Badminton Doubles Formations Game
Doubles badminton games where pairs learn to switch between attacking formation (front and back) and defensive formation (side by side) depending on where the shuttle is. The activity builds tactical teamwork and communication between partners.
How to play
- Put 4 students on each court (two pairs) and give each court a card with a diagram of both formations.
- For 4 minutes, demonstrate with one pair: when your team hits down, set up front and back; when you hit up, set up side by side.
- For 5 minutes, guided play: one pair feeds high shuttles and the other practices switching formation; the teacher calls 'attack' or 'defense' to help.
- For 10 minutes, play doubles to 11 points with an underhand serve; a rally won in the correct formation counts double, judged by the other pair.
- At the end of each game, pairs switch opponents by rotating one court clockwise.
- Finish with 4 minutes: each pair describes one rally where switching formation won the point and one where they collided or left a gap.
Rules
- Before any shared shot, call 'mine' or 'yours' so rackets don't collide.
- The front player doesn't chase shuttles going over their head to the back.
- Serve diagonally, from the right or left side depending on whether the score is even or odd.
Variations
Easier
The teacher always calls the formation and courts are narrower.
Standard
Games to 11 with formations and double points for rallies won in the right formation.
Harder
Partners can't talk; they must switch formation just by reading the shuttle's flight.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student always plays the front area while the partner covers the back.
- Hearing impairment: replace the 'attack' and 'defense' calls with colored cards held up.
- Lower skill level: pair students of different levels so one can guide positioning.
Learning goals
- Tell the difference between attacking and defensive formations in doubles.
- Communicate with a partner to split court space and shots.
- Choose shots that set up the attacking formation.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rackets: 25
- shuttlecocks: 12
- net: 6
- cones: 12
- cards: 6
Teacher tip
Racket collisions are the main risk, so drill the 'mine' call from the first minute. Laminate the formation cards so you can reuse them in later units.
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