Badminton Net Kill or Lift Decision Drill

A net-play drill in groups of three: a feeder drops shuttles near the net at different heights and the player decides whether to kill them downward or lift them deep. Students work on reading height, lunging, and making quick decisions.

How to play

1. Groups of three per half-court: a feeder at the net with 10 shuttles, a player at the center of their court, and a retriever on the other side.
2. The feeder drops the shuttle by hand over the net: sometimes above the tape, sometimes tight to it.
3. The player lunges in: if the shuttle is above the tape, they punch it down; if it is low, they lift it to the back.
4. After each shot, the player touches the center cone before the next feed. Sets of 10, then rotate roles (3 sets each, 12 min).
5. Scoring: 2 points for a correct decision that lands in, 1 for a correct decision that goes out, 0 for a wrong decision. At the end, groups discuss which feeds were hardest to read (4 min).

Rules

• The feeder steps to the side after each drop.
• Touching the net with the racket or body makes the shot worth 0.
• Net kills are short and wristy, never a big swing near the feeder.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: start next to the net with no center cone, with feeds within racket reach.
• Hearing impairment: the feeder gives a visual finger countdown.
• Fitness level: students who need a break retrieve for an extra set.

Learning goals

• Read shuttle height relative to the net tape.
• Choose quickly between a net kill and a lift.
• Lunge to the net and recover to the center.

Equipment for a class of 25

• rackets: 25
• shuttlecocks: 80
• nets: 4
• cones: 9

Teacher tip

Make feeders truly vary the heights; if every feed looks the same, there is no decision. Keep cueing "racket up and out front" before the player reaches the shuttle.

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