Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Shuttle Control
Foundation Skills & Tactics
•Year 7
•Badminton
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How can mastering the ready position transform your court coverage and reaction time in badminton?
Learning Objectives
- Students will link basic badminton skills to perform coordinated movements and sequences
- Students will demonstrate the correct ready position with appropriate body alignment
- Students will throw and control the shuttle with increasing accuracy and consistency
Key Outcomes
- By the end of the lesson, students will confidently assume the ready position
- Students will demonstrate improved hand-eye coordination through shuttle throwing activities
- Students will show tactical awareness by moving efficiently around the court
Equipment & Resources Required
Store in containers around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for initial throwing practice
Check all strings are intact and grips are secure
Alternative: Tennis rackets, shortened rackets for smaller students
Place flat on court surface, secured at ends
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope ladders, marked spaces with tape
Bright colours for visibility, check no sharp edges
Alternative: Spots, bean bags, chalk marks
Stable base, appropriate height for throwing practice
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cardboard targets
Key Vocabulary
Athletic stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move in any direction
The projectile used in badminton, made of feathers or synthetic materials with a rounded cork or rubber base
The way you hold the badminton racket, similar to shaking hands with the handle
Sideways shuffling movement keeping feet parallel and not crossing over
The ability to move efficiently around the badminton court to reach all areas quickly
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills from primary PE
- Understanding of personal space and movement
- Experience with racket sports concepts
Current Skills
- Badminton ready position technique
- Shuttle throwing accuracy and control
- Court movement patterns including sachet technique
Next Steps
- Basic serving techniques
- Forehand and backhand strokes
- Game play with scoring systems
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position is the foundation of all badminton movement and must be returned to after every action
- Weight distribution on balls of feet enables quick reactions in all directions
- Racket grip should feel natural like shaking hands, with thumb and index finger providing control
- Shuttle throwing accuracy develops hand-eye coordination essential for racket work
- Court movement should be controlled and efficient rather than rushed and unbalanced
- Competitive activities must maintain focus on skill development alongside winning
- Self-assessment and reflection consolidate learning and build metacognitive awareness
Common Misconceptions
- Ready position is just standing still - it's actually an active, dynamic position
- Faster movement is always better - controlled, efficient movement is more effective
- Gripping the racket tightly gives more control - a relaxed grip allows better wrist action
- Throwing hard will be more accurate - controlled throwing develops better coordination
- Competition is only about winning - it's about applying and improving skills under pressure
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries marked, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger, slower-moving equipment initially, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable routines with advance warning of changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured shuttles and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards available
physical disability
- Seated ready position variations, modified equipment, adapted throwing distances and techniques
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting saves and goals, measuring court distances, timing activities, angles of movement and throwing
Science
Forces in shuttle flight, air resistance effects, body systems during exercise, reaction times
Geography
Spatial awareness, directional movement, court mapping, positional understanding
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and sportsmanship, building confidence and resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central court position with clear sightlines to all activity areas
Observation Focus
Monitor ready position technique, movement control, and safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in if technique deteriorates significantly or safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, include common mistakes and corrections
Verbal Cues
- •'Knees bent, weight forward!'
- •'Soft throws, controlled movement!'
- •'Ready position after every movement!'
- •'Great technique, now add some speed!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full badminton court (minimum 13.4m x 6.1m) with 2m clearance around boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from water, dust or debris that could cause slipping
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racket strings are intact and handles secure
- •Ensure shuttles are in good condition without broken feathers
- •Cones positioned away from movement areas
- •SAQ ladders flat and secure to prevent tripping
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Racket contact with other students
- •Shuttle impacts to face or body
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and spacing established for all activities
- •Gradual progression from walking to running movements
- •Emphasise control over speed throughout
- •Partner activities with adequate spacing maintained
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all students during activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas like ladder stations
- •Check grip technique to prevent racket loss
- •Observe for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required