Just Step Up — Level 5

Skill 1 — Forecourt Attacking & Defensive Footwork

A player will need to learn the most efficient types of footwork for the right situations, these footwork patterns will show a greater tactical understanding of the game and prepare the body for the possible replies or next shots. This skill will look specifically at the forecourt in both attacking and defensive situations.

How It Should Look

Attacking - Players will be in a racket foot forward split step and will use both chassis movement fast and forwards or a split step and jump movement for a net kill. Footwork should be fast and powerful. Defensive - Players will be in a more defensive court position and will show a neutral split step they will then adjust and show movement footwork in low chassis, running steps and cross behind to take the shuttle in a low lunge.

Coaching Notes

• Players to understand different split step directions
• Footwork based around speed, balance or distance
• Understanding the various situations that each type of footwork will be used in a tactical context.

Assessment Procedure 1 - Forecourt Attacking & Defensive Footwork

Assessment of the Forecourt Attacking and Defensive footwork can be done by the players showing firstly the different footwork patterns and explaining which are attacking or defensive and the types of shots that will be played from these positions . Task Repetitions Assessment Qualities Forehand Attacking Footwork (Early Net) 5 + movement repetitions to be shown Directional Split Step towards the corner. Fast Chassis/Running Steps Upright body position Forehand Attacking Footwork (Net Kill) 5 + movement repetitions to be shown Directional Split Step towards the corner Jump take off and landing at the net Forehand Defensive Footwork (Lift) 5 + movement repetitions to be shown Movement with running steps or cross behind Backhand Attacking Footwork (Early Net) 5 + movement repetitions to be shown Directional Split Step towards the corner. Fast Chassis/Running Steps Upright body position Backhand Attacking Footwork (Net Kill) 5 + movement repetitions to be shown Directional Split Step towards the corner Jump take off and landing at the net Backhand Defensive Footwork (Lift) 5 + movement repetitions to be shown Movement with running steps or cross behind

Skill 2 — Rearcourt Attacking & Defensive Footwork

A player will need to learn the most efficient types of footwork for the right situations, these footwork patterns will show a greater tactical understanding of the game and prepare the body for the possible replies or next shots. This skill will look specifically at the rear court in both attacking and defensive situations.

How It Should Look

Attacking - Players will be in a non-racket foot forward split step and will use both chassis and running steps to get behind the shuttle. The hitting movement can be performed as a jump out or scissor kick with body weight moving back into court. Defensive - Players will be in a more defensive court position and will show a neutral split step; they will then adjust and show movement footwork in a low chassis and lunge or pivot and lunge positions to reach deep into the low rearcourt corners.

Coaching Notes

• Players to use directional split steps for attacking movements
• Attacking footwork to get behind the shuttle
• Attacking body momentum to push back into the court
• Defensive footwork to show balance and speed low to the ground

Assessment Procedure 2 - Rearcourt Attacking & Defensive Footwork

Assessment of the Rearcourt Attacking and Defensive footwork can be done by the players showing firstly the different footwork patterns and explaining which are attacking or defensive and the types of shots that will be played from these positions . Task Repetitions Assessment Qualities Forehand Attacking Footwork (Jump Out) 5 + movement repetitions to be shown Directional Split Step towards the corner. Fast Chassis step and powerful jump Upright body position Forehand Attacking Footwork (Scissor Kick) 5 + movement repetitions to be shown Directional Split Step towards the corner with running steps Jump with a scissor kick. Body weight back into court. Forehand Defensive Footwork (Deep Pull) 5 + movement repetitions to be shown Movement with chassis and lunge Show balance Backhand Attacking Footwork (Jump Out) 5 + movement repetitions to be shown Directional Split Step towards the corner. Fast Chassis step and powerful jump Upright body position Backhand Attacking Footwork (Scissor Kick) 5 + movement repetitions to be shown Directional Split Step towards the corner Running Step backwards jump with a scissor kick. Body weight back into court. Backhand Defensive Footwork (Deep Pull) 5 + movement repetitions to be shown Movement with chassis, pivot and lunge Show balance

Skill 3 — Forehand Crosscourt Net Shot

The forehand crosscourt net shot in a deceptive shot played from your forehand forecourt into your opponents forecourt across the net. These shots are generally played to make your opponent move further, to play into some available space and prevent lifting or to create a tactical situation.

How It Should Look

The crosscourt net shot is very similar to a normal straight net shot and will be played with a basic grip. The racket head is presented as if playing a straight net shot, from here you lower your elbow and allow the racket head to move from horizontal to a vertical position. The racket head will follow the direction of the shuttle while the fingers can be adjusted to control the width and depth of the shuttle trajectory.

