Flat Drive: Fast Duel at Net Height

Fast, flat drive exchanges at tape height, forehand and backhand. Students improve reaction time, short swing and a relaxed grip.

How to play

1. Drive demo: racket up in front, short swing, shuttle flies flat just over the net (2 min).
2. Pairs at mid-court count consecutive forehand drives, then backhand drives (5 min).
3. Free drives: forehand or backhand as it comes; pair record (4 min).
4. Duel to 7: drives only; if the shuttle goes above head height, point to the opponent. Rotate pairs (7 min).
5. Active rest: each player tells their partner their best shot (2 min).

Rules

• Flat shots only: nobody aims at an opponent's face.
• Play from mid-court, never closer than one meter to the net.
• Shake hands or fist-bump before and after each duel.

Variations

Adaptations

• Low vision: large foam shuttle or soft rubber ball and more distance.
• Wheelchair users: the opponent drives to their hitting side at mid-height.
• Beginners: choke up on the racket or use a short-handled racket.

Learning goals

• Hit forehand and backhand drives.
• React quickly with a relaxed grip.
• Compete respectfully.

Equipment for a class of 25

• badminton rackets: 28
• shuttlecocks: 15
• badminton nets: 5

Teacher tip

Keep insisting on racket up and in front; with the racket down they are always late. Plastic shuttles make the pace manageable for 7th graders.

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