Badminton Serve-Plus-Two Tactics

Badminton singles in which the server draws a card with a plan for the serve and third shot, such as a short serve followed by a crosscourt drop. Students work on tactical planning, executing specific shots and anticipating the opponent's return.

How to play

1. Make cards with combinations: "short serve + push deep", "long serve + drop", "short serve + crosscourt net shot", "long serve + smash on a short return". One deck per court (2 min).
2. Pairs on each court. Before each serve, the server secretly draws a card and tries to follow the plan; the receiver doesn't see it.
3. If the server wins the point following the plan, they score 2; winning without it scores 1; the receiver scores 1 per point won (8 min).
4. After every 5 serves, the receiver guesses which cards the server used; each correct guess scores 1. Then switch servers.
5. Switch partners for a second round in which each player writes their own card (6 min). Wrap-up: which plan worked most often and why? (2 min).

Rules

• Serve underhand below the waist and diagonally, as in the official rules.
• Used cards go face down next to the net post.
• Warm up shoulders and wrists before long serves, and never swing with someone nearby.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays half court with cards that only include front-court shots.
• Autistic students: cards show a drawing of the shot path as well as text.
• Advanced players: must follow the plan and win the point within the next two shots.

Learning goals

• Plan the start of a rally as a sequence of shots.
• Hit short and long serves accurately.
• Recognize tactical patterns in an opponent's play.

Equipment for a class of 25

• rackets: 25
• shuttlecocks: 15
• nets: 5
• cards: 40

Teacher tip

Laminate the cards so you can reuse them. Many students forget the plan after serving, so have them whisper the card before they serve.

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