On February 9th, my partner Emily and I (Natalie) conducted our first action for our CAS project in the IB Diploma, made possible through the expertise and support of Game On HK. The event aimed to introduce badminton to underprivileged children, fostering a passion for the sport, unleashing the potential of these young athletes, while giving them the opportunity to receive the cognitive and physical benefits badminton offers.
The warm-up included dynamic stretches and footwork drills to familiarize the children with badminton movements. Afterwards, they learnt to perform a forehand clear racket swing through our shadowing, succinct explanations, and personalized feedback for each student. To further prepare them for hitting the shuttlecock, we conducted wall exercises to enhance their precision and alignment. We also practiced throwing shuttlecocks to mimic the actual swinging motion and build their muscle strength, reinforcing their skills and confidence.
After a short break, they had the opportunity to apply their newfound abilities by attempting forehand keep-ups. The purpose was to help them develop wrist strength and learn to strike the shuttlecock with the racket's sweet spot, essential skills for executing a forehand clear. The children became even more excited and eager to continue their practice as they realized their progress. Their enthusiasm was palpable, and it was rewarding to see them engage with the sport. We individually went up to each student, tailoring our feedback and connecting with them. Towards the end of the segment, they not only significantly improved their precision and technique, but also gained a sense of accomplishment, setting a positive foundation for their ongoing journey in badminton.
Our last segment was the most significant, as it was finally time to try hitting a forehand clear. We tossed shuttlecocks upwards for them to attempt an overhead clear, encouraging them to apply the body positioning learned from the wall exercise, the precision in movement gained from shadowing, the strength developed from throwing shuttlecocks, and the wrist technique practiced during the keep-ups. Some students initially struggled, but with patience, encouragement, and individualized attention, they quickly improved and gained confidence in their swings. A few students advanced more quickly, successfully hitting a forehand clear from a high serve rather than just from a toss.
To conclude, our first session was a success, as all the students managed to successfully hit an overhead clear. It was an unforgettable day filled with smiles, excitement, and curiosity. We would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Game On HK for their invaluable advice, unwavering support and for welcoming us with open arms. This opportunity has allowed us to share our passion for badminton and engage with the underprivileged in a meaningful way. We look forward to continuing this journey, helping the students refine their skills, and fostering a love for the sport. Together, we are excited to see how their enthusiasm will grow in the upcoming sessions!
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