Indiaca 2v2 Divided Court
Partner games on small courts where the indiaca (feather shuttle) is struck with the palm over a rope without letting it drop. Students practice hand striking, coordinating with a partner and court positioning.
How to play
- String 2 long ropes about 6 ft high between posts or basketball hoops and mark 6 courts about 13 x 26 ft with cones. Make pairs: two pairs per court (3 min).
- For 3 minutes, each pair taps the indiaca upward with the palm, counting hits in a row without a drop.
- Game: underhand palm serve from the back line. Each pair gets up to 3 hits, no more than 2 per person, to send it over the rope.
- Score when the indiaca lands on the other side, when the other pair hits it out or uses a fist. 4-minute games; winners rotate right and losers left (12 min).
- Final game: bonus point if the pair makes two hits before sending it over (2 min).
Rules
- Hit with the palm or fingers of one hand; never catch it.
- Nobody hits twice in a row, and a serve that clips the rope is replayed.
- Safety: stay on your side and don't dive to the floor to save the indiaca.
Variations
Easier
Players may catch the indiaca once per rally and toss it to a partner.
Standard
Up to 3 palm hits per pair.
Harder
The indiaca must cross on the second hit, and serves use the non-dominant hand.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a narrower side of the court while the partner covers the back.
- Hearing impairment: signal the serve and end of game with an arm gesture.
- Fitness level: shorter courts and 1 minute of rest between games.
Learning goals
- Strike the indiaca with the palm while controlling height and direction.
- Coordinate with a partner to cover the court.
- Keep score honestly and follow the rules.
Equipment for a class of 25
- indiacas: 13
- long rope: 2
- cones: 24
Teacher tip
Wind blows the indiaca off course, so use the most sheltered part of the blacktop or the gym. Ask for high, slow hits; the typical mistake is hitting hard and flat.
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