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Lesson 3 - Drop Shot Technique and Deception

Advanced Shot Tactics

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Year 6

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Badminton

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use deception and the drop shot to outsmart our opponents in badminton?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate correct drop shot technique using tap or push action
Execute a deceptive drop shot to outwit opponents
Apply tactical awareness to disrupt opponent's pattern of play

Key Outcomes

Students will perform drop shots with correct technique from midcourt to forecourt
Students will successfully deceive opponents using drop shot tactics
Students will understand when and why to use drop shots in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 courts

Check strings are intact and handle grip is secure

Alternative: Tennis racquets for beginners

Balls

15-20 (mix of plastic and feather)

Have extras available as shuttles can break easily

Alternative: Foam shuttles for indoor use

Markers Cones

20-30

Mark forecourt and midcourt areas clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines on outdoor courts

Collection Baskets

6-8

Place strategically around courts for shuttle collection

Alternative: Hoops or boxes

Key Vocabulary

Drop Shot

An attacking shot played from midcourt to opponent's forecourt with gentle tap action

Deception

Disguising your intended shot to mislead your opponent

Forecourt

The front area of the badminton court, close to the net

Midcourt

The middle area of the court where drop shots are typically played from

Recover

Return to central ready position after playing a shot

Tap Action

Gentle contact with shuttle using minimal wrist movement

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can hold racquet correctly with forehand grip
Students understand basic court positioning and movement
Students can play basic shots like clear and smash

Current Skills

Drop shot technique with tap/push action
Deceptive body movements before shot execution
Tactical application in game situations

Next Steps

Combining multiple shots in sequences
Advanced deception techniques
Tournament-style competitive play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact above shoulder height

Shuttle landing in forecourt 7/10 attempts

Successful deception causing opponent to move wrong direction

Key Teaching Points

Drop shot contact must be above shoulder height with gentle tap action
Deceptive preparation identical to smash or clear shot setup
Target forecourt area near net for drop shot placement
Tactical timing crucial - use when opponent expects power shot
Recovery to central position essential after playing drop shot
Practice deception through varied shot selection in games
Safety awareness during racquet swings and court movement

Common Misconceptions

Drop shot is defensive (actually attacking) - emphasise winning points and disrupting rhythm
Hit drop shot hard (should be gentle) - demonstrate tap/push action repeatedly
Can play drop shot from anywhere (best from midcourt) - show optimal positioning
Deception means being obvious (should be subtle) - practice identical preparations
Drop shot always wins points (tactical tool) - explain when and why to use it

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback and praise

dyspraxia

Larger shuttlecocks, simplified movement patterns, additional practice time, peer support partnerships

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks, verbal descriptions of court areas, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, tap signals for timing

physical disability

Seated badminton version, modified court size, adapted racquets, wheelchair accessible court areas

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, following and giving instructions, match commentary

Maths

Angles of shot trajectory, court measurements and proportions, scoring systems and statistics

Science

Forces in racquet swing, shuttle flight physics, muscle groups used in badminton movements

Geography

Court positioning and spatial awareness, directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Fair play and sportsmanship, coping with competition pressure, teamwork and communication

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe all students, position for demonstrations with clear sight lines

Observation Focus

Watch for correct contact point height, gentle technique, tactical awareness, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, competitive level too high, or students struggling with concepts

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique differences, involve students in demonstrations where safe, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Gentle tap, not hard hit!'
•'Contact above shoulder height!'
•'Set up like a smash, then surprise!'
•'Watch your opponent's movement!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Sports hall or outdoor courts, minimum 6m x 13m per court, clear surrounding area

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and equipment

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings are intact and handles secure
•Inspect shuttlecocks for damage before use
•Ensure nets are properly secured and appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet contact with others during swings
•Slips and falls when moving quickly
•Shuttlecock strikes to face or eyes

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between students and courts
•Clear rules about swing awareness
•Controlled movement during drills
•Appropriate supervision of competitive games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts and activities
•Monitor swing techniques for safety
•Watch competitive intensity levels

Emergency Procedures

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