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Lesson 6 - Tactics & Shot Placement

Fundamentals & Tactics

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Year 9

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can you outsmart your opponent by controlling where they move on court?

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 choice of tactics when attacking or defending

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate tactical shot selection to move opponents around the court
Students will assess and evaluate their own performance and tactical weaknesses
Students will apply different strategies effectively in both singles and doubles situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

6 courts minimum

Check string tension and grip size before distribution

Alternative: Short-handled racquets for students with grip difficulties

Balls

60 (plastic and feather varieties)

Use plastic for warm-up, feather for competitive play

Alternative: Slower plastic shuttles for beginners, foam shuttles for adaptation

Score Sheets

1 per student

Pre-printed with tactical observation criteria

Alternative: Digital assessment via tablets if available

iPads

2-3 devices

Charged and positioned for court coverage

Alternative: Smartphone cameras with tripod stands

Markers Cones

24 (4 per court)

Mark target areas for tactical practice

Alternative: Chalk or tape for floor marking

Key Vocabulary

Court positioning

Strategic placement of yourself on court to maximise coverage and shot options

Shot placement

Deliberately directing the shuttle to specific areas to create tactical advantage

Attacking

Taking the initiative to put pressure on opponent through aggressive shot selection

Defending

Responding to opponent pressure while looking for counter-attack opportunities

Singles tactics

Strategies specific to one-on-one play focusing on movement and endurance

Doubles tactics

Coordinated strategies between partners using formation and communication

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic badminton strokes and techniques from lessons 1-5
Understanding of court dimensions and boundaries
Knowledge of basic rules and scoring

Current Skills

Tactical shot placement and court positioning
Strategic thinking and opponent analysis
Decision-making under pressure in competitive situations

Next Steps

Advanced tactical combinations and deception
Tournament play with complex strategies
Leadership roles in coaching tactical concepts

Milestone Indicators

Consistently places shots to move opponent

Recognises and exploits opponent weaknesses

Adapts tactics mid-game based on situation

Key Teaching Points

Tactical thinking requires practice and patience - emphasise decision-making process over immediate success
Court positioning is as important as shot technique - teach students to think about where they stand
Moving opponents is more effective than hitting powerfully - promote placement over power
Communication in doubles is essential - encourage tactical discussions between partners
Self-assessment helps students understand their tactical development - use reflection regularly
Competition should enhance tactical learning, not override it - maintain learning focus during games
Different students will excel in different tactical areas - celebrate all types of tactical thinking

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Powerful shots always win points. Correction: Placement and timing are more important than power
Misconception: Tactics are only for advanced players. Correction: All students can think tactically at their level
Misconception: Doubles is just two singles players together. Correction: Doubles requires specific partnership strategies
Misconception: You must win to play tactically well. Correction: Good tactics can be shown even when losing points
Misconception: Tactics are too complicated for Year 9. Correction: Tactical thinking develops decision-making skills for life

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and rules, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger target areas for shot placement, additional practice time, simplified tactical concepts initially

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zone available for breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured shuttles, clear verbal descriptions of court areas, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all concepts, written tactical instruction cards, sign language support if available

physical disability

Seated badminton options, modified court sizes, adaptive equipment available, shorter racquets for reach limitations

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, communication in tactical discussions, analysis and evaluation skills

Maths

Geometry through court angles and shot trajectories, statistics in scoring and performance analysis

Science

Physics of shuttle flight patterns, forces in racquet swing mechanics, biology of muscle fatigue during tactical play

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping movement patterns around court space

PSHE

Decision-making under pressure, strategic thinking, partnership cooperation and communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sightlines to all courts, move between leagues during tournament play

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical shot selection, partnership cooperation, and appropriate competitive intensity

Intervention Points

Step in if tactics become overly aggressive, safety concerns arise, or students need strategic guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show tactical concepts clearly, emphasise decision-making process over just technique

Verbal Cues

•'Think about court placement!'
•'Where's your opponent weak?'
•'Attack or defend - choose wisely!'
•'Great tactical thinking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 6 badminton courts (13.4m x 6.1m each) with 2m safety zones

Surface Check

Non-slip court surface, checked for moisture or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Inspect racquet strings for fraying or damage
•Check grip tape is secure and not worn
•Ensure net height is correct and nets are secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racquet contact during doubles play
•Slips from rapid direction changes
•Shuttlecock strikes to face/head
•Overexertion during competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing
•Controlled shot power during practice phases
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Emphasis on sportsmanship and safety awareness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts during play
•Monitor competitive intensity levels
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

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