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Lesson 7 - Tournament Skills Assessment

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 7

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can I use all my badminton skills strategically to outplay my opponent and analyse their weaknesses?

Learning Objectives

All students to demonstrate basic badminton skills with consistent technique
Most students to apply tactical movements and court positioning effectively in competitive situations
Some students to analyse opponent weaknesses and adapt their playing strategy accordingly

Key Outcomes

Students will showcase mastery of fundamental badminton techniques in competitive play
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness through strategic shot selection and court movement
Students will evaluate performance using video analysis and peer assessment
Students will understand how to identify and exploit opponent weaknesses through observation

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

1 per student (30 total)

Check strings are intact and handles are clean before distribution

Alternative: Mix of large and small handled racquets to suit different hand sizes

Balls

6 per court (18 total for 3 courts)

Test flight quality before lessons - replace damaged shuttlecocks

Alternative: Plastic shuttlecocks for durability, feather for advanced groups

Court Markings

3 complete court setups

Ensure all lines are clearly visible and regulation measurements

Alternative: Tape, chalk lines, or portable court markers

Score Sheets

1 per group of 3 (10 sheets)

Include match format rules and scoring system explanation

Alternative: Printed sheets or whiteboard for score tracking

Beat Counter App

1 per court (3 total)

Ensure devices are charged and apps are loaded, test recording function

Alternative: Smartphones with similar apps or video cameras

Cones

12 total

Place at court corners and service line intersections

Alternative: Spot markers or chalk marks for court boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Service line

The line on court that the shuttlecock must land beyond when serving

Centre line

The line that divides the court into left and right service areas

Singles sideline

The inner boundary lines that define the court width for singles play

Doubles sideline

The outer boundary lines that define the full court width for doubles play

Thumb grip

Grip technique where thumb is placed on the flat side of the handle for backhand shots

V grip

Standard grip where thumb and index finger form a V shape on the handle

Overhead clear

High defensive shot played from above the head to the back of opponent's court

Drop shot

Delicate shot that falls just over the net into opponent's forecourt

Smash shot

Powerful attacking shot hit downward from above head height

Game tactics

Strategic decisions about shot selection and court positioning to gain advantage

Court positioning

Where a player positions themselves to best cover the court and respond to shots

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic grip techniques (thumb grip and V grip)
Fundamental shots: serve, clear, drop shot, smash
Court awareness and basic positioning
Understanding of game rules and scoring
Safety awareness around equipment and other players

Current Skills

Tactical application of all learned shots
Competitive game play with strategy
Opponent analysis and adaptation
Self and peer assessment capabilities
Video analysis skills for performance improvement

Next Steps

Advanced shot combinations and sequences
Complex tactical systems and formations
Coaching and leadership roles
Officiating and umpiring skills
Tournament organisation and management

Milestone Indicators

Consistently wins points through tactical play rather than luck

Can explain why they chose specific shots in game situations

Demonstrates adaptability when strategy isn't working

Shows leadership in organising games and helping peers

Key Teaching Points

Tournament play should showcase all learned skills under pressure while maintaining good technique
Tactical awareness is more important than power - encourage smart shot selection based on opponent analysis
The three-role rotation system (player, referee, videographer) develops different aspects of learning and engagement
Video analysis provides immediate feedback and helps students understand technical and tactical concepts
Assessment should focus on progress made throughout the unit rather than absolute ability levels
Competitive spirit should be balanced with excellent sportsmanship and respect for all participants
Differentiation allows all students to succeed at their level while being challenged appropriately

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Tournament play means abandoning technique for power. Correction: Emphasise that good technique becomes more important under pressure, not less
Misconception: Winning is the only measure of success. Correction: Focus on skill demonstration, tactical thinking, and personal progress as success measures
Misconception: Only players are learning during tournaments. Correction: Referees and videographers develop equally important skills in assessment and analysis
Misconception: Competition should be serious and intense only. Correction: Show that enjoyment and learning can coexist with competitive spirit
Misconception: Mistakes during competition indicate failure. Correction: Explain that adapting and learning from mistakes shows advanced understanding

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tournament into shorter games, provide clear time boundaries for each activity, use active roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time before tournament, use larger/slower shuttlecocks, provide clear visual guides for court positioning

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure for tournament format, allow quiet spaces for breaks if needed, use visual schedules for role rotations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks and racquets, provide verbal commentary during demonstrations, use buddy system for court positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for starts and stops, provide written tournament rules and formats, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Modify court size and net height as needed, allow seated play where appropriate, use lighter racquets and slower shuttlecocks

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, verbal communication during coaching and assessment, written reflection in PE portfolios

Maths

Statistical analysis of tournament results, calculating win percentages, measuring court dimensions and angles of shots

Science

Understanding forces and angles in shot execution, analysing flight paths and aerodynamics of shuttlecocks, heart rate monitoring during exercise

ICT

Video analysis using apps, creating digital portfolios of progress, researching professional badminton techniques and tactics online

PSHE

Developing resilience through competitive pressure, building leadership skills through different roles, managing emotions in victory and defeat

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between three courts to observe all groups, position centrally when giving whole-class instructions

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent technique application under pressure, tactical decision-making, and quality of competitive behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if technique deteriorates significantly, if competitive spirit becomes unsporting, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples during tournament play, demonstrate tactical concepts using real game situations as they arise

Verbal Cues

•'Trust your technique - you've practiced this!'
•'Think tactics - where is your opponent weak?'
•'Great sportsmanship - that's what champions do!'
•'Remember your strategy - adapt if it's not working!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Sports hall minimum 30m x 15m to accommodate three badminton courts with 2m safety spacing

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip sports hall floor free from moisture and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racquet strings are intact and handles secure
•Inspect shuttlecocks for damage that could affect flight
•Ensure court markers are flat and secure to prevent tripping
•Test video equipment is working and charged before lesson

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet contact with other students during swings
•Collisions between students chasing shuttlecocks
•Slips and falls from sudden direction changes
•Eye injuries from shuttlecock strikes
•Overexertion during competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain adequate spacing between courts and players
•Establish clear boundaries and no-go zones during play
•Progressive warm-up to prepare muscles for dynamic movements
•Regular equipment checks throughout lesson
•Monitor fatigue levels during extended competitive play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all three courts simultaneously
•Monitor competitive intensity to prevent overaggressive play
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Ensure video operators maintain safe distance from play

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation routes maintained, emergency contact procedures known