Outdoor Badminton Triples

An outdoor version of badminton with wind-resistant shuttles, played in groups of three on long, narrow courts with a dead zone next to the net. Students work on long shots, triangle positioning and communication among three players.

How to play

1. Set up 4 courts about 52 x 20 ft on the blacktop with the net at 5 ft and mark a 6 ft dead zone on each side of the net with cones: a shuttle that lands there is a point for the defending team.
2. Make teams of three; two teams play on each court and a third team referees and keeps score, rotating every game.
3. 4-minute warm-up: clear rally in threes, with one player up front and two in the back.
4. Explain triangle positioning (2 min): one covers the net and two cover the back; after each serve, the server moves to the open back spot.
5. 7-minute games to 21 with an underhand serve crosscourt; the team that wins the rally serves.
6. Play 3 rotations and close with 2 minutes discussing how the wind affected shot choice.

Rules

• Call 'mine' or 'yours' so two players never swing at the same time.
• Nobody swings overhead if a teammate is within 6 ft.
• Every player must hit at least once every three rallies; otherwise the team loses the serve.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student plays the net position with a short-handled racket while a teammate covers the space to the side.
• Visual impairment: use a large fluorescent shuttle and play cooperatively on short courts.
• Beginner level: the student serves from mid-court and plays on a team with someone who helps with positioning.

Learning goals

• Hit controlled long shots that clear the dead zone.
• Organize in a triangle and rotate positions as a team.
• Adjust shots to outdoor conditions such as wind.

Equipment for a class of 25

• rackets: 25
• outdoor shuttles: 8
• net: 4
• cones: 24

Teacher tip

Outdoor shuttles are heavier and handle wind better; if you do not have them, use plastic shuttles and pick the most sheltered part of the blacktop. Mark the dead zones with chalk as well as cones to avoid arguments.

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