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Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Shuttle Control

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 7

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Badminton

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1h 6min

Big Question

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

Balls

40-50 (mix of feather and synthetic)

Store in containers around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for initial throwing practice

Badminton Rackets

30 (15 pairs)

Check all strings are intact and grips are secure

Alternative: Tennis rackets, shortened rackets for smaller students

SAQ Ladders

4 ladders

Place flat on court surface, secured at ends

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope ladders, marked spaces with tape

Cones

20 marker cones

Bright colours for visibility, check no sharp edges

Alternative: Spots, bean bags, chalk marks

Goals

8 targets (hoops, bins, marked areas)

Stable base, appropriate height for throwing practice

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cardboard targets

Key Vocabulary

Ready position

Athletic stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move in any direction

Shuttle/Shuttlecock

The projectile used in badminton, made of feathers or synthetic materials with a rounded cork or rubber base

Racket grip

The way you hold the badminton racket, similar to shaking hands with the handle

Sachet movement

Sideways shuffling movement keeping feet parallel and not crossing over

Court coverage

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

Maintains ready position for 30 seconds without reminder

Hits target area 7/10 times from 3 metres

Demonstrates smooth transition from movement to ready position

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