🏸

Lesson 4 - Net Play and Reaction Skills

Advanced Shot Tactics

•

Year 6

•

Badminton

•

Big Question

How can quick reactions and precise net play help you control the game and force opponents into making errors?

Learning Objectives

React quickly to play shots at the net when the shuttle is close to the net area
Execute basic net play techniques using proper racquet positioning and body movement
Apply net play strategies in doubles games to force opponent errors

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved reaction time when moving to intercept shuttles at the net
Students will perform controlled net shots using correct racquet technique and footwork
Students will score and play doubles games incorporating net play tactics

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 courts

Check all racquets for string tension and damage before lesson

Alternative: Tennis racquets for students with grip strength issues

Balls

20-25 (mix of feather and plastic)

Use plastic shuttles for drill work, reserve feather for game play

Alternative: Balloon shuttles for students with visual tracking difficulties

Markers Cones

20-30

Mark clear boundaries for each court and service areas

Alternative: Chalk lines or tape for court boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Net Play

Shots played close to the net by both opponents, aiming to force errors or create winning opportunities

Reaction Time

The speed at which a player responds to the shuttle's movement or opponent's shot

Racquet Head Up

Keeping the racquet face pointing upward, ready to intercept and control the shuttle

Lunge

A quick forward movement with one foot to reach a shot while maintaining balance

Base Position

The central, ready position players return to after each shot

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic badminton grip and racquet control
Understanding of court areas and boundaries
Basic doubles rules and positioning

Current Skills

Quick reaction movements for net positioning
Net shot technique with racquet control
Tactical application of net play in games

Next Steps

Advanced net shot variations (tumbling net shots, tight net drops)
Combination play linking net shots with other techniques
Tournament-style doubles with advanced tactics

Milestone Indicators

Students can react within 1-2 seconds to teacher commands

Students maintain racquet control during net exchanges

Students attempt net play at appropriate moments in games

Key Teaching Points

Net play is tactical - it's about forcing opponent errors rather than hitting winners
Racquet head must stay up and ready for quick interception at the net
Quick reactions are developed through practice and anticipation of opponent's shots
Recovery to base position after each shot maintains strong court coverage
Doubles communication and positioning are crucial for effective net play
Progressive challenge from cooperative to competitive develops confidence
Integration of net play into game situations requires tactical awareness

Common Misconceptions

Net play is just about hitting hard - actually it's about control and placement
You need to get very close to the net - maintain appropriate distance for reaction time
Net shots should go down - most effective net shots have slight upward trajectory
Only advanced players can do net play - beginners can learn basic net skills safely
Net play doesn't work in doubles - it's actually more effective with good partner coordination

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with frequent changes, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, simplified instructions with visual prompts

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter equipment options, additional practice time for coordination, simplified movement patterns, step-by-step skill breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson progression, quiet spaces available for breaks, consistent routines and predictable structure, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for movement guidance, tactile markers for court boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, buddy system for communication, vibrating signals for activity changes

physical disability

Seated net play options, modified racquet grips, reduced court areas, adapted scoring systems, wheelchair-accessible court layouts

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Using odd and even numbers for doubles service rules, measuring reaction times in seconds, calculating court angles for shot placement

Science

Understanding reaction time and nervous system responses, forces and momentum in shuttle flight patterns, biomechanics of lunging movements

Geography

Court positioning and spatial awareness, understanding angles and directions for tactical shot placement

PSHE

Teamwork and communication in doubles partnerships, resilience when making errors, fair play and sporting behaviour

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during game play, position at corner for full visibility during instruction phases

Observation Focus

Watch for correct racquet positioning, reaction time improvement, and tactical application of skills

Intervention Points

Step in when students show poor technique that might lead to injury or when competitive behaviour becomes inappropriate

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, normal speed for tactical examples, exaggerate key positions for visual clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Racquet up!' for correct positioning
•'React and reach!' during reaction training
•'Gentle lift!' for controlled net shots
•'Back to base!' for recovery positioning

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum hall size 30m x 20m for 6 courts, clear height 7m minimum for overhead play

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, check for loose floorboards or damaged areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racquets for string tension and frame damage before lesson
•Inspect nets for proper height and secure fixing points
•Ensure shuttles are in good condition without damaged feathers

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students during dynamic movement activities
•Overextension during lunging movements at the net
•Eye injuries from shuttles during net play
•Slips and falls on potentially sweaty court surfaces

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each court area with adequate spacing
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic movements
•Emphasis on controlled movements rather than maximum speed
•Regular breaks to prevent fatigue-related injuries

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all court areas during games
•Monitor high-activity net areas where most collisions might occur
•Watch for signs of fatigue during competitive phases

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury level, apply appropriate first aid protocols, contact school medical support if needed