Badminton Doubles Call-It Game

A doubles game in which every shot must be preceded by a verbal call ("Mine!") and shuttles that drop in the middle count double. Students work on partner communication, covering space, and deciding together who takes each shot.

How to play

1. Groups of 6 per court: two pairs play and one pair observes, each observer standing behind one team.
2. Before hitting, the player calls "Mine!"; if they hit without calling, the observer flags it and the point goes to the other team.
3. If a shuttle drops between the two partners with no call, the other team wins 2 points.
4. After each point, the pair has 5 seconds to quietly agree who covers the middle on the next rally.
5. Games last 5 minutes with regular doubles serving; afterward, the observing pair replaces the pair with fewer points (3 games, 15 min).
6. Wrap-up: each observer gives their pair one specific communication tip (3 min).

Rules

• A shot without a call does not count.
• If both partners go for the same shuttle, the one who did not call backs off and lowers their racket.
• Players call their own faults honestly.
• Observers stay at least 1 m (3 ft) outside the lines.

Variations

Adaptations

• Hearing impairment: replace the verbal call with raising the free hand before hitting.
• Limited mobility: the student covers the front half of the court and the partner covers the back.
• Shyness: early on, the observer prompts with "Yours!" so the partner answers.

Learning goals

• Communicate with a partner before each shot.
• Share court space effectively in doubles.
• Give classmates useful, respectful feedback.

Equipment for a class of 25

• rackets: 25
• shuttlecocks: 20
• nets: 4

Teacher tip

Calling almost eliminates racket clashes in doubles; demonstrate it before you start. Many students stay silent at first, so praise the pairs you can hear out loud.

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