Badminton Serve Target Zones
In groups of three, students serve the shuttle over the net, trying to land it inside hoops worth different points depending on distance. Students practice short and long serves, accuracy and setting realistic personal goals.
How to play
- Place 2 groups of three at each of 4 nets. On the far side for each group, set 3 hoops: by the net (1 point), in the middle (2) and at the back (3) (3 min).
- Roles: server, retriever on the far side, and scorekeeper. Each server gets 6 serves, then roles rotate (about 2 minutes per turn).
- Technique: hold the shuttle by the feathers at waist height, drop it and hit it pushing up and forward.
- Before their second turn, each server announces a point goal and the scorekeeper checks it. Complete 2 full rotations (10 min).
- Wrap up by comparing goals and results: was it realistic? Which hoop was hardest? (2 min).
Rules
- Serve from behind a line about 6 ft from the net; a shuttle on a hoop's rim scores.
- The retriever stays out of the hoop area until all 6 serves are done.
- Safety: the scorekeeper stands beside the server, never behind.
Variations
Easier
Use bigger hoops or pair them up, and serve from 3 ft from the net.
Standard
Three hoops worth 1, 2 and 3 points, serving from about 6 ft.
Harder
Short backhand serve to the 1-point hoop and long forehand serve to the 3-point hoop.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student serves seated and the hoops are moved closer.
- Visual impairment: brightly colored hoops and a partner who describes where the shuttle landed.
- Skill level: drop the shuttle from higher up or use a slower special shuttlecock.
Learning goals
- Perform an underhand serve while controlling force.
- Adjust the shuttle's direction to different distances.
- Set a realistic personal goal and evaluate whether it was met.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rackets: 8
- shuttlecocks: 48
- hoops: 24
- net: 4
Teacher tip
This is low intensity and fits well after an active game. The most common mistake is swinging without dropping the shuttle; teach a two-count "drop, hit" rhythm.
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