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Year 8

Exploring ways to win the point

I can use creativity to outwit my opponent.

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New
New
Year 8

Exploring ways to win the point

I can use creativity to outwit my opponent.

Download all resources

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: net shots require very little backswing and instead meet the shuttle as close to the net as possible.
  2. Move: smashes are hit with downward force and a flick of the wrist.
  3. Think: disguising which shot you are playing can wrong foot your opponent.
  4. Feel: inspiration comes from problem solving and experimentation.
  5. Connect: sympathetic feeds that are challenging but possible are the best way to support each other to develop.

Keywords

  • Smash - hitting the shuttle down to attack with power

  • Net shot - hitting the shuttle from up close to the net

  • Drop shot - hitting the shuttle from the back of the court to go just over the net

Common misconception

Pupils hold their index finger up towards the shaft of the racket to try to get more control.

Letting your index finger point up the back of the grip feels like it is helping with control, but break this habit fast to prevent this technique from limiting your progress to the full range of shots that are possible with a shake hands grip.


To help you plan your year 8 physical education lesson on: Exploring ways to win the point, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Challenge pupils to spot and call out "grip" every time they see a peer using the wrong grip with their index finger up the back of the racket to help break the habit.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 badminton racket per pupil; at least 2 shuttlecocks each; posts, nets and floor markers; mini whiteboards and pens

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Why is it important to get your body position sideways on when you hit the shuttle?
Correct answer: to add power
to add control
it is easier
Q2.
What is it called when you point your strings slightly up?
tilting
Correct answer: open racket face
closed racket face
Q3.
What is it called when you hit a defensive high shot from the side of your body?
a smash
an overarm clear
Correct answer: an underarm clear
Q4.
What do you need to do to achieve success when working together?
be competitive
Correct answer: communicate clearly
work independently

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
If you are at the front of the court and hit short then what is your shot called?
a drop shot
Correct answer: a net shot
a dink shot
Q2.
What is an attacking shot where you hit the shuttle down at a steep trajectory called?
Correct answer: a smash
an overarm clear
an underarm clear
Q3.
What is the consequence of letting your index finger point up the back of the grip?
improves technique
Correct answer: limits wrist flick
increases power
Q4.
To solve problems and outwit your opponent, which of the following is not a good strategy?
only hitting smashes
Correct answer: experimenting with angles
disguising shots