Jianzi: Chinese Kick Shuttlecock
A traditional Chinese game where players keep a feathered shuttlecock in the air by kicking it with the inside of the foot, the top of the foot or the knee. Students build foot-eye coordination, one-leg balance and the drive to beat personal records.
How to play
- Give each student a kick shuttlecock and spread them out with about 6 ft between them. Demonstrate the basic kick: drop the shuttle from your hand and kick it with the inside of the foot at knee height (2 min).
- Level 1 (4 min): drop, kick once and catch it. Goal: 10 good kicks with each foot.
- Level 2 (4 min): kicks in a row with the inside of the foot, counting out loud. Each student keeps track of their best streak.
- Level 3 (4 min): in pairs about 6 ft apart, partners kick the shuttle to each other and the receiver controls it with one or two touches before sending it back.
- Circle game (4 min): groups of 5 in a circle try to keep the shuttle up by passing it around. They count touches and try to beat the group record.
- Last 2 minutes: each student tries to beat their Level 2 personal best and shares it with their partner.
Rules
- Play the shuttle only with feet, knees or thighs; hands are only for the first drop.
- Count your own kicks honestly.
- In the circle, nobody touches it twice in a row.
- Safety: keep your spacing and don't lift your leg above hip height.
Variations
Easier
Use a small balloon or a paper ball, which falls more slowly.
Standard
Kick shuttle played with the inside of the foot, going for streaks.
Harder
Alternate right and left feet every kick, or add a back kick with the top of the foot.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays seated, hitting the shuttle with an open palm or a paddle.
- Visual impairment: use a large, brightly colored balloon with a bell inside.
- Low coordination or frustration: focus on personal bests rather than others' scores, and allow one bounce on the floor.
Learning goals
- Time your kick to the shuttle's flight.
- Set and beat a personal record.
- Learn about a traditional Chinese game and its history.
Equipment for a class of 25
- kick shuttlecocks: 25
Teacher tip
You can make kick shuttles from metal washers, tape and strips of plastic bag. Mention that in China people of all ages play it in parks every day.
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