Badminton No-Repeat Shot Rally

Singles game in which no player may hit the same type of shot twice in a row: after a clear comes a drop, a drive, or a net shot. Students work on shot variety, reading the opponent's position, and anticipation.

How to play

1. Spend 2 min reviewing the four shots in the game: clear, drop, drive, and net shot, with a quick demonstration by one pair.
2. Set up singles pairs on half courts; free rally for 2 min trying to change shots on every hit.
3. Game to 11 with rally scoring: if a player repeats the same shot as their previous hit, they lose the point even if the shuttle lands in.
4. The opponent calls 'repeat' right away; if both agree, the point ends there.
5. Games last about 5 min; afterward, switch opponents with the next court; play 2 games (11 min).
6. Wrap-up: discuss which two-shot combination moved the opponent the most (3 min).

Rules

• The serve does not count as a shot for the repeat rule.
• A smash counts as a different shot from a clear.
• If players cannot agree on whether a shot was repeated, replay the point.
• Safety: call 'mine' or 'yours' when a shuttle goes onto another court and do not chase after it.

Variations

Adaptations

• For students with limited mobility, play on a short court without clears, using net shots, drives, and drops.
• For students with memory or attention difficulties, post a card with the four shots on the net post.
• For less fit students, play games to 7 with rest breaks in between.

Learning goals

• Use at least four different shots during the game.
• Link shots together to make the opponent move.
• Settle disputed points by talking them through with the opponent.

Equipment for a class of 25

• rackets: 26
• shuttlecocks: 30
• nets: 4

Teacher tip

At first there will be plenty of debate about which shot was which; use it to define out loud the difference between a drive and a clear. It works best when pairs are of similar level.

More activities like this

More main activities for Middle School