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Lesson 6 - Tactical Play & Competition

Shot Development & Tactics

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Year 8

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can I use court dimensions and tactical shots to outwit my opponent in badminton?

Learning Objectives

To develop understanding and knowledge of basic outwitting strategies in badminton
To understand shuttle movement into space and refine tactics based on opponent weaknesses
To make strategic decisions about attacking and defending in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by moving opponents around the court using varied shot placement
Students will evaluate their own and others' performance identifying strengths and areas for improvement
Students will apply appropriate tactics in both singles and doubles tournament situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

6-8 courts

Check strings are intact and grip size appropriate for students

Alternative: Tennis rackets for basic technique, ensure appropriate weight for age group

Balls

12-15 per court (60 total)

Test flight quality before lesson, have spares readily available

Alternative: Foam shuttles for beginners, plastic for outdoor use

Cones

20 cones + 8 hula hoops

Place in corners and mid-court areas for tactical awareness activities

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or taped areas for target zones

Score Sheets

1 per pair (15)

Laminated sheets with clear criteria and space for comments

Alternative: Simple tick sheets or digital forms on tablets

Tablets

4-6 devices

Ensure charged, set up recording apps, assign to responsible students

Alternative: Smartphones or video cameras for performance analysis

Key Vocabulary

Outwitting strategies

Tactical approaches used to gain advantage over an opponent by creating difficult situations

Court dimensions

Using the full length and width of the badminton court tactically - 'short and fat, long and thin'

Attacking

Aggressive play aimed at winning points through powerful or well-placed shots

Defending

Protective play focused on returning shots safely and waiting for attacking opportunities

Tactical shots

Deliberately chosen shots designed to create specific advantages or exploit weaknesses

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic badminton strokes from lessons 1-5
Understanding of court layout and boundaries
Basic rally skills and scoring system
Fundamental racket grip and footwork

Current Skills

Tactical shot placement for court positioning
Strategic thinking in attacking and defending
Performance evaluation and self-assessment
Tournament play application

Next Steps

Advanced tactical combinations and sequences
Doubles communication and partnership strategies
Competitive match analysis and planning
Leadership and coaching development

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of varied shot placement during rallies

Evidence of tactical thinking through court positioning

Ability to identify and exploit space on court

Accurate self-assessment of tactical decisions

Key Teaching Points

Tactical thinking is more important than physical power in badminton success
Court dimensions can be exploited through 'short and fat' vs 'long and thin' strategies
Effective communication is essential for successful doubles partnerships
Adaptation of tactics based on opponent analysis leads to competitive advantage
Attacking and defending roles require different shot selections and court positioning
Self-evaluation and reflection accelerate tactical learning and improvement
Tournament play provides authentic context for applying tactical knowledge

Common Misconceptions

Tactics are only for advanced players - clarify that tactical thinking improves all levels of play
Hitting harder always wins points - emphasise smart placement over power
Good technique alone guarantees success - connect technical skills to tactical application
Doubles is just two people playing singles - highlight partnership strategies and communication
Professional tactics don't apply to school badminton - show relevance across all levels

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tournament into shorter matches with clear breaks, provide specific tactical focus points, use movement and activity changes to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Simplify tactical concepts to key principles, provide extra practice time for coordination, use larger shuttles for better tracking, focus on tactical understanding over execution

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure for tournament progression, use visual schedules for lesson phases, offer quiet observation roles, maintain consistent partnerships

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles and high contrast court markings, provide verbal descriptions of tactical concepts, implement buddy system for court navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations for all tactical concepts, develop hand signals for communication, provide written tactical instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt court size for wheelchair users, modify racket grip for limited dexterity, use adapted serving rules, focus on tactical thinking over physical execution

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Physics of shuttlecock flight, forces and motion in tactical shot placement, biomechanics of efficient movement patterns

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping of court areas, tactical positioning using coordinate systems, directional concepts

Mathematics

Angle analysis for shot placement, geometry of court dimensions, statistics from tournament scoring and performance data

PSHE

Leadership development through coaching roles, resilience in competitive situations, teamwork and communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between courts during tournament play for coaching and safety, central position during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical application, safe play practices, effective communication in doubles, and appropriate competitive intensity

Intervention Points

Step in to provide tactical coaching, ensure safety standards, mediate competitive disputes, and support struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for tactical concepts, involve students in demonstrations, connect tactics to real game situations students have experienced

Verbal Cues

•'Think about court dimensions - where is the space?'
•'Communicate with your partner - call the shot!'
•'What's your opponent's weakness? How can you exploit it?'
•'Remember - control before power!'
•'Excellent tactical thinking - you're moving them around!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall with minimum 6 badminton courts, adequate ceiling height (9m+), clear safety zones around courts

Surface Check

Non-slip sports hall floor, dry and clean surface, appropriate markings clearly visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racket strings and handles for damage before use
•Ensure net posts are stable and properly positioned
•Test shuttle flight characteristics for safety
•Verify adequate shuttle supply to avoid dangerous diving/lunging for shuttles

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions in doubles play
•Falls from quick directional changes
•Eye injuries from shuttlecock strikes
•Overexertion in competitive tournament situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing between courts
•Proper warm-up focusing on badminton-specific movements
•Progressive intensity building through lesson structure
•Emphasis on controlled play over aggressive power shots
•Regular hydration breaks during tournament play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear visibility of all courts during play
•Monitor competitive intensity and provide cooling-off periods
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure safe equipment handling and court awareness

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, ensure other students remain safe and supervised