Badminton Midcourt Drive Duel
Fast exchanges of drives, the flat shot hit at net-tape height, between partners at midcourt. Students work on a short grip, reaction time, and forehand and backhand contact out in front of the body on a flat trajectory.
How to play
- Partners on opposite sides of the net, 2–3 m (7–10 ft) from the tape. String a rope 50 cm (20 in) above the net as a ceiling.
- Cooperative: forehand and backhand drives under the rope, counting consecutive hits; three record attempts (4 min).
- Directed: one partner always hits to the same side while the other alternates forehand and backhand; switch after 90 seconds (3 min).
- Duel to 7 points: a shuttle that goes over the rope is a point for the opponent. Afterward, the winner moves one court right and the other player one court left (5 min).
- Wrap-up: forearm and wrist stretches while discussing which grip worked best (3 min).
Rules
- A shuttle over the rope ceiling is a point for the opponent.
- No aiming at the opponent's body when they are close to the net.
- Each player calls their own net touch.
- Dropped shuttles are pushed to the side with the foot.
Variations
Easier
Raise the rope to 1 m (3 ft) above the net and stand farther back for more time.
Standard
Rope at 50 cm (20 in) and duels to 7 points.
Harder
Drive doubles where both partners on a side must hit alternately.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: play seated with a low net and slower plastic shuttles.
- Visual impairment: use a fluorescent shuttle and a plain background behind the court.
- Fitness level: longer breaks between cooperative attempts.
Learning goals
- Hit forehand and backhand drives with a short grip.
- Keep the shuttle flat at net-tape height.
- React quickly to fast shots.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rackets: 26
- shuttlecocks: 20
- nets: 6
- long ropes: 6
Teacher tip
Students tend to take a big backswing like a clear; ask for short punches, racket out front, hand choked up toward the strings. Watch that nobody aims at a partner's face.
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