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Lesson 1 - Smash Shot Basics & Doubles

Advanced Shot Tactics

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Year 6

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can we use power and precision together to win points in badminton?

Learning Objectives

Learn the smash shot technique and understand when to use it effectively
Demonstrate a range of shots during doubles play scenarios
Develop teamwork skills to defend and attack as a partnership

Key Outcomes

Students will attempt the smash shot with correct body positioning and timing
Students will work cooperatively with a partner to score and defend points
Students will demonstrate improved tactical awareness in doubles play

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4 nets for 4 courts

Check string tension and grip comfort before lesson

Alternative: Tennis racquets for beginners, table tennis bats for modified games

Balls

20-30 shuttlecocks

Mix of speeds - slower shuttles for skill practice

Alternative: Foam shuttles for beginners, balloon for practice

Markers Cones

32 cones (8 per court)

Mark service lines and court boundaries clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or tape for boundaries

Video Device

Queue up smash technique video for skill introduction

Alternative: Printed technique images, demonstration posters

Key Vocabulary

Smash

An aggressive overhead shot hit downwards with power to finish a rally

Trajectory

The path the shuttlecock travels through the air

Doubles

A game format with two players on each side working as partners

Rally

The exchange of shots between opponents until a point is won

Contact Point

The optimal position to hit the shuttlecock - high and in front

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racquet grip and control
Underarm serving technique
Clear and drop shot execution
Court awareness and boundaries

Current Skills

Smash shot technique and application
Doubles positioning and teamwork
Aggressive attacking play
Tactical shot selection

Next Steps

Advanced smash variations
Complex doubles strategies
Competitive tournament play
Coaching and leadership roles

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact point above and in front of body

Steep downward trajectory on smash shots

Effective partner communication during rallies

Tactical awareness of when to attack vs defend

Key Teaching Points

Smash shot is played from mid to fore court position
Create steep trajectory by hitting high and in front of body
Contact point must be above and in front for maximum power
Use whipping action for acceleration through contact
Move feet to position under shuttlecock for optimal technique
In doubles, work as partnership for court coverage and tactics
Feeding quality determines hitting success in practice

Common Misconceptions

Thinking smash is only about power - actually trajectory and timing are more important
Hitting from behind the body instead of in front reduces effectiveness significantly
Believing smash can be used from any court position - mid to fore court is optimal
Assuming doubles players should stay in fixed positions - movement and communication are key
Thinking feeding is easy - quality feeds are essential for successful smash practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, regular movement breaks, clear individual goals

dyspraxia

Larger shuttlecocks initially, simplified technique focus, extra practice time with adult support

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule cards, quiet practice spaces available

visual impairment

Bright coloured shuttlecocks, verbal cues for court positioning, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written technique cards

physical disability

Seated badminton version, adapted racquets, modified court sizes and heights

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in shuttlecock flight, gravity effects on trajectory, biomechanics of overhead striking

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, directional movement and orientation

PSHE

Partnership cooperation, fair play and sportsmanship, resilience when learning difficult skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between courts for maximum visibility, move to individuals for specific feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for smash technique development, doubles cooperation, and safe play practices

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, partnerships not working, or rules being forgotten

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate smash technique for visibility, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'High contact point!'
•'Move your feet to position!'
•'Steep trajectory down!'
•'Work together as partners!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4 badminton courts (13.4m x 6.1m each) with adequate run-off areas

Surface Check

Non-slip court surface, dry conditions, clear of equipment debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings for loose or broken strands
•Ensure shuttlecocks are not damaged or split
•Verify net height and stability
•Court boundaries clearly marked

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students during movement
•Racquet contact with other players
•Slips and falls during dynamic movement
•Eye injury from shuttlecock impact

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing rules between courts and pairs
•Controlled swinging action emphasised
•Progressive skill building from shadow practice to live shots
•Immediate stop commands when necessary

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts simultaneously
•Monitor high-activity areas during warm-up and games
•Active intervention for safety rule reminders

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact medical support if required