Half-court drive battles

Setup

1. Use one half of the court lengthways: from the doubles sideline to the centre line, with the centre line extended to the net using a flat marker or tape.
2. Players start in their mid-court, about level with the middle of the service court.
3. One game per court; waiting players stand off court behind the back line and rotate in, winner stays.

How it runs

1. Start each rally with a flat underarm drive feed from mid-court, not a formal serve; alternate who feeds.
2. Every shot must cross the net flat, around tape height. A shot that goes up in a lift or a clear loses the point.
3. Shuttles landing outside the half court are out; a shuttle on the line is in.
4. Rally-point scoring, first to 7. Change ends after each game.

Coaching points

• Racket up in front and slightly to the side; get the racket face ready before the shuttle arrives.
• Short backswing, quick forearm and wrist action; push through the shuttle rather than swinging.
• Take it early, in front of the body, at or above net height.
• Aim at the opponent's racket hip or straight down the sideline to cramp them.
• Stay balanced on the balls of the feet; small adjusting steps, not big lunges.

Common mistakes

• Letting the shuttle drop below net height, then having to hit up.
• Big swings that are late and send the shuttle long.
• Standing too far back, so drives dip into the floor before they're reached.