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Lesson 4 - Drop Shot Technique & Tactics

Fundamentals & Tactics

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Year 9

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can the drop shot become your secret weapon to win points and control the game?

Learning Objectives

To develop and apply drop shot technique with deception and placement
To understand tactical use of drop shots to create attacking opportunities
To demonstrate strategic thinking during singles rallies

Key Outcomes

Students will execute drop shots with control and placement
Students will use drop shots tactically to win points in game situations
Students will explain when and why to use drop shots effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

6 courts with nets at regulation height

Check racquet strings are intact and grips are secure

Alternative: Variety of racquet weights available for different abilities

Balls

48 shuttles (feather and plastic)

Test shuttle flight before use - should arc and drop naturally

Alternative: Use plastic shuttles for beginners, feather for advanced

iPads

2 tablets

Set up video delay app for immediate technique feedback

Alternative: Smartphone cameras or observation sheets

Markers Cones

24 markers

Mark target areas in front court for drop shot practice

Alternative: Chalk or tape for court modifications

Key Vocabulary

Drop shot

A soft shot played from the back of the court that lands just over the net in the opponent's front court

Deception

Disguising your intended shot to mislead your opponent about where you will hit the shuttle

Placement

Deliberately hitting the shuttle to a specific area of the court to create tactical advantage

V grip

Holding the racquet handle with thumb and forefinger forming a V shape on top

Service line

The line that marks the minimum distance for a legal serve to land

Singles sideline

The inner sideline that marks the boundary for singles play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racquet grip and stance
Underarm and overarm clear shots
Basic serving technique
Court positioning and movement

Current Skills

Drop shot technique and execution
Deception and disguise in shot selection
Tactical placement into front court areas
Strategic thinking during rallies

Next Steps

Advanced shot combinations and sequences
Smash technique and overhead attacking shots
Doubles tactics and partnership play
Tournament-style competitive play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent drop shot placement in front third of court

Effective use of deception before shot execution

Strategic shot selection based on opponent position

Winning points directly from drop shot placement

Key Teaching Points

Drop shots require soft contact and gentle deceleration at impact
Deception is crucial - prepare identically for clears and drops
Target the front corners of opponent's court for maximum effectiveness
Use drop shots when opponents are deep and expecting clears
Combine drop shots with other shots to create tactical sequences
Movement and court position are essential for successful shot execution
Practice building consistency before adding complexity

Common Misconceptions

Thinking drop shots need to be hit hard - actually require gentle touch
Believing drop shots work in all situations - timing and opponent position crucial
Assuming deception means completely different preparation - should be nearly identical
Expecting immediate success - drop shots require extensive practice to master
Focusing only on technique - tactical application equally important

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, movement breaks included

dyspraxia

Slower demonstration pace, larger shuttlecocks or targets, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available, predictable practice formats

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks, provide verbal descriptions of target areas, buddy system for court navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards, hand signals for game communication

physical disability

Modified racquet grips, seated play options, adjusted court sizes, partner assistance if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding projectile motion and shuttle flight, forces and momentum in racquet sports, physics of deception

Geography

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

Mathematics

Calculating scores and statistics, measuring court dimensions, analysing angles of shot placement

PSHE

Developing resilience under competitive pressure, honest self-assessment, supporting and encouraging teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during practice, central position during demonstrations, court-side during games for coaching

Observation Focus

Watch for drop shot technique development, tactical awareness, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, when tactical understanding needs support, or when game intensity becomes too high

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touch, like you're catching an egg!'
•'Disguise it - prepare like a clear!'
•'Watch your opponent's position!'
•'Aim for the corners!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6 badminton courts (13.4m x 6.1m each) with clear run-off areas

Surface Check

Non-slip court surface, dry and free from shuttlecocks and equipment

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings are intact and secure
•Ensure grips are not slippery or worn
•Test shuttlecock flight before use
•Verify net height and tension are correct

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet collisions between students during practice
•Slips and falls from quick direction changes
•Eye injuries from shuttlecock contact
•Muscle strains from overhead movements

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between practice pairs maintained
•Progressive warm-up including dynamic stretching
•Clear boundaries and playing areas established
•Students aware of others around them during play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts during games
•Monitor technique to prevent injury from poor form
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure proper equipment handling

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed