Badminton · Rallying & consistency

Keep it up: cooperative rally

Partners, then groups of four, rally over the net together and try to beat their best number of hits in a row.

P1P2P3P4
Start / 5
Time
10 min
Players
2–8
Age
U6+
Area
Full court
Equipment
6 slow feather or nylon shuttlesjunior rackets

Setup

  1. Start in pairs, one player each side of the net, standing in the middle of their half.
  2. For the youngest, lower the net or use a rope at about head height, and use slower shuttles.
  3. For the group version, two pairs join up: two players each side, at least two racket lengths apart.

How it runs

  1. Pairs: rally with any shot, aiming high and soft so it is easy for the partner to hit back.
  2. Count every hit out loud together. If the shuttle lands, start again from zero and try to beat the record.
  3. Group of four: the shuttle goes round in a loop, P1 to P2, P2 across to P3, P3 to P4, P4 across to P1.
  4. Only the player whose turn it is swings; say the next player's name as you hit.

Coaching points

  • Help your partner: high, and towards the middle of their side.
  • Racket up and ready between every hit.
  • Move the feet to get under or behind the shuttle instead of stretching.
  • Keep talking: count the hits and call names.

Common mistakes

  • Hitting hard and flat when the aim is a long rally.
  • Standing still and only moving the arm.
  • In the group, two players swinging at the same shuttle.

Say it: “High, soft, count it.”

Make it harder

  • Every hit must land past the short service line.
  • Alternate forehand and backhand hits.
  • Make a group of six, three each side, and keep the loop going.

Make it easier

  • Use a balloon or sponge ball.
  • One partner catches and throws while the other hits.
  • Allow one bounce on the strings (a tap-up) before sending it over.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.