• Check the space and the kit.
• Get your child's attention first.
• Show it from two sides.
• Say one thing only.
• End on one that works.

Put the phone down where you can see it. Tap Next with your thumb, or use the arrow keys.

Is the space marked?

• The net line across the middle of the strip
• A service line on each side, 2 m from the net
• A circle about 1 m wide in each far corner (chalk or tape)

A net or rope; a target box chalked on the floor in the middle of the far side. A foam shuttle first, then feather or plastic. Always aim at the box on the floor, never at a person.

Three minutes to get warm.

Easy jogging on the spot, then arms and legs. How to warm up well is explained at workonfitness.com.

1. Smash: the clear action, but meet the shuttle farther in front of you.
2. Snap the wrist forward so the strings point down at the hit.
3. Block: stand back from the net, racket in front of the body, strings facing the net.
4. Hold it firm and do not swing.

Show it once from the front and once from the side, slowly. Then let your child try.

1. You send a high shuttle; the player smashes it down into the box.
2. 8 smashes, then swap: the player blocks while you smash gently at the box.
3. To block: stand back, racket in front, strings facing the net, and hold still.

How much: 8 smashes and 8 blocks, 3 rounds

Hit it at the top

Smash against block

Points

The smasher scores 1 point for a smash that lands in the box. The blocker scores 1 point for a block that goes back over the net.

Fouls

a smash aimed at the body or the head: 2 points to the other player; a smash into the net: no point; a block with a swing: no point

Win

After 8 smashes each, the player with more points wins.

1. ★ 2
2. ★★ 4
3. ★★★ 6

4 of 10 smashes in the box and 6 of 10 blocks over the net.

End on one that works. If it was hard today, finish with the easier version.

Well played.

Saved in this browser only. Next time, "What should we practise today?" picks up from here.