In this blog we have provided information on the history and rules of badminton as well as equipment recommendations to get you started.
Badminton is a fast-paced, high-energy sport that is played between two or four players using lightweight rackets and a shuttlecock. It is a game that is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels! Whether you’re playing with friends in your backyard or competing in a tournament, badminton is a great way to stay active and have fun.
The Basics of Badminton
Badminton is a two-player game (or a four-player game in doubles) and is played on a rectangular court that is divided into two halves by a net. The objective of the game is to hit the shuttlecock over the net and into your opponent’s court in such a way that they are not able to return it. Points are scored when your opponent is not able to return the shuttlecock, and the game is won by the player(s) who reaches 21 points first.
A Short History of the Sport
The origins of badminton can be traced back to a game called “Poona,” which was played in India during the 18th century. The game was played using a feathered shuttlecock and rackets, and was popular among British army officers stationed in India.
The game brought back to England where, in 1873, the Duke of Beaufort hosted a party at his country estate called Badminton House. The Duke and his guests enjoyed the game so much that they decided to formalize the rules and name it “Badminton”.
The first set of official rules of badminton was published in 1893 by the Badminton Association of England. In 1934, the International Badminton Federation (now known as the Badminton World Federation) was founded to govern the sport.
Over the years, badminton has become a highly competitive sport, with players competing at the Olympic level and in international tournaments. Today, badminton is played by millions of people in countries all around the world, making it one of the most popular racket sports.
Equipment You’ll Need to Get Started
To play badminton, you will need the following equipment:
Rackets: Rackets are typically made of lightweight materials such as carbon fibre or aluminium, Badminton rackets are lightweight and come in different sizes and weights to accommodate different player preferences. One of the best, rackets to suit a range of players is the Wilson Recon 80 OX Badminton Racket with Full Length Racket Cover
Shuttlecock: A shuttlecock, also known as a birdie, is a cone-shaped object made of feathers or plastic that is hit back and forth over the net. These are some of the best quality, best value shuttle cocks on the market: KEVENZ 12-Pack Advanced Goose Feather Badminton Shuttlecocks
Badminton shoes: These shoes have a non-marking sole to protect the court and provide good traction. Most people wear tennis shoes or good quality trainer. Just make sure they are non marking!
Badminton clothes: Comfort and freedom of movement are key when playing badminton, so wear clothes that are loose-fitting and comfortable.
Badminton court: The court can be made of various materials, such as concrete, grass, or sand, and is typically 20 feet wide and 44 feet long.
Badminton Net: The net is typically 6 feet high in the centre and is made of a lightweight material such as nylon mesh.
If you’re just starting out and want to have a go in the park, beach or your back garden, check out this full set. Great for fun games or practicing your smashes, plus its portable! Franklin Sports Badminton Net Set
Playing the Game
Badminton starts with a serve, where the shuttlecock is hit over the net and into the opponent’s court. The serving player starts from the right-hand side of the court and serves the shuttlecock diagonally across the net to the opponent’s court. Every serve must be below the waist and the shuttlecock must be struck below the server’s waist.
The game continues with a rally where players hit the shuttlecock back and forth over the net, trying to make it land on the opponent’s side. Points are awarded when the shuttlecock lands outside the boundaries of the court or when the opponent is unable to return the shuttlecock. If the shuttlecock hits the net and lands in the opponent’s court, it is called a “let” and the serve is replayed.
Rules of Badminton
There are several rules to follow in badminton, including:
- The shuttlecock must be hit over the net in one motion, without hitting the net.
- The shuttlecock must land within the boundaries of the court.
- Players are not allowed to hit the shuttlecock out of bounds.
- Players are not allowed to hit the shuttlecock twice in one rally.
- Players must alternate serving every two points.
Fouls
Some common fouls in badminton include:
- Touching the net during a rally.
- Hitting the shuttlecock twice in one rally.
- Stepping on or over the boundaries of the court during a rally.
- Hitting the shuttlecock out of bounds.
How to win a badminton match
In badminton, points are scored when the shuttlecock lands outside the boundaries of the court or when the opponent is unable to return the shuttlecock. The first player or team to reach 21 points wins the game, as long as they have a two-point lead.
Badminton is a fun and fast-paced racquet sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there’s always room for improvement and new challenges to tackle. With practice you can improve your skills and strategy, such as decreasing your reaction time, improving your footwork, and practicing different types of shots.
With a few pieces of equipment and a better understanding of the rules of badminton thanks to the the information in this blog, you’ll be ready to play and enjoy this exciting game.
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