PAthfit Badminton part 3

Mechanics and Rules of the Game

Badminton is a racket sport for two in singles, or four in doubles. The object of the game is to get to 21 points with at least a two-point advantage. A point is scored when the shuttlecock is not properly returned. The match is won by the player or team that wins two games.

Scoring System

Each game is played up to 21 points; the match goes to the side that wins the best of three games. Each rally won by a side is a point added to its score. If the score is tied at 20, the side that achieves an advantage of two points wins the game. But, if the score is still tied at 29, the first side that scores 30 wins the game The winner in a game serves first in the next game.

Intervals and Change of Ends

Players have a one-minute interval when the leading score reaches 11. In between the games, players get a two-minute break. Should there be a third game, players change ends when the leading score reaches 11.

Points in Singles

At the start of each game and when the score is even, the player serves from the right service court and serves diagonally to the receiver's box. Same thing happens if the score is odd, except that the server serves from the left. If the server wins the rally, he gains a point and serves again, following the odd-even scheme. If the receiver wins the rally, he gains a point and the service. He then serves from the side of his end as indicated by his score.

Points in Doubles

At the start of each game and when the score is even, the player serves from the right service court, directing the serve to the diagonal receiver's box. Same thing happens if the score is odd, except that the server serves from the left. If the serving team wins the rally, it gains a point and the server serves again, following the odd-even scheme. If the receiving team wins the rally, it gains a point and becomes the new serving side. The player on the receiving side who served last stays in the same service court from where he served last. After the serve is received, players may already stay anywhere they want according to their strategy

Fault

It results to a loss of point and serve.

Footwork

Your opponent will do his best to direct every shot away from you and the only way for you to reach the shuttlecock is for you to have a good footwork. Badminton footwork is the most fundamental skill that you must have in order for you to get better in your game. Good footwork is simply having the ability to contact the shuttle early with stability. Almost always, your racket hand and racket foot should go together as you execute the shot.

ready position

Bend your knees a little with your feet shoulder width apart. Position your racket up in front of you as you put your weight on the balls of your feet. You should be in this ___________ in the center of the midcourt

defense side

If the shuttlecock is directed to your midcourt, execute the ______________ by extending your racket leg to reach the shuttlecock that is hit towards your racket side. Extend your racket leg and rotate your hips and shoulders to reach shuttle that is hit towards your non-racket side, making a backhand stroke, especially for those shots that are considerably

Grip

A correct badminton ______ is the groundwork of playing badminton.

Your stroke's power and accuracy will greatly suffer if you hold your racket wrongly. Your shots will be limited and you will have less chances of winning. Therefore, a correct grip is a must. Furthermore, you will need to learn how to change grip very quickly during the rally

Forehand Grip

a. Hold the handle of your racket hand as if you were shaking hands with it.

b. Make a V shape in between your thumb and your index finger.

c. Hold the racket handle loosely in your fingers for greater flexibility.

d. Shorten your grip by placing it nearer to the shaft for better control and accuracy when serving and attacking from the forecourt and midcourt. Lengthen your grip by placing it near the end of the handle racket for power shots, especially at the back court.

e. Use this grip to hit shots that are on the racket side of your body and around-the-head shots.

Backhand Grip

a. Hold the racket like that of a forehand grip, and then turn the racket counter-clockwise so that the V shape moves leftwards

b. Hold the racket handle loosely in your fingers for greater flexibility, placing your thumb against the back bevel of the handle for greater leverage and power.

c. Shorten your grip by placing it nearer to the shaft for better control and accuracy when serving and attacking from the forecourt and midcourt. Lengthen your grip by placing it near the butt of the racket for power shots, especially at the back court.

d. Use this grip to hit shots that are on the non-racket side of your body.

Serve

Mastering the different badminton services is essential if you want to improve your game. Serving is the start of a point and could give you a win right away. Use it not merely as "just a serve" but a weapon during games.

High Serve

It is mostly used in singles in order to force your opponent to move to the back court. To execute this serve, use your forehand grip and stand a few feet behind the service line. Put your weight on your racket foot and place your non-racket foot forward. Hold the shuttlecock loosely by the feathers and drop it in front of you as you swing your racket forward-upward-across, simultaneously transferring your weight to your non-racket foot. Hit the shuttlecock with your racket and follow through until your racket reaches the non-racket side of your head. Due to the nearness to the back boundary line, many players hit this serve out. Aim for the ceiling near the back boundary line to eliminate the chance of a flat serve. Direct the serve towards the middle of the court and not at the corners to avoid sharp return

Low Serve

Use this badminton serve with a forehand or a backhand to persuade your opponent to lift the shuttlecock in his return. It is most often used in doubles, but you can also use it in singles especially if your opponent's attack is too strong. Mix the low serve occasionally in your singles game. Your opponent might be caught off-guard if you can do it well

Flick Serve

It is executed when an opponent has momentum and is on the offensive. Wrist action plays a very important part in the execution of this serve, on either your forehand or backhand. It is a misleading serve that gives idea that you are going to perform a low serve, but at the last split second you flick your wrist to force the shuttlecock over Direct the serve above your opponent's backhand out of his reach.

Drive Serve

This serve can be used in singles and doubles with a forehand underhand action. Stand in a relaxed but balanced and controlled position, a bit away from the service line. Position your non-racket foot near the net and place your racket foot behind. Position your racket a little below the waist level and bring it back parallel to it. Hold the shuttlecock loosely by the feathers and let it drop slightly to your side. Forcefully swing the racket forward to hit the shuttlecock and let it pass the net at a flatter angle. Limit your follow-through as your racket face stays square with the net. This serve should be directed to the corners at the backcourt to create greater movement for your opponent.