Principles of Central Net Games

Play in boundaries of court

Play into space away from opponent

Use space to move opponents out of attacking position

Play over the net

Play shuttle/ball downwards to attack, and upwards towards back of court to defend

Prevent shuttle/ball landing on your side

Games

1-1 Co-operative Play

Two individuals: 1 working, 1 directing

Send partner to corners, left and right, back and forward within boundries of court

• with voice commands
• with object

Remember worker should return to original 'ready' position

1v1 Co-operative Play

Playing over net. Throw and catch. How many catches can be made without ball touching ground.

1v1 Competitive Play

Played over net. Player 1 has 1min30sec to score as many points as they can against player 2. Points are scored when ball touches floor within area of player 2.  After 1.30secs roles swap and player 2 tries to score more points than player 1.

This can be played with whole class active and points are scored when ball touches floor infront or behind partner to allow for space for everyone.

Additional rule: When player 1 is scoring if the ball is thrown directly to player 2 and caught without any movement, bonus point is awarded to player 2.

1v1 Competitive Play

Playing over net. Children make pairs and then join with another pair to make groups of 4 to allow space for mini courts. 1 person from each pair sits at the side and counts their partners lives. A life is lost when opponent manages to get the ball on the floor within the area, or if ball is thrown out of the area. Pairs swap with each other when 3 lives are lost. If the score is 0-2 player with 0 swaps with partner and score is now 3-2.  

These simple 'games' can be adapted by changing the size of court, height of net and object used. A variety within one lesson will help to enforce the notion that the principles of central net games are transferable within all three sports.