Badminton Smash at the Hoops with a Lifter
In groups of three, one student lifts the shuttle high and deep, another smashes it at hoops on the opposite court floor, and the third collects and keeps score. Students work on smash technique, direction, and cooperation.
How to play
- Form groups of three with the roles of lifter, smasher, and collector; place three hoops on each half court, two in the side alleys and one in the middle (2 min).
- The lifter, at the net on the opposite side, hits a high forehand serve to the smasher's back court, about 6 ft from the baseline.
- The smasher turns sideways, points at the shuttle with the non-racket hand, and smashes down at a hoop; each student hits sets of 6 smashes.
- Scoring: side hoop 3 points, middle hoop 1 point, a smash that clears the net without landing in a hoop 0 points; the collector calls the score out loud.
- Rotate roles after every set so each student smashes at least 4 sets (14 min).
- Finish with a group challenge: each group adds up its best two sets and compares results (4 min).
Rules
- The lifter stands to one side of the net, never in the path of the smash.
- The collector only goes for shuttles after the smasher finishes the set.
- A smash that does not clear the net scores nothing but is not penalized.
- Safety: always smash down at the floor and never toward another court.
Variations
Easier
The lifter tosses the shuttle by hand from midcourt, and the targets get bigger by putting two hoops together.
Standard
High serve from the lifter and smashes at three hoops worth 3 or 1 point.
Harder
The smasher must recover to the center after every smash, and only shuttles landing inside a hoop score.
Adaptations
- For students with limited mobility, the lifter sends the shuttle right above them so they can smash seated or without moving.
- For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, the lifter raises the racket before each serve as a start signal.
- For fitter students, add a run to the net between smashes.
Learning goals
- Perform the smash with the body sideways and contact in front of the head.
- Direct the smash toward the side alleys.
- Cooperate within the group by respecting roles and safety.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rackets: 25
- shuttlecocks: 40
- hoops: 24
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Many students smash with the shuttle behind their head: cue them to hit it in front, like throwing a ball down. Space the courts well so nobody stands in another group's smashing line.
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