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Lesson 5 - Offensive Positioning & Talk

Advanced Shot Tactics

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Year 6

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can effective communication and strategic positioning help partners dominate in doubles badminton?

Learning Objectives

Play using offensive court positioning strategies for doubles badminton
Work cooperatively with a partner to communicate and coordinate attacks
Apply attacking principles to exploit opponents' weaknesses in doubles play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct offensive positioning with side-by-side starts and rotation patterns
Students will communicate effectively with partners during rally exchanges
Students will successfully execute offensive strategies to win points in doubles matches

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 courts

Check all racquets for damage and appropriate grip size

Alternative: Tennis racquets or lightweight racquets for beginners

Balls

6-8 for progression activities

Use slower speed shuttlecocks for better control

Alternative: Foam balls or balloon balls for modified practice

Cones

8-10 for court markers

Use to mark court boundaries and positioning zones

Alternative: Spot markers or chalk lines

Game Balls

6-8 for warm-up activities

Use for cooperative games requiring balance

Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls

Key Vocabulary

Offensive play

An attacking strategy where players position themselves to win points by putting pressure on opponents

Rotation

The movement pattern where partners switch between front and back court positions during play

Court positioning

Where players place themselves on the court to maximise their chances of winning points

Side-by-side formation

Starting position where both partners stand next to each other across the width of the court

Front court/Back court

Areas of the court - front court is near the net, back court is near the baseline

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic badminton grip and stance
Individual shot techniques (serve, clear, drop)
Understanding of court dimensions and basic rules
Simple rally exchanges with a partner

Current Skills

Offensive court positioning for doubles
Partner communication and coordination
Rotation patterns during attacking play
Strategic shot placement in doubles

Next Steps

Defensive positioning and strategies
Advanced doubles tactics and shot combinations
Tournament play with complex game situations
Mixed doubles positioning variations

Milestone Indicators

Maintains correct positioning throughout extended rallies

Communicates clearly and consistently with partner

Successfully wins points using offensive strategies

Demonstrates understanding of when to attack versus defend

Key Teaching Points

Offensive positioning starts with both partners side by side across the court width
Communication is essential for successful rotation and court coverage
The first shot should be deep to create attacking opportunities
Rotation requires one player moving back while the other covers front court
Back court player has authority to call for position changes
Working in harmony means trusting your partner and covering court efficiently
Practice positioning during non-competitive activities before applying in games

Common Misconceptions

Thinking offensive play means hitting hard rather than strategic positioning
Believing only one player needs to attack while the other defends
Assuming rotation means both players move at the same time
Confusing offensive positioning with aggressive or unsporting behaviour
Not understanding that communication is as important as physical skill
Thinking offensive play works the same in singles and doubles badminton

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

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

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for coordination skills, provide step-by-step positioning guides, use simplified movement patterns initially

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and structure, use visual schedules for lesson progression, allow processing time for new concepts

visual impairment

Use bright coloured shuttlecocks and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of positioning, assign sighted partners for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures for communication, demonstrate positioning clearly, provide written instructions for key concepts

physical disability

Modify positioning requirements as needed, use larger equipment for easier handling, adjust court size or playing area

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating court dimensions and angles, measuring distances for optimal positioning, understanding spatial relationships and geometry

Science

Forces and motion in racquet sports, understanding trajectory and momentum, physics of shuttlecock flight patterns

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and orientations, mapping court areas and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, communication and leadership, building positive relationships and trust with partners

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during practice to provide individual feedback, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for clear communication between partners, smooth rotation movements, appropriate tactical application during games

Intervention Points

Step in if partnerships are struggling with communication, provide additional demonstration if positioning is unclear, modify activities if groups are experiencing difficulty

Demonstration Notes

Use competent students for demonstrations when possible, show positioning slowly first then at game speed, emphasise communication and cooperation throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Side by side to start!'
•'Call out when you want to rotate!'
•'Work in harmony with your partner!'
•'Deep shot to attack!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or 4-6 badminton courts, clear overhead space minimum 7m high

Surface Check

Non-slip sports hall flooring, free from water or debris, court lines clearly marked

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racquets for cracks, loose strings, or sharp edges before use
•Inspect nets for proper tension and secure fixings
•Ensure shuttlecocks are in good condition without damaged feathers
•Verify cones and markers are stable and clearly visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between partners during positioning and rotation
•Eye injuries from shuttlecocks during fast exchanges
•Racquet contact during competitive doubles play
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise communication and spatial awareness during all activities
•Teach proper court coverage to avoid partner collisions
•Use slower shuttles to reduce impact force
•Maintain adequate spacing between courts during simultaneous play
•Clear instruction on rotation timing and movement patterns

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple courts during game play
•Monitor communication and cooperation between partners
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety and technique
•Ensure proper equipment handling throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if collision occurs, assess for injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact school first aid team if required