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Lesson 5 - Shot Selection & Accuracy

Technical to Tactical Progression

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Year 6

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can I choose the right shot at the right time to outplay my opponent in badminton?

Learning Objectives

To execute a variety of badminton shots with increasing accuracy and consistency
To understand when to use different shots tactically during gameplay
To develop the ability to reflect on and recognise success in myself and others

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved accuracy in smash, drop shot, and clear techniques
Students will show understanding of shot selection based on game situations
Students will effectively assess their own and others' performance using specific criteria

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 courts

Check string tension and grip size appropriate for Year 6 hands

Alternative: Short tennis rackets for students with coordination difficulties

Balls

55 (mix of feather and plastic)

Use plastic shuttles for practice stations, feather for games

Alternative: Foam shuttles for beginners, weighted shuttles for outdoor use

Hoops

8-10 for target practice

Various sizes for differentiated challenge levels

Alternative: Chalk circles, cones, or mats as targets

Cones

20 for court marking and warm-up

Bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Mats

15 for positioning and targets

Non-slip materials on smooth surfaces

Alternative: Chalk marks or small mats

Key Vocabulary

Smash

An aggressive overhead shot hit downward with maximum power to win the point

Drop Shot

A delicate shot that just clears the net and falls close to the opponent's net

Clear

A high shot to the back of the court, can be defensive or attacking

Shot Selection

Choosing the most appropriate shot based on shuttle position and opponent location

Consistency

The ability to perform shots with reliable technique and accuracy repeatedly

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic badminton grip and stance
Simple underarm and overarm striking
Understanding of court boundaries and basic rules

Current Skills

Advanced shot technique refinement
Tactical shot selection
Performance analysis and reflection

Next Steps

Complex game strategies and patterns of play
Advanced footwork and positioning
Competitive match play with umpiring

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact point for different shots

Appropriate shot selection 70% of the time

Constructive peer feedback using technical vocabulary

Key Teaching Points

Shot selection is as important as shot technique - teach students to think tactically
Emphasise accuracy and consistency over power, especially for drop shots and clears
Use the circuit format to maximise practice time while maintaining quality feedback
Encourage specific, technical vocabulary when students provide peer feedback
Model the self-reflection process to help students develop honest self-assessment skills
Celebrate both attainment achievements and effort/improvement to motivate all students
Connect each shot to its tactical purpose rather than teaching technique in isolation

Common Misconceptions

All shots need maximum power - emphasise control and placement over force
Drop shots should be hit down - they need gentle upward contact to clear the net
Self-assessment means being modest - encourage honest, evidence-based reflection
Only winning points matters - recognise good shot selection even when unsuccessful
Advanced players don't need to practice basics - emphasise consistency for all students

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and rules, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified technique focus, additional practice time, peer buddy support system

autism spectrum

Clear station rotation schedule, visual timetables for activities, quiet spaces available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles and auditory cues for target locations, partner guidance for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards at stations, clear hand signals for communication

physical disability

Seated play options, shorter rackets, larger targets, modified court sizes and equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems, angles of shot trajectory, measuring distances and accuracy percentages

Science

Forces and motion in shuttle flight, gravity effects on different shots, biomechanics of striking actions

Geography

Court mapping and spatial awareness, directions and positioning relative to opponents

PSHE

Self-reflection skills, constructive feedback, recognising achievements in self and others, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear view of all stations during circuit work, move between stations to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for proper technique development, safety awareness, and quality of peer interaction and feedback

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, when students need encouragement, or when peer feedback becomes negative

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show key technique points, demonstrate common mistakes to help students recognise and correct them

Verbal Cues

•'Contact point is crucial - reach high for clears!'
•'Drop shots need soft hands - less power, more control!'
•'Smash down at the shuttle, not through it!'
•'Choice of shot is as important as technique!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or 4+ badminton courts with clear sight lines between activities

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from shuttles and equipment between activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket strings are secure and grips are appropriate size
•Ensure shuttles are in good condition without damaged feathers
•Verify nets are correctly tensioned and posts are stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students during movement activities
•Eye injury from shuttle or racket contact
•Slips and falls on smooth sports hall surfaces

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between circuit stations
•Controlled, supervised shot practice with adequate spacing
•Progressive skill building from basic to advanced techniques
•Emphasis on controlled shots rather than maximum power

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all circuit stations simultaneously
•Monitor shot directions during overhead practices
•Ensure students follow equipment handling protocols

Emergency Procedures

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