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Lesson 4 - Smash Technique & Application

Shot Development & Tactics

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Year 8

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can mastering the badminton smash transform your attacking game and give you a competitive advantage?

Learning Objectives

To understand the importance of movement and preparation for an effective smash
To know that the smash is an attacking shot and when to use it strategically
To accurately replicate smash technique with power and precision

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct smash technique with appropriate timing
Students will identify optimal opportunities to use the smash in game situations
Students will show improved court positioning and movement patterns

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4 nets for 4 courts

Check string tension and grip size appropriate for students

Alternative: Tennis rackets with modified technique if insufficient badminton rackets

Balls

60 (plastic for durability)

Mix of plastic and feather shuttles for different activities

Alternative: Foam balls for beginners struggling with shuttle flight

Ropes

20 cones

Bright colours for visibility, placed at target zones

Alternative: Spots, hoops, or chalk marks on court

Score Sheets

10 sheets

Clipboards for easy handling during practical assessment

Alternative: Digital recording on tablets/phones

Cards

8 sets

Laminated for durability, clear visual diagrams

Alternative: Verbal instructions or whiteboard diagrams

Tablets

4 devices

Video analysis apps pre-loaded, charged and ready

Alternative: Smartphones or observation sheets

Key Vocabulary

Smash

A powerful overhead attacking shot hit downwards into the opponent's court

Attacking shot

A shot played with the intention to win the point immediately or put pressure on opponent

Preparation

Getting into the correct position early with racket ready before hitting the shuttle

Wrist snap

Quick, sharp movement of the wrist at contact to generate power and steep angle

Shot selection

Choosing the most appropriate shot based on shuttle position, opponent location, and tactical situation

Recovery

Returning to a central, balanced position after playing a shot

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and stance
Overhead clear technique and timing
Understanding of court positioning
Basic serving and rally skills

Current Skills

Smash technique with wrist snap and power
Movement and preparation for attacking shots
Shot selection based on shuttle height and position
Tactical awareness in singles and doubles play

Next Steps

Advanced smash variations (cross-court, straight)
Combination attacking sequences
Deceptive attacking shots
Match play with full tactical awareness

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact point above and in front of head

Visible wrist snap generating downward trajectory

Quick recovery to central court position after smash

Successful point scoring through smash shots in games

Key Teaching Points

Shuttle contact must be in front of head, not above or behind for effective smash angle
Wrist snap at contact generates power and steep downward trajectory essential for attacking shots
Early preparation and positioning are crucial for successful smash execution under pressure
Tactical shot selection - choose smash opportunities based on shuttle height and opponent position
Recovery positioning after smash is vital to maintain court coverage and defensive readiness
Progressive power development - master technique before pursuing maximum power output
Communication in doubles play essential for coordinated attacking opportunities

Common Misconceptions

More power always equals better smash - correct by emphasising technique and placement over raw power
Smash should be used for every high shot - teach tactical discretion and shot selection based on situation
Contact point doesn't matter if you hit hard - demonstrate how poor contact ruins shot effectiveness
Follow-through is unimportant - show how proper follow-through affects accuracy and power
Doubles partners should both go for smash opportunities - teach court coverage and role clarity

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent position changes, clear visual boundaries, immediate feedback and praise, movement breaks between explanations

dyspraxia

Larger/slower shuttles for easier tracking, simplified technique breakdown, extra practice time, reduced court size for easier coverage

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure with visual schedule, designated quiet zones for breaks, predictable partner pairings, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured shuttles and audible cues for technique feedback, provide verbal description of demonstrations, employ buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Enhanced visual demonstrations with clear sight lines, written instruction cards, hand signals for technique points, vibration alerts for timing

physical disability

Seated smash practice with modified technique, lighter rackets or adapted grips, shorter court distances, wheelchair-accessible court positioning

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, communication skills in peer assessment, analysis and evaluation of performance through written reflection

Science

Biomechanics of explosive movement, physics of shuttle flight and air resistance, muscle activation patterns in overhead movements, energy transfer in racket sports

Mathematics

Angle calculations for optimal smash trajectory, measurement of court dimensions and target distances, statistical analysis of successful vs unsuccessful smash attempts

PSHE

Resilience when learning challenging skills, teamwork and communication in doubles play, respect and fair play in competitive situations, goal setting for personal development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sightlines to all courts, move between courts during practice to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct shuttle contact point during smash practice; Monitor safety awareness during feeding and partner work; Observe tactical decision-making in game situations; Check for signs of frustration or lack of confidence

Intervention Points

["Step in if unsafe practice develops during partner work", "Provide immediate technique correction if fundamental errors persist", "Mediate disputes over scoring or rule interpretation", "Support students showing lack of confidence or engagement"]

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate facing students for clear visibility, use slow motion for technique breakdown, exaggerate key movement points, provide immediate follow-up practice opportunity

Verbal Cues

•'Shuttle in front!' for contact point correction
•'Snap that wrist!' to encourage power generation
•'Aim down!' for trajectory adjustment
•'Good preparation!' to reinforce early positioning

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4 badminton courts (6.1m x 13.4m each) with 2m safety margins, adequate overhead clearance for smash shots

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip court surface free from shuttles and equipment, proper court markings visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket strings are secure and grips are not slippery
•Inspect shuttles for damage that could affect flight
•Ensure nets are properly tensioned and posts are stable
•Verify tablets/iPads are charged and secured when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions during doubles play
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
•Eye injuries from shuttles during smash practice
•Muscle strains from explosive overhead movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing between games
•Proper warm-up emphasising overhead movement preparation
•Progressive skill building from gentle to powerful smashes
•Safety awareness training for feeders and observers
•Regular equipment checks and prompt removal of damaged items

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts during game play
•Monitor intensity levels during competitive games
•Circulate during partner practice to ensure safety compliance
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on 'STOP' command, assess any injury with appropriate first aid response, clear pathways for emergency access