Badminton · Clears · Footwork

Overhead throwing and catching

Partners throw a shuttle high over the net with a full overhead throwing action and catch it above the head, building the shape of the overhead clear.

P1P2P3P4
Start / 4
Time
10 min
Players
2–16
Age
U5–U9
Area
Full court
Equipment
8 nylon shuttles8 beanbags or soft balls

Setup

  1. Pairs face each other across the net, each about two big steps back from it.
  2. Two pairs can share a court, one pair each side of the middle, with plenty of space between them.
  3. No rackets yet: put them off court, well away from where players will be moving.
  4. Nylon shuttles stand up to throwing better than feather ones.

How it runs

  1. The thrower stands side-on, points the free hand up towards where the shuttle will go and takes the throwing hand back behind the head with the elbow high.
  2. Throw the shuttle up and over the net, reaching up through the throw and finishing facing the net.
  3. The catcher moves early to get behind the shuttle and catches it with the throwing hand reaching high, just in front of the head.
  4. Throw straight back from the spot where you caught it, then both step back to the start.
  5. Count catches in a row as a pair; if the shuttle lands, start again and try to beat the record.

Coaching points

  • Start side-on: the free shoulder points at the net.
  • Throwing elbow up high, hand behind the head, then reach up and throw.
  • Turn the hips and shoulders through the throw so the chest finishes facing the net.
  • Feet first: get behind the shuttle, then catch it high and in front.

Common mistakes

  • Pushing the shuttle from the chest like a dart, with no reach.
  • Staying square to the net for the whole throw.
  • Waiting for the shuttle to drop low and catching it at tummy height.
  • Moving forward under the shuttle so it lands behind the catcher.

Say it: “Side-on, elbow up, reach and throw.”

Make it harder

  • Throw for distance: a bonus point when the catch is made behind the short service line.
  • The catcher starts facing the net and must turn side-on before moving back.
  • Move on to rackets: the partner throws high and the player hits it back with a short overhead swing.

Make it easier

  • Use a beanbag or soft ball, which carries further and is easier to catch.
  • Stand closer to the net, or throw over a lowered net or rope.
  • Catch with both hands to begin with.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.