steps

Advanced doubles tactics and positioning
Drop shots and deceptive play
Competitive tournament play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent serves landing in correct service box

Moving efficiently to attack shuttles overhead

Making tactical shot choices in game play

Key Teaching Points

Doubles service must be underarm, from waist height, into the shorter service box
Smash shots require positioning behind the shuttle and hitting at the highest point
Whipping wrist action generates power in overhead shots more than arm strength
Communication and teamwork are essential for successful doubles play
Tactical shot selection - don't force smashes from poor positions
Safety through controlled technique and awareness of playing partners
Progressive skill development from practice to game application

Common Misconceptions

Thinking doubles serving rules are the same as singles - clarify the shorter service box
Believing power comes from arm strength alone - emphasise wrist action in smash
Assuming tramlines are always 'out' - explain they're 'in' during rallies but 'out' during service
Thinking you must smash every high shuttle - teach tactical shot selection
Believing you can serve overarm like tennis - reinforce underarm serving rule
Assuming doubles partners should stay on their own 'side' - teach proper court coverage

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger, slower shuttles, simplified movement patterns, additional practice time for coordination development

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles, clear verbal descriptions of court layout, tactile court boundary markers

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards, clear visual signals for game management

physical disability

Shorter racquets or modified grip sizes, seated play options, adjusted court sizes and serving distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles for smash shots, measuring court dimensions, keeping score and statistics

Science

Understanding forces in racquet sports, projectile motion of shuttlecock, energy transfer in power shots

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding of boundaries and area concepts

PSHE

Teamwork and communication, resilience when learning new skills, respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear view of all courts, move between courts during practice activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct serving technique, smash positioning, doubles communication and safety

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, if rules are misunderstood, or if games become too aggressive

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at full speed, emphasising safety throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Get behind the shuttle!'
•'Whip that wrist!'
•'Serve underarm!'
•'Communicate with your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4 badminton courts (13.4m x 6.1m each) with 2m clearance around all sides

Surface Check

Non-slip indoor surface, dry and clean, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings are intact and grips secure
•Inspect shuttlecocks for damage that might affect flight
•Ensure nets are properly tensioned and securely fastened
•Verify court markings are clear and non-slip

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet contact between players during doubles play
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Eye injury from shuttlecock or racquet
•Collision between players moving to same shuttle

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between courts
•Emphasis on controlled swinging and awareness of others
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving practice
•Communication training for doubles partnership

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all courts simultaneously
•Monitor high-activity areas during game play
•Circulate during practice to provide individual feedback
•Intervene immediately if unsafe play occurs

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required