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Lesson 3 - Serving Tactics

Technical to Tactical Progression

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Year 6

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can I use different serving techniques and tactical awareness to outmanoeuvre my opponent in badminton?

Learning Objectives

Move quickly to be in position to consistently return a shuttle using chassé movements
Perform long and short serves with accuracy and variation
Demonstrate specific tactical awareness by varying serves to different court areas

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully use chassé movements to reach shuttles efficiently
Students will serve to different areas of the court with improved accuracy
Students will show tactical thinking by varying their serves to challenge opponents

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check all rackets have strings and are not damaged

Alternative: Tennis rackets or short tennis rackets

Balls

40-50 (allowing for breakages)

Mix of new and used shuttles, check feathers are intact

Alternative: Foam shuttles for beginners

Benches

4-6

Position to create nets at appropriate height

Alternative: Cones in a line, rope, or actual badminton nets

Cones

20-30

For court boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Spots, hoops, or markers

Hoops

8-10

For serving accuracy challenges

Alternative: Cones, spots, or chalk circles

Key Vocabulary

Chassé

A movement where one foot leads whilst the other follows, with the leading foot always ahead

Serve variation

Changing the direction, height, and speed of serves to challenge opponents

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and where to play shots to gain advantage over opponents

Ready position

Balanced stance with weight on balls of feet, ready to move in any direction

Overhead clear

A high shot hit from above the head to send the shuttle high and deep

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic forehand and backhand shots
Understanding of ready position
Simple serving technique

Current Skills

Chassé movement patterns
Serving variations (long and short)
Tactical awareness and court positioning

Next Steps

Advanced shot selection and placement
Game strategy and match play
Doubles positioning and communication

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of chassé movements

Accurate serving to different court areas

Evidence of tactical thinking in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Chassé movement: leading foot always ahead, following foot slides behind
High serve: underarm action, high trajectory, contact below waist height
Ready position: weight on balls of feet, knees bent, racket ready
Tactical serving: vary height, direction and speed to challenge opponents
Overhead clear: racket high above head, contact at highest point, follow through
Cooperation in rallies: help partner succeed rather than trying to win points
Self-assessment: honest reflection on own abilities and areas for improvement

Common Misconceptions

Thinking chassé is just sideways running - emphasise the step-slide technique
Believing power is more important than accuracy in serving - focus on control first
Assuming ready position means standing still - explain dynamic balance for quick movement
Thinking tactical serving means making shots impossible - emphasise appropriate challenge
Believing overhead clear should be hit downward - emphasise upward trajectory
Assuming cooperation means making it easy - explain supportive challenge concept

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, additional practice time, larger equipment for easier handling, step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear activity structure with visual schedules, quiet reflection time, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured shuttles, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, ensure clear verbal cues for movement direction

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations clearly, employ hand signals for key instructions, provide written activity cards

physical disability

Adapted serving techniques from seated position, modified court sizes, lightweight or foam shuttles for easier control

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rallies accurately, measuring court distances, angles of serve trajectories, scoring systems and statistics

Science

Forces and motion in shuttle flight, gravity effects on serve height, energy transfer in racket strikes

Geography

Court positioning and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around court areas

PSHE

Cooperation and communication skills, honest self-assessment, supporting partner improvement, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around hall perimeter to observe all pairs, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for serve technique development, tactical decision-making, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

["Step in if students struggling with chassé technique", "Support pairs having difficulty with rally cooperation", "Guide tactical discussions towards key learning points", "Address any unsafe racket use immediately"]

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for chassé and serve techniques. Model positive encouragement between partners. Show tactical thinking process verbally.

Verbal Cues

•'Leading foot first in chassé!'
•'High and deep with your serve!'
•'Ready position between shots!'
•'Vary your serves to challenge your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m hall space, clear of obstacles with adequate ceiling height for overhead shots

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from shuttles and equipment hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all rackets for damaged strings or loose grips
•Ensure shuttles are in good condition with intact feathers
•Verify bench stability if used as nets
•Check cone placement doesn't create trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions during overhead movements
•Trips over equipment or court markers
•Eye injuries from fast-moving shuttles
•Muscle strains from overhead reaches

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain 4-5 metre spacing between pairs during activities
•Emphasise controlled movements over power
•Clear equipment management and storage procedures
•Progressive warm-up including shoulder preparation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all pairs
•Monitor overhead clearance activities closely
•Watch for competitive behaviour affecting safety
•Check understanding of rules before activities begin

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention needed