Three-Hit Team Badminton
A badminton game for teams of three where each team can take up to three hits, by three different players, before sending the shuttle over. Students practice controlled high hits, communication, and building a play as a team.
How to play
- Set up 4 courts about 20 by 13 ft per side with cones and a long rope tied about 5 ft high as the net; form teams of three and put two teams on each court (3 min).
- Serve from the back line with an underhand hit below the waist to the other side.
- The receiving team may take one to three hits, each by a different player, before sending the shuttle to the other side.
- A regular point is worth 1; winning the point after using all three hits is worth 2.
- After each of its own serves, the team rotates one spot clockwise; games go to 11 points or 6 minutes (17 min).
Rules
- Safety: the player going for the shuttle calls 'Mine!' and teammates step away to avoid racket contact.
- No player may hit twice in a row.
- The shuttle may not touch the floor or the rope; if it touches the rope on a serve, serve again.
Variations
Easier
Allow catching the shuttle on the first touch and tossing it to a teammate to hit.
Standard
Up to three hits per team and double points when all three are used.
Harder
All three hits are required on every play, and the last one must be a high clear to the back.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: assign them the front zone near the rope, and their touch always counts as one of the three.
- Hearing impairment: agree to raise the free hand instead of calling 'Mine!'.
- Skill level: offer a short racket, or use a balloon within the team, for students who struggle.
Learning goals
- Hit the shuttle up with control for a teammate.
- Communicate as a team to decide who hits.
- Build a three-hit play to attack the other court.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rackets: 25
- shuttlecocks: 12
- long rope: 2
- cones: 24
Teacher tip
This is a great intro to badminton for groups that cannot yet keep a one-on-one rally going. Focus on the controlled high hit: open racket face and send the shuttle very high to give teammates time.
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