This video is a submission for more than one candidate. In this syllabus the option within Submit for Assessment to tag multiple candidates against one piece of evidence is useful to centres. Two or three candidates may be filmed at the same time performing the same skills to reduce filming length if needed and if appropriate to their skill level. The moderator comments for this video refer to the performance of one candidate only. However, scaling may have been applied to the centre as a whole when taking the performance of all candidates into account.

The candidate is identified in the moderator commentary displayed in the video below: green bib 5.

This candidate would be placed in the mid-high Level 5 range.

When placing the candidate in Level 5, consider the technique, accuracy and consistency in performing the skills to a very good level in rallies and in a game.

Remember to check that the assessment conditions for this level have been met.

show/hide  Badminton Moderator Comments
A. Six candidates are seen practising their skills in isolation. The top performing candidates are positioned at the end of the sports hall playing against each other. Having all candidates in one clip is good practice so long as skills are clear. Candidates can be paired by ability, which is also good practice. The overhead clear is consistently placed at the back of the court. The candidate is seen getting himself in position behind the shuttle. The candidate’s body is sideways on and the shuttle is taken at its highest point, which is above the candidate’s body. This allows the shuttle to be played upwards and to the back of the court thus pushing the opponent out of the attack. This is an example of a stroke being played in isolation as both candidates are returning the shuttle to their partner at the back of the court rather than playing the return to different areas at the back of the court. Despite this skill being in isolation and the assessment conditions are therefore at Level 2 at this point, the candidate clearly has a high level of skill/technique.

B. The skills have been developed into a sequence/drill. The sequence consists of a short serve, lift, high clear and smash. The candidates alternate their roles. This demonstrates the ability to prepare for an attacking situation. The candidate demonstrates that he can ensure that on a short serve, the shuttle travels close to the net. He can demonstrate a lifted shot placed at the rear of the court. This skill is needed when defending a smash and he can position himself correctly behind the shuttle when preparing to perform a smash. His body is positioned side on and he takes the shuttle at the highest point.

C. This drill demonstrates a candidate performing a variety of shots. However, as in the previous practice, it is not opposed as the shuttle is returned. No competitive angled shots are demonstrated. These would be required for a higher level of attainment. Higher ability candidates should be performing these drills under pressure. This would change this towards a Level 3 drill. For example, in order to raise the level of the assessment condition, the sequence could be demonstrated, but then becomes a competitive situation following the smash where the point is played out.

D. A deep serve is performed, forcing the opposition to the back of the court. In order to buy the player time, an overhead clear is performed. This again will force the opponent to the back of the court. This is followed by a drop shot, a lift as a response to the drop shot, which places the candidate in a position to return with a smash. Both drills above are transferable into a game situation and represent situations that a player may find themselves in. This is a Level 3 drill. To raise the level of the assessment condition, one option is that two/three shots are involved in the sequence and then it becomes a competitive situation where the point is played out. This could move the assessment conditions towards Level 4.

E. The candidate’s performance of these skills is at a high level.

F. The game shows that the candidate can set up an attacking situation from which to win the point. He focuses on his opponent’s backhand drive, which is a weakness. He can demonstrate that he can win a point using a range of serves and he is not reliant on one serve. Drop shots are placed close, low and tight to the net thus placing the opposition under pressure. After every shot the candidate returns to the centre of the court in preparation to receive the next shot. He also has the ability to anticipate the next shot and prepare to receive it. If he is under pressure, he can play a drive to the back of the court, which will give him the chance to regain his dominance in the centre of the court. His performance usually produces the intended results and is effective. The game is continuous and has not been cut so his attacking and defending skills and tactics can be seen. He is seen both serving and defending the serve.

G. In order to award marks towards the top of Level 5, this candidate needed to be seen performing at a higher level- for example by using angles in his game, so the return is not always down the centre of the court. It may have benefitted the candidate to see him play against stronger opposition to see how his tactical play would transfer into this situation. A school, club or higher-level match may have provided this information.


Some issues seen with Badminton from some centres:

  • Video evidence shows a candidate serving over a net with no opposition. The skill is performed in isolation and therefore only meets the Level 2 assessment conditions.
  • Candidates play against an opponent of a much lower ability. This may allow their attacking skills to be seen but not how they turn a defensive situation into an attack.
  • The candidate is not seen performing serves.
  • Angles are not used when creating attacking situations; the play is only down the centre of the court.
  • Neither the result nor the angle of the candidate’s shot is seen. 
  • Candidates often demonstrate skills completely in isolation and then in a game. Few candidates are filmed demonstrating sequences (such as short serve, lift, overhead clear and smash) as unopposed drills or as competitive drills.



Last modified: Monday, 18 March 2024, 12:45 PM