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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can work effectively with a partner to cover the court and apply pressure to the opposition.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: effectively covering the space on the court involves moving back if your partner moves to the net.
      2. Think: knowing a shuttle in the middle of the court should be played by whoever can hit a forehand is smart tactics.
      3. Feel: being dedicated to working with your partner to achieve the best possible outcome shows commitment.
      4. Connect: being positive helps avoid deterioration in performance

      Keywords

      • Strategy - a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim

      • Partnership - working well with a partner due to good communication and teamwork

      • Commitment - the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity

      Common misconception

      Pupils don't adapt their court position based on where their partner is and where the shuttle has been hit.

      Work together to cover the court. If your partner is at the front of the court then it is important to step back to cover the back of the court. However, it is typically easier to assume side-by-side positioning and cover half the court each.

      Teacher tip

      Using a whole-part-whole style of teaching helps you to notice mistakes made by pupils during game play and consider how to correct them. This can be through discussion and practice before putting it back into the game situation.

      Equipment

      badminton racket per pupil, at least 1 shuttlecock per pair, posts and nets

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What should you do just as your opponent is about to hit the shuttle?

      move to net
      Correct answer: split step
      nothing

      Q2.
      What footwork involves long steps and agile changes of direction?

      squatting
      side stepping
      Correct answer: lunging

      Q3.
      Which characteristic are you displaying if you continue to work hard whilst fatigued?

      integrity
      fair play
      Correct answer: determination

      Q4.
      Where should you and your partner stand when defending in doubles?

      front and back
      Correct answer: side-by-side
      one corner each

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Where should you move if your partner lunges forwards to retrieve a drop shot?

      forwards
      Correct answer: backwards
      wider

      Q2.
      Which of the following does not describe a strategy?

      an overall plan
      Correct answer: responding to opposition
      a long term aim

      Q3.
      Who should take priority to hit a shuttle down the middle of the court?

      it doesn’t matter
      the backhand player
      Correct answer: the forehand player

      Q4.
      What does showing dedication to achieve the best possible outcome with your partner demonstrate?

      Correct answer: commitment
      communication
      critical thinking

      To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Doubles strategy and communication, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...