Seated Badminton on a Short Court
Badminton played from a fixed chair on a short court, inspired by wheelchair para badminton. Because they can't move their feet, students learn to use the trunk and a full arm reach, hit in front of the body and move the opponent with short and deep shots.
How to play
- Tape out 8 mini-courts 10 ft deep by 8 ft wide on each side of a low net about 4.5 ft high. Put a chair in the middle of each side, 5 ft from the net (3 min).
- Trios per mini-court: two play seated and the third referees and collects birdies.
- Cooperative rally with high forehands and backhands without standing up, aiming for 15 hits in a row (4 min).
- Game to 11 with an underhand diagonal serve. The opponent scores if the birdie lands out, hits the net or if the hitter's bottom leaves the chair.
- Switch roles every 4 minutes so everyone plays the other two people in the trio and referees twice (12 min).
Rules
- Your bottom stays on the chair; leaning is allowed.
- The chair can't move during a rally; if it slides, the opponent gets the point.
- Leave at least 3 ft between mini-courts, and nobody walks across during play.
Variations
Easier
Move the chairs to 3 ft from the net and allow catching the birdie and serving again.
Standard
Seated singles on a 10 × 8 ft mini-court to 11 points, with the chair fixed.
Harder
Lengthen the court to 13 ft to force deep clears and backhands.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: wheelchair users play from their own chair on equal terms and can be the group's technique leader.
- Visual impairment: use birdies that contrast with the background and a shorter court.
- Skill level: a strong player uses the non-dominant hand or plays alone against a pair.
Learning goals
- Adjust forehand and backhand strokes without moving the legs.
- Use the trunk and arm extension to increase reach.
- Learn about wheelchair para badminton as a Paralympic sport.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rackets: 16
- shuttlecocks: 16
- low net: 4
- chairs: 16
- masking tape: 2
Teacher tip
Use sturdy chairs without wheels and check they don't tip when students lean. Birdies tend to fall short, so cue hitting in front of the body with a high elbow. Each low net covers two mini-courts.
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