Class Cup: Team Ties Where Everyone Counts

A team tournament modeled on national-team cups: each tie mixes singles and doubles matches and everyone's points add up. Nobody is eliminated; every team plays every other.

How to play

1. Coed teams of five or six in pinnies. Each team decides who plays singles 1, singles 2 and doubles, and who officiates (5 min).
2. First tie: singles 1 and singles 2 at the same time on side-by-side courts, 6 minutes (8 min).
3. Doubles for the same tie, while the singles players officiate (7 min).
4. Second tie against another team, rotating roles so everyone plays and officiates (15 min).
5. Add up team points and vote for the opponent with the best sportsmanship (5 min).

Rules

• Every team member plays at least one match and officiates another.
• Total points count, not just wins: losing 10-12 still adds 10.
• Cheer on teammates without putting down opponents.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: plays doubles with a partner who calls the shuttle's direction.
• Wheelchair users: their singles match is on a smaller court for both players.
• Hesitant students: the team can place them in doubles with a trusted partner.

Learning goals

• Compete as a team where everyone's effort counts.
• Take on player and official roles.
• Recognize opponents' sportsmanship.

Equipment for a class of 25

• badminton rackets: 28
• shuttlecocks: 15
• badminton nets: 6
• pinnies: 30
• whiteboard: 1

Teacher tip

Counting total points makes every rally matter, so nobody gives up. Draw the tie schedule on the whiteboard before class.

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