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Lesson 5 - Net Positioning and Tactical Play

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 7

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can smart positioning at the net give you a tactical advantage in badminton?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate effective positioning and movement at the net
Explain when net play is tactically advantageous
Apply net positioning skills in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will show improved net positioning with appropriate lunging technique
Students will understand tactical situations where net play is effective
Students will apply net skills confidently in competitive rallies

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30)

Check racquet tension and ensure no broken strings before lesson

Alternative: Use varied sizes - large handles for bigger hands, smaller for better control

Balls

15-20 (mix of plastic and feather)

Test shuttle flight - should travel in arc and drop vertically

Alternative: Use plastic shuttles for beginners, feather for advanced students

Markers Cones

20-30

Mark service lines clearly and create court boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape, or coloured markers

Markers

8-10

Place at both ends of courts to define net play areas

Alternative: Flat markers or tape lines

Tablets

2-3 devices

Ensure devices are charged and have sufficient storage space

Alternative: Smartphones, digital cameras, or video cameras

Nets

4-6 (depending on space)

Ensure nets are at correct height and securely fastened

Alternative: Rope or tape at net height (1.55m)

Key Vocabulary

Net positioning

Standing in the optimal position near the net to intercept and play shuttles effectively

Lunging

A dynamic forward movement to reach shuttles at the net whilst maintaining balance

Service line

The line that marks the minimum distance for a legal serve in badminton

Net rallies

Continuous exchange of shots played close to the net with control and placement

Thumb grip

Specific racquet hold where thumb is placed on the back bevel for net shots

Court positioning

Strategic placement on the court to cover shots effectively and create tactical advantage

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic shuttle striking with racquet
Understanding of court boundaries
Simple rally participation

Current Skills

Net positioning and movement
Controlled net shots
Tactical awareness of net play
Lunging technique for reach

Next Steps

Advanced net shot variations
Combining net and back court play
Complex tactical game applications

Milestone Indicators

Consistent net positioning without prompting

Smooth lunging movement patterns

Tactical decision-making in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Net positioning requires weight forward and readiness to move dynamically
Lunging technique keeps back foot planted whilst front foot extends for reach
Gentle shot placement and control are more effective than power at the net
Tactical shot placement away from opponent's strong side creates advantage
Video analysis helps students see and improve their own technique
Competitive application tests skills under pressure whilst maintaining technique focus
Communication and sportsmanship are essential for effective partner work

Common Misconceptions

Students think power is more important than placement at the net - emphasise control and tactics
Many believe they should stand right at the net - teach optimal distance for reaction time
Students often lift back foot during lunge - reinforce anchor foot concept
Students may think all shots should go to same place - develop tactical variation
Some believe winning is more important than technique - maintain skill focus in competition
Students might rush technique for speed - emphasise quality over pace

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, regular movement breaks, clear visual boundaries, immediate feedback systems

dyspraxia

Larger racquet heads, slower shuttles, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for technique

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones for breaks, predictable partner pairings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles, verbal descriptions of court layout, partner guidance system, audio cues for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards, hand signals for coaching, vibrating shuttles if available

physical disability

Seated net play variations, adapted racquet grips, modified court boundaries, wheelchair accessible positioning

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, analytical discussion skills, descriptive writing in PE books

Maths

Angles of shot placement, geometry of court positioning, scoring and statistics tracking

Science

Forces in racquet contact, physics of shuttle flight, biomechanics of lunging movement

Geography

Spatial awareness, court mapping, directional movement patterns

ICT

Video analysis skills, digital recording techniques, using technology for performance improvement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience under pressure, leadership in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe technique, stand at corners for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct lunging form, tactical shot placement, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with technique or become unsafe during competition

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for technique, exaggerate key points, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Weight forward, ready to spring!'
•'Soft hands at the net!'
•'Think tactics - where's the space?'
•'Control first, power never!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4 badminton courts (or equivalent marked areas) with 2m clearance around each

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from debris and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings for breaks before use
•Ensure racquet grips are secure and not slippery
•Test shuttle flight patterns for consistency
•Secure nets at proper height and tension

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students during lunging movements
•Racquet contact with other students or equipment
•Overextension during lunging causing muscle strain
•Slips on court surface during dynamic movement

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between courts
•Adequate spacing between pairs during practice
•Progressive introduction of lunging technique
•Emphasis on controlled movements over speed
•Regular safety reminders during activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor lunging technique for safety
•Check competitive activities don't become too aggressive
•Ensure proper equipment handling throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious injury