Badminton: Attacking Clear or Defensive Clear

Students tell apart the defensive clear, high and deep to buy time, from the attacking clear, flatter and just over the opponent's reach. They first practice each trajectory and then decide which one to use based on their own position on the court.

How to play

1. Explain and demonstrate both trajectories: the defensive clear goes almost straight up and drops on the back line; the attacking clear is flatter and goes behind the opponent (3 min).
2. In pairs on half a court, 10 defensive clears each from the back; the partner places a cone where the shuttle lands to check depth (5 min).
3. Repeat with the attacking clear: the receiver stands mid-court and reaches up with the racket; if they can touch the shuttle, the clear was too low (5 min).
4. Conditioned game to 11 points: hitting from behind the cone line, under pressure, requires a defensive clear; hitting from in front and well set up requires an attacking clear (9 min).
5. Debrief: each pair describes a moment when a poorly chosen attacking clear cost them the point (3 min).

Rules

• An attacking clear only counts if the partner cannot reach it with an outstretched arm.
• Each player stays on their side; nobody crosses under the net.
• Keep 6 feet clear behind the hitter to avoid racket contact.
• Shuttles on the floor are picked up only when the rally is over.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: narrow half court and the partner sends the shuttle within reach; only the trajectory is assessed.
• Hearing impairment: changes of drill are signaled by raising a colored cone.
• Shoulder injury: defensive clear only, with a short swing and rest between sets.

Learning goals

• Distinguish the technique and trajectory of the defensive and attacking clear.
• Choose the type of clear based on their own and the opponent's position.
• Analyze the tactical consequences of a wrong choice.

Equipment for a class of 25

• badminton rackets: 28
• shuttlecocks: 42
• badminton nets: 7
• cones: 14

Teacher tip

If you are short on courts, split each one lengthwise and play singles on half courts. Focus your feedback on the contact point: up and in front of the head.

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