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Lesson 4 - Split Step and Court Movement

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 movement and positioning to outwit my opponent in badminton?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate a split step and understand its tactical application
Perform chasse movement to reach shots efficiently
Execute deft touch shots with control and precision

Key Outcomes

Students will move efficiently around the court using split step and chasse techniques
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by targeting opponent weaknesses
Students will link movement skills to perform effective shot sequences

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

2-3 courts

Check racket strings and handle grip before lesson

Alternative: Short tennis rackets for students with coordination difficulties

Balls

20-25

Mix of speeds - use slower shuttles for touch work

Alternative: Foam balls for initial practice with students needing easier target

Cones

20-30

Use for marking feeding positions and target areas

Alternative: Chalk lines or tape for court boundaries

Digital Cameras

1.5 devices

Ensure battery charged and memory available for recording

Alternative: Smartphone for recording assessment evidence

Key Vocabulary

Split step

A small jump where both feet land simultaneously, preparing the body to move quickly in any direction

Chasse

Moving both feet simultaneously while maintaining balance, bringing feet closer in the air before landing

Deft shots

Gentle, controlled shots played with finesse rather than power, often used for tactical advantage

Court positioning

Strategic placement on court to cover maximum area and respond to opponent shots

Tactical awareness

Understanding where to place shots to create difficulties for the opponent

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic badminton grip and stance
Simple forehand and backhand shots
Basic court positioning and movement

Current Skills

Split step footwork technique
Chasse movement to reach shots
Deft touch shots for tactical play

Next Steps

Advanced footwork patterns
Deceptive shot techniques
Complex tactical game play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent split step timing in rallies

Smooth chasse movement with quick recovery

Effective use of touch shots to win points

Key Teaching Points

Split step timing is crucial - just as opponent contacts shuttle
Chasse movement requires both feet off ground simultaneously
Touch shots need loose grip and controlled swing
Court positioning is as important as shot technique
Movement and shot execution must be linked smoothly
Tactical thinking develops through game application
Encourage experimentation with different grips and shots

Common Misconceptions

Split step should be a big jump - actually it's a small preparatory hop
Faster movement is always better - controlled movement is more effective
Touch shots are just weak shots - they require specific technique and timing
You should hit every shot as hard as possible - placement and tactics are more important
Footwork isn't important if you can reach the shuttle - proper footwork improves shot quality

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, give specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Simplify movement patterns initially, provide extra practice time, use verbal cues for timing

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules, create quiet zones for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured shuttlecocks, provide clear verbal descriptions of movements, establish consistent court reference points

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, establish clear hand signals, provide written instruction cards

physical disability

Modify movement requirements to seated or supported positions, adjust court size, use larger/slower equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of shuttle flight, measuring court distances, calculating scoring systems and time intervals

Science

Forces in shuttle flight, physics of racket strings, biomechanics of efficient movement patterns

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, fair play and sporting behaviour

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of activity area for maximum visibility of all students, move between groups during practice phases

Observation Focus

Watch for correct footwork technique, safe spacing, and progressive skill development

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, students are too close together, or if frustration levels are high

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements initially to show technique clearly, then demonstrate at realistic speed and intensity

Verbal Cues

•'Both feet together in the air!'
•'Soft hands for touch shots!'
•'Split step as they hit!'
•'Chasse to the shuttle, don't run!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full badminton court or equivalent space (13.4m x 6.1m minimum per court), clear overhead space for shuttle flight

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of water or debris, appropriate court markings visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racket strings are intact and handles secure
•Inspect shuttlecocks for damage that could affect flight
•Ensure nets are properly tensioned and secure
•Verify cones/markers are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students during movement practice
•Racket contact during close gameplay
•Slips during rapid direction changes
•Shuttle strikes to eyes or face

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing guidelines for all activities
•Emphasis on controlled movement over speed
•Progression from static to dynamic activities
•Eye protection awareness and safe shuttle handling

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all groups during practices
•Monitor spacing between students during movement work
•Watch for proper technique to prevent injury
•Ensure safe equipment handling throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid if trained, seek additional support as needed, complete accident reporting