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Lesson 3 - Tactics to Outwit Opponents

Doubles Strategy Mastery

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Year 6

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can we use tactical shot placement and court positioning to consistently outwit opponents in badminton?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate and apply different ways of outwitting an opponent to score points
To demonstrate effective use of space through tactical shot placement
To evaluate and improve performance through competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently use forehand and backhand shots tactically to win points
Students will demonstrate understanding of court positioning and recovery
Students will apply learned techniques effectively in competitive situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check all rackets for damage before distribution

Alternative: Tennis rackets or table tennis bats for modified play

Balls

20 (mix of feather and plastic)

Have extras available as shuttlecocks can be damaged during play

Alternative: Balloons or foam balls for beginners

Cones

24 (for court marking)

Set up mini courts before lesson begins

Alternative: Spot markers or chalk lines

Nets

6 (for mini courts)

Position at appropriate height for Year 6 students

Alternative: Cones to represent net height

Score Sheets

6 (for tournament)

Pre-prepared with student names and match fixtures

Alternative: Whiteboards or clipboards

Bibs

12 (for umpires)

Help identify umpires during games

Alternative: Different coloured bands

Key Vocabulary

Tactical placement

Deliberately hitting the shuttlecock to specific areas of the court to create advantages

Recovery position

Returning to the centre court position after playing a shot to be ready for the return

Court awareness

Understanding where you and your opponent are positioned and where space exists

Shot selection

Choosing the most appropriate shot based on the situation and opponent position

Outwitting

Using clever tactics and placement to gain an advantage over an opponent

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand and backhand striking techniques
Understanding of court boundaries and net play
Experience with serving and rally play

Current Skills

Tactical shot placement to create space
Consistent court positioning and recovery
Competitive game application of techniques

Next Steps

Advanced shot selection under pressure
Complex tactical patterns and game strategies
Leadership roles in coaching and officiating

Milestone Indicators

Wins rallies through tactical placement rather than power

Maintains good court position throughout games

Demonstrates understanding of opponent weaknesses

Key Teaching Points

Tactical shot placement is more effective than power hitting
Recovery to centre court position is essential after every shot
Court awareness and opponent observation lead to better shot selection
Consistent serving technique provides foundation for tactical play
Good sportsmanship and fair officiating are integral to badminton
Progressive competition builds confidence and skill application
Reflection and evaluation improve future performance

Common Misconceptions

That hitting hard is always better than hitting accurately - emphasise placement over power
That staying where you hit the shot is acceptable - stress importance of recovery position
That the same shot works in all situations - teach adaptability based on opponent position
That serving is just about getting the shuttlecock over - focus on tactical serving placement
That winning is more important than fair play - reinforce sportsmanship values
That umpiring is less important than playing - highlight the skill and responsibility required

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game segments, clear role definitions, regular movement and activity changes

dyspraxia

Larger courts for easier targeting, simplified scoring systems, extra time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure displayed visually, predictable rotation patterns, quiet zones for breaks

visual impairment

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

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game starts/stops, written score sheets, clear hand signals for umpiring

physical disability

Modified court sizes, seated play options, adapted serving techniques from wheelchair

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems, geometric understanding of court angles, statistical analysis of match results

Science

Forces and motion in shuttlecock flight, physics of racket swing mechanics

Geography

Spatial awareness, mapping court positions, understanding of directional language

PSHE

Resilience in competitive situations, cooperation in officiating roles, respect for rules and opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with visibility of all courts, moving between groups to provide feedback

Observation Focus

Tactical shot selection and placement accuracy; Court positioning and recovery movement; Serving technique and consistency; Sportsmanship and fair play during competition

Intervention Points

["Step in when tactical awareness is lacking", "Support students struggling with competitive pressure", "Reinforce safety protocols if play becomes too intense"]

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing techniques, involve students in demonstrations, emphasise tactical thinking over power

Verbal Cues

•'Hit it away from your opponent!'
•'Get back to the centre!'
•'Watch where they're standing!'
•'Think about your next shot!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor courts, minimum 30m x 20m for 6 mini courts

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and with clear boundaries

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all rackets for loose strings or damaged frames
•Ensure shuttlecocks are in good condition
•Verify nets/cones are securely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between players during enthusiastic play
•Racket contact with other students
•Tripping over court boundaries or equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries with adequate spacing between courts
•Established protocols for ball collection
•Progressive skill building before competitive games
•Active supervision during all game phases

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple courts simultaneously
•Monitor game intensity and player fatigue
•Ensure fair play and appropriate competition level

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required