Clean the house

Setup

1. Split the group into two teams, one each side of the net.
2. Scatter about three old or nylon shuttles per player across both halves.
3. Rackets go off court, well away from the playing area, for the throwing version.
4. Check there is a safe gap to the walls and the next court.

How it runs

1. On 'go', players pick up one shuttle at a time and throw it overhead, high over the net, into the other team's half.
2. Fast walking only, no running: shuttles on the floor are easy to step on and can roll an ankle.
3. Everyone throws from behind their short service line, so nobody throws from right at the net.
4. After about a minute the whistle goes and everyone freezes. Count the shuttles on each side: fewer wins the round.
5. Play three or four rounds, then everyone collects every shuttle before the next activity.

Coaching points

• Side-on, elbow high, throw up and over: the same shape as an overhead clear.
• High throws to the back of the other court are the hardest to send straight back.
• Look up before throwing and check the space in front is clear.
• One shuttle at a time: pick up, turn side-on, throw.

Common mistakes

• Flat throws that hit the net or fly at players on the other side.
• Grabbing an armful and throwing them all at once.
• Looking only at the floor and bumping into teammates.