Lesson 6 - Smash Shot Footwork
Foundation Skills & Tactics
•Year 7
•Badminton
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can explosive power and precise footwork transform your attacking game in badminton?
Learning Objectives
- Understand the technical requirements and grip for executing a powerful smash shot
- Develop coordination between upper body technique and scissor kick footwork
- Apply attacking shots strategically in competitive game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct V-grip and preparation position for smash shots
- Students will execute coordinated smash shots with scissor kick footwork
- Students will make tactical decisions about when to use attacking shots in games
Equipment & Resources Required
Check grip sizes - students should be able to wrap fingers around handle comfortably
Alternative: Mix of adult and junior sizes to suit hand measurements
Check flight quality before lesson - replace damaged shuttles
Alternative: Mix of feather and plastic - feather for advanced students, plastic for beginners
Ensure all court boundaries clearly visible and safe
Alternative: Cones or tape if permanent lines unavailable
Various colours for different target zones and difficulty levels
Alternative: Spots, hoops, or marked areas
Ensure devices charged and app downloaded, test video quality
Alternative: Any device capable of slow-motion video recording
Check net height and tension, ensure posts secure
Alternative: Rope or tape at correct height (1.55m)
Key Vocabulary
A powerful attacking shot hit downwards from above head height with maximum force
The correct grip for overhead shots where thumb and forefinger form a V-shape on the handle
Explosive jumping technique where legs cross in mid-air to generate power for overhead shots
The ready stance with racquet raised and body positioned for optimal shot execution
The line marking the front boundary of the service area
The line dividing the court into left and right service areas
Using recorded footage to study and improve technical performance
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overhead clear technique and preparation
- Understanding of court areas and basic rules
- Ability to rally consistently with forehand and backhand
- Experience using V-grip for overhead shots
Current Skills
- Smash shot technique with V-grip
- Scissor kick footwork for explosive movement
- Video analysis skills for self-improvement
- Tactical application of attacking shots
Next Steps
- Advanced attacking sequences and combinations
- Deceptive shots (drop shots from smash position)
- Court coverage and recovery after attacking
- Doubles attacking strategies and formations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- V-grip is foundation for all overhead power - check this constantly
- Preparation position creates power - emphasise body rotation and arm separation
- Scissor kick timing is crucial - jump before hitting, not during
- Video analysis works best when focused on one specific improvement
- Tactical application requires patience - not every high shuttle needs smashing
- Safety awareness during explosive movements is paramount
- Progressive skill building prevents technique breakdown under pressure
Common Misconceptions
- Students think power comes from arm strength alone - emphasise whole body coordination
- Belief that every overhead shot should be a smash - teach tactical shot selection
- Assumption that jumping higher automatically creates more power - focus on timing
- Thinking that perfect technique happens immediately - emphasise practice and progression
- Misconception that video analysis is just for advanced players - show how everyone benefits
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries for practice areas, regular positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Extra time for coordination development, simplified movement patterns initially, additional demonstration repetitions
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule for lesson sections, quiet zones for overwhelming moments
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks, provide detailed verbal descriptions of technique, buddy system for safety
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations exclusively, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication
physical disability
- Seated or supported overhead movements, modified grip sizes, adapted target distances and heights
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles of attack for smash shots, measuring target distances, calculating success percentages, timing measurements
Science
Biomechanics of jumping and power generation, forces in racquet sports, trajectory and angles of shuttle flight
PSHE
Resilience when learning difficult skills, supporting others through encouragement, honest self-assessment and growth mindset
Technology
Video analysis apps and slow-motion techniques, recording and playback technology, digital assessment methods
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central court position for skill demonstration, perimeter movement during practice for individual feedback, corner position during games for overview
Observation Focus
V-grip accuracy, preparation position quality, scissor kick timing, tactical decision making in games, safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in for unsafe feeding, correct dangerous overhead movements, support struggling students with grip difficulties, manage competitive intensity
Demonstration Notes
Use slow motion for complex movements, repeat from multiple angles, emphasise key body positions, model safe practice throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'V-grip first, power second!'
- •'Preparation position - racquet back, point at shuttle!'
- •'Jump, cross, land, smash!'
- •'Wait for the right moment to attack!'
- •'Technique first, power will follow!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4 badminton courts or equivalent space 40m x 20m, clear overhead height 9m minimum
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, dry conditions, clear of obstacles and trip hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check racquet grips secure and no sharp edges
- •Inspect shuttlecocks for damage before use
- •Ensure nets properly tensioned and posts stable
- •Verify iPad/device safety and charging status
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during explosive footwork movements
- •Racquet contact with other students during overhead shots
- •Falls from jumping and landing incorrectly
- •Eye injuries from fast-moving shuttlecocks
- •Overexertion during power shot practice
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear court boundaries and practice areas
- •Teach and enforce safe feeding techniques
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Adequate spacing between pairs during practice
- •Regular safety reminders about awareness of others
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all practice areas
- •Monitor video recording activities for device safety
- •Watch footwork practice for safe landing technique
- •Check competitive intensity doesn't compromise safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident reporting if required