Jianzi

Jianzi in the Temple of Heaven, Beijing, May 2009 A man lifts his foot high to return a feathered shuttlecock while his partner waits for it to come back. Jianzi is played by keeping the shuttlecock in the air with the feet and body, no hands, often in a loose circle of friends. It is livelier than anything else in this gallery: quick reactions, hip mobility and a fair amount of laughter when the shuttlecock drops. Watching a few rallies before asking to join is the easiest way to pick up the basic kick.