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Lesson 1 - Fundamental Grip and Ready Position

Fundamentals & Tactics

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Year 9

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can mastering the fundamentals of grip and ready position give you the competitive edge in badminton?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate and consistently apply correct badminton grip and ready position
Execute basic serves within badminton rules and court boundaries
Understand court lines and areas whilst moving efficiently between positions
Begin to apply tactical thinking to outwit opponents in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

All students will identify and attempt correct grip and ready position
Most students will demonstrate consistent grip and serve with increasing accuracy
Some students will apply tactical awareness whilst maintaining technical fundamentals

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

4-6 courts depending on space

Check strings are not broken, grips are clean and not slippery

Alternative: Different sizes and weights available for varying abilities

Balls

2 per pair (30 total)

Check feathers are not damaged, plastic ones are not cracked

Alternative: Mix of feather and plastic shuttles based on ability level

Score Sheets

1 per group of 6 students

Pre-filled with student names and criteria

Alternative: Digital assessment apps on tablets

Markers Cones

20-30 small cones

Bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Chalk marks or tape if cones unavailable

Key Vocabulary

V-grip

Holding the racquet with thumb and index finger forming a V shape along the handle

Thumb grip

Alternative grip where thumb is placed flat against the back of the handle for backhand shots

Ready position

Athletic stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, racquet up and ready

Service court

The specific area where the shuttlecock must land during service

Centre line

The line dividing the service courts down the middle of the court

Shuttlecock

The projectile used in badminton, made of feathers or synthetic materials

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic racquet sports experience from Key Stage 3
Understanding of net games principles
Fundamental movement skills and coordination

Current Skills

Correct badminton grip techniques
Athletic ready position for quick reactions
Basic serving technique and rules
Court awareness and positioning

Next Steps

Advanced shot techniques (clear, drop, smash)
Complex tactical gameplay and strategy
Doubles play coordination and communication
Tournament play and competitive analysis

Milestone Indicators

Maintains correct grip throughout 10-shot rally

Returns to ready position after each shot automatically

Serves accurately into target areas 7/10 attempts

Demonstrates understanding through peer coaching

Key Teaching Points

Correct grip is foundation for all badminton success - check constantly
Ready position enables quick reactions - emphasise athletic stance
Serve is only shot with complete control - focus on consistency over power
Court awareness prevents injuries and improves positioning
Technique under pressure separates good from great players
Positive encouragement builds confidence and skill development
Safety through proper equipment handling and spatial awareness

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Harder hits are always better' - Correction: 'Control and placement beat power every time'
Misconception: 'Grip doesn't matter much' - Correction: 'Grip affects every shot you'll ever play'
Misconception: 'Ready position slows you down' - Correction: 'Ready position makes you faster and more balanced'
Misconception: 'Serves should be powerful' - Correction: 'Serves should be accurate and legal first, power comes later'
Misconception: 'Court lines don't matter in games' - Correction: 'Lines determine legal play and tactical options'

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear boundaries, offer regular positive feedback, allow movement breaks when needed

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter equipment, break skills into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, offer physical guidance when needed

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet zones for breaks, use visual schedules, prepare for changes in advance

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttlecocks and racquets, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, implement buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Provide lightweight racquets, allow seated play positions, modify court size, use larger/slower shuttlecocks

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, communication skills during peer coaching, following and giving instructions clearly

Maths

Angles of racquet face for shot direction, scoring systems and number operations, measuring court dimensions and service areas

Science

Forces and motion in shuttlecock flight, aerodynamics affecting flight patterns, biomechanics of efficient movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding of boundaries and territories, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Building confidence through skill development, resilience when facing challenges, leadership and cooperation in group activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate constantly between groups, position at court corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip maintenance, ready position consistency, safe racquet handling, and positive interaction

Intervention Points

Step in when technique significantly deteriorates, safety concerns arise, or students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with exaggerated movements for visibility, explain while demonstrating, check all students can see clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Grip check - show me that V!'
•'Ready position - bounce on your toes!'
•'Gentle serve - control first, power later!'
•'Great technique - you're looking like professionals!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4 badminton courts (40m x 20m total), clear overhead space minimum 7m height

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, check for any water or debris on court

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check racquet strings are not broken or damaged
•Ensure racquet grips are clean and not slippery
•Verify shuttlecocks are in good condition with no damaged feathers
•Check net height and stability

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet collisions between students
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Eye injuries from shuttlecocks
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and spacing between students
•Teach proper racquet handling and control
•Emphasise awareness of others when swinging
•Progressive skill building to avoid overexertion
•Clear rules about equipment handling

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all court areas
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for proper equipment handling
•Ensure students follow safety instructions

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact medical support if needed