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Lesson 3 - Net Play Mastery - Shots and Kills

Shot Development & Tactics

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Year 8

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can mastering close net play transform your badminton strategy and give you control of the rally?

Learning Objectives

Execute controlled net shots and kills to place the shuttle precisely in the opponent's court
Understand that shuttle trajectory over the net affects rally control and tactical advantage
Apply directional net shots to manipulate opponent positioning and create tactical opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent net shot technique with appropriate shuttle trajectory
Students will explain the tactical importance of low net shots in preventing opponent attacks
Students will execute net shots that force opponent movement and create winning opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4 courts minimum

Check string tension and grip size appropriate for Year 8 students

Alternative: Tennis rackets for larger hitting surface if needed

Balls

48 (allowing for losses/damage)

Mix of plastic and feather shuttles, test flight speed before lesson

Alternative: Foam shuttles for beginners or windy conditions

Dish Cones

20 (5 per court)

Place in corners and strategic positions around service areas

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or floor markers

Score Sheets

8 (for peer assessment)

Pre-printed with key observation points for net play

Alternative: Simple tick sheets or mobile apps

Cards

12 sets (various difficulty levels)

Progressive challenges from basic net shots to advanced combinations

Alternative: Laminated instruction sheets or wall displays

Tablets

4 (1 per court for video analysis)

Charged, with badminton analysis apps installed if available

Alternative: Smartphones or video cameras

Key Vocabulary

Net shot

A delicate shot played close to the net that drops just over into the opponent's court

Net kill

An aggressive downward shot played when the shuttle is above net height

Push shot

A controlled net shot that pushes the shuttle with pace to the back of the service box

Slice

Cutting underneath the shuttle to create spin and unpredictable flight

Tumble

The spinning motion of the shuttle caused by slice shots that makes it difficult to return

Service line

The line marking the front boundary of the service court area

Feeder

A practice partner who provides shuttles for skill development

Trajectory

The flight path of the shuttle through the air

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and stance from previous lessons
Understanding of court dimensions and basic rules
Ability to serve and play simple rallies
Knowledge of overhead clear and drop shot techniques

Current Skills

Net shot technique with soft touch and control
Net kill execution when shuttle is above net height
Tactical placement of net shots to create advantages
Understanding of shuttle trajectory and its tactical implications

Next Steps

Advanced net play combinations with deception
Integration of net play with full court tactical systems
Competitive match play with advanced shot selection
Development of consistent winner-producing net play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent execution of 7/10 net shots landing in target areas

Ability to change direction of net shots during rallies

Successful net kills resulting in immediate points

Tactical awareness demonstrated through shot selection

Key Teaching Points

Net shots require delicate touch - grip lightly and use minimal force for maximum control
Shuttle trajectory over net is crucial - low shots prevent opponent attacks and create tactical advantages
Recovery position between shots determines success - stay light on feet and ready to move
Shot selection depends on shuttle height - high shuttles for kills, low shuttles for gentle net shots
Tactical placement creates opportunities - vary direction to move opponents and create winning chances
Slice technique adds unpredictability - cut underneath shuttle gently to create tumbling effect
Game awareness improves decision-making - watch opponent position to choose most effective shot placement

Common Misconceptions

Net shots are only defensive - CORRECTION: They can be aggressive tactical weapons when used strategically
Power equals effectiveness at the net - CORRECTION: Control and placement are far more important than force
All net shots should be the same - CORRECTION: Vary height, pace, and direction to keep opponents guessing
Net kills can be played from any height - CORRECTION: Only attempt kills when shuttle is above net height
You must always rush to the net - CORRECTION: Wait for the right opportunity when opponent plays loose shot

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries and immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger grip sizes, provide extra practice time for coordination, simplify multi-step instructions, offer physical guidance for technique

autism spectrum

Establish clear routines for activity transitions, provide quiet observation zones, use visual schedules for lesson structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles and rackets, provide verbal descriptions of court positions, implement buddy system for spatial guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for tactical instructions, written instruction cards for complex activities

physical disability

Provide wheelchair-accessible court positions, modify net height if needed, use larger/slower shuttles for easier tracking

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles for optimal shuttle trajectory, measuring court distances, analysing scoring statistics and improvement percentages

Science

Understanding forces and motion in shuttle flight, exploring effects of air resistance, investigating spin and rotation physics

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding of angles and directions, mapping movement patterns around court

PSHE

Developing resilience through challenging skill acquisition, building confidence through tactical success, teamwork and communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during practice, position at net during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip, shuttle contact point, recovery positioning, and tactical decision-making

Intervention Points

Step in when technique becomes unsafe, provide immediate feedback for tactical errors, support struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique points, show common errors alongside correct form, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touch like stroking a cat!'
•'Low over the net, high in effectiveness!'
•'Read the height - kill or kiss?'
•'Recover and ready!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4 badminton courts (13.4m x 6.1m each) with 2m clearance around perimeter

Surface Check

Non-slip court surface, dry and free from debris, proper line markings clearly visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Racket strings checked for tension and safety
•Shuttlecocks inspected for damage that could cause unpredictable flight
•Net tension and height verified before lesson
•Cones and markers placed away from high-activity areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions during close net play
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
•Eye injuries from shuttlecock strikes
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing protocols during partner work
•Controlled feeding practice to prevent wild shots
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Regular rest periods and hydration reminders

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts during practice
•Monitor net area closely during intensive practice
•Watch for fatigue signs during competitive play
•Intervene quickly if technique becomes unsafe

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury level, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required