Coaching Notes

• Grips always relaxed to allow grip change and control
• Forehand basic grip
• Elbow is lowered as racket head moves from horizontal to vertical
• Slight grip changes allow control of shuttle trajectory
• Ensure a short and deceptive movement with a clear stop after contact

Assessment Procedure 3 - Forehand Crosscourt Net Shot

Assessment of the forehand crosscourt net shot will be based on two exercises . Firstly, from a standing position just one lunge away from the net and the second with the full movement from a base position behind the service line using either a chassis or running steps. Task Repetitions Assessment Qualities Single Step Lunge Players can start roughly on the service line where they are able to reach in just one lunge step 6 / 10 Successful repetitions

• Basic Grip
• Elbow lowered and racket head horizontal to vertical
• Short movement and clear stop Base Movement Players start in a base position behind the service line, using a split step, chassis/running steps and lunge 6 / 10 Successful repetitions
• Good reach of racket and controlled lunge
• Consistency in stroke movement and outcome

Skill 4 — Backhand Crosscourt Net Shot

The backhand crosscourt net shot in a deceptive shot played from your backhand forecourt into your opponents forecourt across the net. These shots are generally played to make your opponent move further, to play into some available space and prevent lifting or to create a tactical situation.

How It Should Look

The crosscourt net shot is very similar to a normal straight net shot and will be played with a thumb grip. The racket head is presented as if playing a straight net shot, from here you lower your elbow and allow the racket head to move from horizontal to a vertical position. The racket head will follow the direction of the shuttle while the fingers can be adjusted to control the width and depth of the shuttle trajectory.

Coaching Notes

• Grips always relaxed to allow grip change and control
• Backhand thumb grip
• Elbow is lowered as racket head moves from horizontal to vertical
• Slight grip changes allow control of shuttle trajectory
• Ensure a short and deceptive movement with a clear stop after contact

Assessment Procedure 4 - Backhand Crosscourt Net Shot

Assessment of the backhand crosscourt net shot will be based on two exercises . Firstly, from a standing position just one lunge away from the net and the second with the full movement from a base position behind the service line using either a chassis or running steps. Task Repetitions Assessment Qualities Single Step Lunge Players can start roughly on the service line where they are able to reach in just one lunge step 6 / 10 Successful repetitions

• Thumb Grip
• Elbow lowered and racket head horizontal to vertical
• Short movement and clear stop Base Movement Players start in a base position behind the service line, using a split step, chassis/running steps and lunge 6 / 10 Successful repetitions
• Good reach of racket and controlled lunge
• Consistency in stroke movement and outcome

Skill 5 — Forehand Deep Pull

A forehand deep pull is played when you are caught in a defensive position in the rearcourt and the shuttle has got past you towards the baseline. These are played from your rearcourt into your opponent's fore to mid court area, they are used to relieve pressure by restricting your opponent's ability to attack the shuttle.

How It Should Look

The player will move to the shuttle low to the ground and take a long deep lunge towards the shuttle in the rear court. The racket head will be drawn back early in preparation with a bent elbow, the arm is then straightened on the forward swing with the aim to get the hand under the contact point as the arm is rotated through the shuttle.

Coaching Notes

• Good lunge position with foot in line with the shuttle
• Forehand basic grip variation on position
• Early preparation and hand to get under the shuttle for control
• Contact point so shuttle is flat and tight to the net to prevent attacking opportunities

Assessment Procedure 5 - Forehand Deep Pull

Assessment of the forehand deep pull will be based on two exercises . Firstly, from a standing position just one lunge away from the net and the second with the full movement from a base position behind the service line using a chassis and lunge footwork. Task Repetitions Assessment Qualities Single Step Lunge Players can start on a deep base position allowing the ability to reach the shuttle in one lunge 6 / 10 Successful repetitions

• Basic grip variations
• Early racket preparation
• Landing foot in line with the shuttle Base Movement Players start in a neutral base position which will require them to use a split step, adjustment step and lunge into a good position 6 / 10 Successful repetitions
• Good distance to the shuttle to allow for forearm rotation
• Tight and flat to net shuttle trajectory

Skill 6 — Backhand Deep Pull

A backhand deep pull is played when you are caught in a defensive position in the rearcourt and the shuttle has got past you towards the baseline. These are played from your rearcourt into your opponent's fore to mid court area, they are used to relieve pressure by restricting your opponent's ability to attack the shuttle.

How It Should Look

The player will move towards the shuttle low to the ground and take a pivot and long deep lunge towards the shuttle in the rear court. The racket head will be drawn back early in preparation with a bent elbow, the arm is then straightened on the forward swing with the aim to get the hand under the contact point as the arm is rotated through the shuttle.

