Line Judge: In, Out and On the Line

Games with student line judges who decide whether the shuttle is in or out. Students learn the singles and doubles lines and that a shuttle on the line is in.

How to play

1. Court tour: singles and doubles sidelines, back boundary line and doubles long service line. A shuttle touching the line is in (4 min).
2. Hand drops: the teacher drops shuttles near the lines and everyone signals in or out with the official gesture (3 min).
3. Singles games with two line judges on the back line and the side. Rotate every 5 points (6 min).
4. Doubles games: judges must remember the outer lines now count (5 min).
5. Wrap-up: which call was hardest to make (2 min).

Rules

• Out signal: arms stretched out to the sides. In signal: right arm pointing at the floor.
• If the judge was unsighted, they cover their eyes with their hands and the point is replayed.
• Judges stand two meters off court to stay clear of rackets.

Variations

Adaptations

• Low vision: judges with a partner beside them or from the net, focusing on player positions.
• Limited mobility: judges seated at the court corner.
• Hesitant students: judge alongside another judge first, then solo.

Learning goals

• Know the singles and doubles lines.
• Use officiating signals.
• Accept others' calls with good sportsmanship.

Equipment for a class of 25

• badminton rackets: 20
• shuttlecocks: 15
• badminton nets: 5
• cones: 20

Teacher tip

If your court has no badminton lines, mark them with masking tape: doubles 6.10 m wide, singles 5.18 m. Remind everyone that a shuttle on the line is always in.

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