Badminton Sky Rope High Clear Game

A badminton game where, besides the net, a high rope is strung halfway back on each side and only shots that go over it count. It forces students to add height and depth to their clears and to recover position after every shot.

How to play

1. Setup: on each court, string a long rope about 3 m (10 ft) high, halfway back on each side and parallel to the net (2 min).
2. Groups of 4 per court: 2 play singles and 2 act as rope judges, one per side.
3. Regular singles rules, but every shot must clear the opponent's rope; only the point-winning shot is exempt.
4. If a shot goes under, the judge calls "Low!" and the point goes to the opponent.
5. Games last 3 minutes; then players and judges switch roles (4 games, 12 min).
6. Wrap-up: each student shares what helped them hit higher, then the ropes come down (4 min).

Rules

• The rope judge makes the call and it is not argued.
• Nobody stands under the rope during play.
• Rope supports must be tied securely and padded.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a shorter court, a lower rope, and the opponent hits toward the middle.
• Shyness or autism: start as a judge to learn the rule and keep the same group all lesson.
• Skill level: match by ability; stronger players play one game with their non-dominant hand.

Learning goals

• Hit clears with deliberate height and depth.
• Recover to the center after every shot.
• Officiate the rope rule fairly.

Equipment for a class of 25

• rackets: 26
• shuttlecocks: 20
• long ropes: 12
• nets: 6

Teacher tip

If there are no tall poles, tie the rope between wall bars and basketball supports and check the knots first. Many students hit hard but flat; the rope corrects them without you stepping in.

More activities like this

More main activities for Middle School