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Lesson 1 - Ready Position & Forehand

Technical to Tactical Progression

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Year 6

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can a ready position and proper grip help us control where the shuttlecock goes?

Learning Objectives

To master the ready position for effective movement and balance
To develop accurate forehand striking technique with proper grip
To link movement skills in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate a balanced ready position consistently
Students will strike the shuttlecock accurately using forehand technique
Students will apply striking skills in competitive game scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check all rackets for damage, ensure appropriate weight for Year 6

Alternative: Tennis rackets, table tennis bats for modified practice

Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Use plastic shuttlecocks for durability, real feather for demonstration

Alternative: Foam shuttlecocks for beginners, balloon for initial practice

Cones

Different colours for different zones/activities

Alternative: Spots, bean bags for marking positions

Hoops

15 (for goals)

Large hoops work better as visible targets

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, small mats

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

Balanced stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, racket held centrally

Handshake Grip

Holding the racket as if shaking hands with the handle

Forehand

Striking the shuttlecock on your dominant side with palm facing forward

Shuttlecock

The projectile used in badminton with feathers and cork base

Underarm Strike

Hitting the shuttlecock from below waist height with upward motion

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing skills
Understanding of simple racket sports
Ability to follow multi-step instructions

Current Skills

Ready position for quick movement
Handshake grip technique
Underarm forehand striking
Basic shuttlecock control

Next Steps

Backhand striking technique
Overhead clear shots
Advanced footwork patterns
Tactical game play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ready position maintenance

Accurate forehand strikes 7/10 times

Quick recovery to ready position after strikes

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is foundation - knees bent, weight forward, racket central
Handshake grip allows maximum wrist flexibility and control
Shuttlecock held by feathers with cork down prevents spinning
Underarm strikes keep racket head below waist height for legal play
Gentle controlled strikes develop accuracy before power
Quick return to ready position after every shot
Positive encouragement improves everyone's performance

Common Misconceptions

Students think power is more important than accuracy - emphasise control first
Many believe racket should be gripped like a hammer - demonstrate handshake comparison
Some think ready position means standing still - show it's actually dynamic and bouncy
Students often focus only on their own performance - encourage celebrating others' success
Many assume shuttlecock should be hit hard like a ball - explain its unique flight characteristics

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and expectations, leadership roles to maintain engagement, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger equipment options, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual timetable of lesson sections, quiet space available if needed, predictable partner arrangements

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, use of visual signals for game management

physical disability

Adapted rackets with straps, seated striking positions, modified goals and distances as appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, describing techniques to partners, using specific vocabulary accurately

Maths

Counting scores accurately, measuring distances, calculating tournament positions and angles of shots

Science

Understanding forces in racket striking, air resistance on shuttlecock flight, body mechanics in movement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition pressure, showing respect and encouragement to others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Station yourself at corner of court for optimal visibility of all pairs during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip maintenance, safe striking technique, and positive partner interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when technique becomes unsafe, students show frustration, or competition becomes too intense

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate skills slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students as positive examples when appropriate.

Verbal Cues

•'Handshake grip - shake hands with your racket!'
•'Ready position - bouncy knees, central racket!'
•'Gentle strikes - control not power!'
•'Celebrate good attempts from everyone!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or large gymnasium with minimum 20m x 30m clear area

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, check for damaged court markings

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Inspect all rackets for cracks, loose strings or sharp edges
•Check shuttlecocks for damaged feathers that could cause eye injuries
•Ensure hoops are stable and not creating trip hazards
•Verify cones are visible and positioned safely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions during partner work
•Trips and falls during dynamic movement
•Eye injuries from shuttlecock strikes
•Muscle strains from sudden movements

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain minimum 3m spacing during striking activities
•Establish clear boundaries and movement patterns
•Progressive warm-up before dynamic activities
•Regular water breaks during extended activity periods

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position at corner of activity area for maximum visibility
•Actively monitor high-risk activities like racket striking
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safe participation
•Ensure immediate response to any incidents

Emergency Procedures

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