Introduction to Badminton

Class Length: 40 minutes
Class Size: 30 students
Level: Third Level (Curriculum for Excellence - Physical Education)
Focus Area: Physical Competencies, Cognitive Skills, and Physical Fitness

This lesson aligns with the Scottish National Curriculum (Curriculum for Excellence), specifically addressing:

• Health and Wellbeing: Movement Skills, Competencies, and Concepts (HWB 3-21a, HWB 3-22a)
• Social Wellbeing: Working Cooperatively

The lesson will serve as an introduction to badminton and will aim to develop hand-eye coordination, an understanding of shuttlecock movement, and teamwork in a fun and engaging format.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Develop accuracy and control through throwing, catching, and targeting activities involving the shuttlecock.
2. Understand basic movement patterns and coordination required in badminton.
3. Work collaboratively with a partner and as part of a team to build communication and tactical thinking.
4. Enjoy a physically active session that reinforces the social aspects of sport participation.

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Required Equipment

• 15 badminton shuttlecocks (one for every pair of students).
• 10 hoops to use as targets (set up across the gym).
• 15 small cones to mark areas during activities.
• 6 badminton nets (optional for Clear the Garden, otherwise use cones for boundaries).

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Lesson Breakdown

Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Activity: Dynamic Partner Races
Students will partner up to complete shuttlecock-relay challenges designed to improve their general agility and prepare their muscles for movement:

1. Straight-Line Shuttle Relay
   Partners take turns running a short distance (~10 metres), balancing a shuttlecock on their palm as they run. At the midway point, they drop the shuttlecock gently into a cone bucket, run back, and high-five their partner. Repeat until each partner has gone twice.

2. Back-to-Back Carry
   The same partners now work collaboratively by standing back-to-back and holding a shuttlecock between their shoulder blades. They must walk (or side-step) together to a marker and back without dropping the shuttlecock.

Coach Notes: Encourage students to interact with their peers and cheer each other on while staying within their pairs. Discussions about teamwork can be threaded in gently to set the intention for the rest of the session.

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Skill Development (15 minutes)

1. Throwing and Catching Drills (8 minutes)

In their pairs, students use a single shuttlecock to practise throwing and catching. The focus is on honing accuracy, spatial awareness, and anticipation:

• Stand 3 metres apart and take turns gently throwing the shuttlecock underarm to their partner (progress further apart if successful).
• Introduce "moving targets": one student throws as the other steps forward, backward, or side-to-side.

Coach Notes: Use clear demonstrations to highlight the trajectory of the shuttlecock when thrown accurately versus without precision. Offer individual feedback as needed.

2. Target Practice (7 minutes)

Students now practise aiming for stationary targets using hoops placed at various distances.

• Pairs take turns throwing their shuttlecock into the closest hoop. They earn points for landing in the hoop (1 point for each successful throw).
• Add a challenge round where hoops progressively increase in distance.
• Encourage friendly competition between pairs.

Coach Notes: Use this time to introduce badminton-specific terms, such as "accuracy" and "placement," and how these skills would translate into a match scenario.

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Main Game: Clear the Garden (15 minutes)

Setup: Divide the class into four teams of eight with each "garden" (court) divided by a net or cone markers. Scatter 10 shuttlecocks evenly across each garden.

Objective: Teams must "clear" all the shuttlecocks from their side of the garden by throwing them underarm over to the opposite side. At the whistle, the team with the fewest shuttlecocks on their side wins.

Rules:

1. Players are allowed to pick up only one shuttlecock at a time.
2. No stepping over the net or boundary.
3. Add a twist in the second round by introducing "dead zones" marked with cones where players cannot enter, making them practise accurate longer throws.

Coach Notes: This game develops hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and throws in an aerobic element to keep the students energised and engaged. Rotate teams after each round to further encourage peer bonding.

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Cool Down (5 minutes)

Stretching Circle with Shuttlecocks
Students form a big circle and use their shuttlecock for fun, creative stretches:

• Hold the shuttlecock in one hand and stretch to touch it to their opposite foot.
• Pass the shuttlecock around their waists for coordination.
• Simulate badminton swings to loosen up arm muscles.

End with three deep breaths as a group to bring heart rates down and reflect quickly on the session.

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Reflection and Success Criteria

Teacher-Led Reflection Questions

• “What skills did we practise today that are important in badminton?”
• “How did working with a partner or team impact you during the activities?”
• “What do you feel you could improve for next time?”

Students should leave understanding how the skills they developed can be translated into a friendly badminton match.

Success Criteria:

• Students demonstrated improved control and accuracy during skill-based drills.
• Effective teamwork was evidenced in partner games and Clear the Garden.
• All students participated actively and displayed enjoyment throughout the lesson.

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Extensions/Homework

Encourage students to:

• Research basic badminton rules or watch a short clips of professional games to observe how accuracy and strategy play a role in matches.
• Practise throwing and catching shuttlecocks at home with a family member to further develop coordination.

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This lesson plan is designed to introduce Year 9 students to the fundamentals of badminton using creative, age-appropriate activities. It links skills to real-world applications while keeping the session active, enjoyable, and aligned with the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence.