Cardboard Paddle and Balloon: Homemade Intro Badminton

Each student makes a paddle from a paper plate and sticks, then plays with balloons over a rope. It's an accessible way into badminton when gear is short or for true beginners.

How to play

1. Build it: tape two craft sticks to the plate as a handle (4 min).
2. Solo touches on the balloon with forehand and backhand faces, switching grip (3 min).
3. Pairs with a rope between chairs: send the balloon over, first underhand, then overhead like a clear (5 min).
4. Cooperative 2-on-2 mini game: count passes over the rope before the balloon drops (6 min).
5. Everyone takes home or stores their paddle and collects balloons (2 min).

Rules

• Hit only the balloon, never a classmate.
• If a balloon pops, stop and pick up the pieces right away.
• Respect each pair's space.

Variations

Adaptations

• Latex allergy: latex-free balloons or inflated, sealed plastic bags.
• Visual impairment: a bright balloon with a jingle bell inside.
• Limited hand mobility: thicker handle wrapped in padded tape.

Learning goals

• Get started striking with an implement.
• Discover the grip and the forehand-backhand difference.
• Play inclusively with accessible equipment.

Equipment for a class of 25

• paper plates: 30
• craft sticks: 60
• masking tape: 7
• balloons: 40
• ropes: 7
• chairs: 14

Teacher tip

Ask about latex allergies first. Balloons fly slowly and give time to fix technique, which makes this a great first lesson for 7th graders.

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