Badminton Crosscourt-Only Half-Court Game
Two pairs play at the same time on one court, each on a diagonal, so the shuttle must always go crosscourt from one half to the opposite one. Students work on shot direction, angle control, and awareness of the other pair sharing the court.
How to play
- Use cones to mark the lengthwise center line on both sides of each court; two pairs per court, each on one diagonal (2 min).
- Cooperative crosscourt rally for 3 min: crosscourt clears and drives without letting the shuttle drop.
- Game to 11 with rally scoring on the diagonal: a shuttle that lands in the straight half, the other pair's area, is a point for the opponent.
- Both pairs play at once; if two shuttles cross or land in the same area, stop and replay both points.
- Games last about 5 min; afterward, players switch diagonals and opponents within the court; play 2 games (10 min).
- Wrap-up: compare whether it is easier to hit crosscourt on the forehand or backhand and which shot gives more angle (3 min).
Rules
- Only crosscourt shots to the opponent's diagonal half count.
- The cone line and the center line count as in.
- No smashing, to avoid hitting the neighboring pair.
- Safety: when a shuttle goes into the other diagonal, call 'stop' and pick it up after the point.
Variations
Easier
Only play a cooperative crosscourt rally, counting shots in a row.
Standard
Diagonal game to 11 with two pairs per court.
Harder
Allow one straight shot per point, which the opponent must send back crosscourt.
Adaptations
- For students with limited mobility, shorten the diagonal to the doubles long service line.
- For students with visual impairments, give each pair a different shuttle color.
- For lower-skill students, allow one bounce before hitting.
Learning goals
- Direct shots crosscourt using different strokes.
- Control the racket angle depending on the hitting side.
- Share the space with another pair attentively and respectfully.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rackets: 26
- shuttlecocks: 30
- nets: 4
- cones: 24
Teacher tip
Giving each pair a different shuttle color really helps keep them from getting mixed up. This drill makes great use of space when courts are limited.
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