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Lesson 6 - Smash Shot Footwork

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 7

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Badminton

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1h 2min

Big Question

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

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30 total)

Check grip sizes - students should be able to wrap fingers around handle comfortably

Alternative: Mix of adult and junior sizes to suit hand measurements

Balls

2 per pair (30 total)

Check flight quality before lesson - replace damaged shuttles

Alternative: Mix of feather and plastic - feather for advanced students, plastic for beginners

Markers Cones

4 courts marked

Ensure all court boundaries clearly visible and safe

Alternative: Cones or tape if permanent lines unavailable

Dish Cones

20 cones

Various colours for different target zones and difficulty levels

Alternative: Spots, hoops, or marked areas

Beat Counter App

1 per 4 students (8 total)

Ensure devices charged and app downloaded, test video quality

Alternative: Any device capable of slow-motion video recording

Posts

4 nets

Check net height and tension, ensure posts secure

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

Key Vocabulary

Smash shot

A powerful attacking shot hit downwards from above head height with maximum force

V-grip

The correct grip for overhead shots where thumb and forefinger form a V-shape on the handle

Scissor kick footwork

Explosive jumping technique where legs cross in mid-air to generate power for overhead shots

Preparation position

The ready stance with racquet raised and body positioned for optimal shot execution

Service line

The line marking the front boundary of the service area

Centre line

The line dividing the court into left and right service areas

Video analysis

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

Consistent contact above head height for smash attempts

Evidence of scissor kick preparation before shot execution

Purposeful shot selection based on shuttle position

Ability to analyse and improve own performance using video

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