Coaching Notes

• Good lunge position with foot in line with the shuttle
• Bevel grip variation on position
• Early preparation with racket head up
• Contact point so shuttle is flat and tight to the net to prevent attacking opportunities

Assessment Procedure 6 - Backhand Deep Pull

Assessment of the backhand deep pull will be based on two exercises . Firstly, from a standing position just one lunge away from the net and the second with the full movement from a base position behind the service line using a chassis and lunge footwork. Task Repetitions Assessment Qualities Single Step Lunge Players can start on a deep base position allowing the ability to reach the shuttle in one lunge 6 / 10 Successful repetitions

• Bevel grip variations
• Early racket preparation with elbow down
• Landing foot in line with the shuttle Base Movement Players start in a neutral base position which will require them to use a split step, pivot, adjustment step and lunge into a good position 6 / 10 Successful repetitions
• Good distance to the shuttle
• Backswing and forward swing in one motion
• Tight and flat to net shuttle trajectory

Skill 7 — Forehand Drive

The forehand drive is a stroke played in the midcourt area and aims to hit the shuttle hard and flat into your opponent's midcourt. These shots are generally neutral shots where you are unable to attack and don't want to give away the attack to your opponent. They can be used to increase the pace of a rally, restrict your opponents opportunity to attack or to create an attacking situation for yourself.

How It Should Look

The racket head will be out in front of the body with a basic grip, the racket head is in a vertical position with the forearm rotated outwards. The shot is played with a sharp inward rotation of the forearm contacting the shuttle in front of the body. The racket head should be recovered quickly in preparation for the next shot.

Coaching Notes

• Basic grip
• Racket head upwards and in front of the body
• Sharp outward and inward rotation of the forearm with tightening of the grip
• Follow through short with recovery fast ready for next shot

Assessment Procedure 7 - Forehand Drive

Assessment of the forehand drive will be based on just one exercise . From a standing position in the neutral base position, the player will be required to take just one lunge towards the shuttle out to their forehand side. Task Repetitions Assessment Qualities Single Step Lunge Players can start roughly on the neutral base position where they are able to reach in just one lunge step 6 / 10 Successful repetitions

• Basic Grip
• Forearm outward and inward rotation
• Quick racket recovery

Skill 8 — Backhand Drive

The backhand drive is a stroke played in the midcourt area and aims to hit the shuttle hard and flat into your opponent's midcourt. These shots are generally neutral shots where you are unable to attack and don't want to give away the attack to your opponent. They can be used to increase the pace of a rally, restrict your opponents opportunity to attack or to create an attacking situation for yourself.

How It Should Look

The racket head will be out in front of the body with a thumb grip, the racket head is in a vertical position with the forearm rotated outwards. The shot is played with a sharp inward rotation of the forearm contacting the shuttle in front of the body. The racket head should be recovered quickly in preparation for the next shot.

Coaching Notes

• Thumb grip
• Racket head upwards and in front of the body
• Sharp outward and inward rotation of the forearm with tightening of the grip
• Follow through short with recovery fast ready for next shot

Assessment Procedure 8 - Backhand Drive

Assessment of the backhand drive will be based on just one exercise . From a standing position in the neutral base position, the player will be required to take just one lunge towards the shuttle out to their backhand side. Task Repetitions Assessment Qualities Single Step Lunge Players can start roughly on the neutral base position where they are able to reach in just one lunge step 6 / 10 Successful repetitions

• Thumb Grip
• Forearm outward and inward rotation
• Quick racket recovery

Skill 9 — Backhand Doubles Defence (Off Body)

The Backhand Doubles Defence (Off the Body) is a stroke played in the midcourt area and aims to put the shuttle in the opponent's forecourt to midcourt area. This shot is generally played in response to a smash that has been directed towards your body. It is most commonly used in doubles but in singles on occasions.

How It Should Look

The racket should be held with a thumb grip out in front of the body, the elbow should be forwards with an open racket face in preparation for the shuttle. The shot is played by extending the elbow and pushing through the shuttle with an open face towards the direction of desired trajectory.

Coaching Notes

• Thumb grip
• Relaxed reach out in front of the body
• Short pushing action keeping an open face

Assessment Procedure 9 - Backhand Doubles Defence (Off Body)

Doubles Defence (Off Body) Assessment of the Backhand doubles defence will be based on two exercises . Firstly, from a static position where the shuttle will be thrown to the mid body and secondly where the player will have to return an opponent's smash. Task Repetitions Assessment Qualities Static Return Players can stand in a half court and return thrown shuttles from off their body 6 / 10 Successful repetitions

• Thumb Grip
• Reach out in front
• Short push action Smash Return Players start with a high serve and move into a half court defensive position. They will return the smash reply from an opponent 6 / 10 Successful repetitions
• Reactions and early racket preparation
• Footwork to get behind the shuttle
• Control of smash pace