BADMINTON

BADMINTON OVERVIEW

  • Definition: A racket sport played in singles (2 players) or doubles (2 pairs).

  • Objective: Score points by hitting a shuttlecock over the net to land in the opponent's court.

  • Best Play Environment: Primarily indoors for competitions, but can be played outdoors casually.

  • Olympic Status: Recognized as an Olympic sport since 1992 (Barcelona).

HISTORY

  • Origin: The game originated from "Poona" in India.

  • Introduction to England: British Army officers in the 1860s brought the game back from India, leading to the establishment of official rules.

  • Official Launch: The sport was officially launched in 1873 at Badminton House by the Duke of Beaufort, initially called "The Game of Badminton".

BADMINTON EQUIPMENT

Racket

  • Weight: Rackets typically weigh between 79 and 91 grams including strings.

  • Grip: The grip thickness is customizable for player comfort.

  • Anatomy of Racket:

    • Head: Where the strings are stretched.

    • Stringed Area: The part of the racket that hits the shuttlecock.

    • Throat and Frame: Structure providing stability.

    • Shaft and Handle: Connects the head to the player's grip.

Shuttlecock

  • Definition: A conical projectile used in the game, also referred to as "bird" or "birdie".

Types of Shuttles

Feathered Shuttles

  • Used by high-level players, covered in goat skin.

Synthetic Shuttles

  • Usage: Common among recreational players and beginners.

  • Comparison: More durable but less expensive than feathered shuttles, though they do not perform as well.

Plastic Shuttles

  • Description: Smaller and inappropriate for actual badminton play.

BADMINTON COURT

  • Design: Rectangular, divided by a net, marked for singles and doubles.

Singles Court Dimensions

  • Total Surface Area: 69.42 m² (748.00 ft²)

  • Boundaries: Specific measurements provided for service areas and sidelines.

Doubles Court Dimensions

  • Total Surface Area: 81.80 m² (880.00 ft²)

  • Boundaries: Defined measurements for outer sidelines and service areas.

NET HEIGHT

  • Height varies by position; generally between 1.55 m and 0.76 m depending on the type.

BADMINTON RULES

Scoring System

  • Format: 3 x 21 rally point system.

  • Points: Games played to 21 points, must win by 2 unless capped at 30 points.

Service Rules

  • Positioning: Server and receiver stand in diagonally opposite courts.

  • Serves: Must travel diagonally over the net, hit from below the waist, and only one serve per rally.

  • Positioning during serve:

    • Singles: Right court for even scores, left for odd.

    • Doubles: Changes courts based on point outcomes.

Playing the Game

  • Objective: Hit the shuttlecock back and forth without it hitting the floor.

  • Faults include:

    • Hitting into the net or outside boundaries.

    • Striking shuttlecock more than once or before it crosses the net.

  • Winning: Earn a point when the opponent fails to return a shot.

BADMINTON STROKES

Types of Strokes

  • Forehand and Backhand: Based on player’s positioning and gross motor skills.

  • Basic Strokes:

    • Upper arm shots versus underarm shots, utilizing height and position.

Specific Shots

  • Service Shots: Short, drive, long, and backhand serves.

  • Clear: High shot aimed toward opponent's back court.

  • Drop Shot: Soft shot landing close to the net.

  • Smash: Fast downward shot to win the point immediately.

  • Drive: Horizontal and fast shot aimed at defeating the opponent.

  • Hairpin Net Shot: Soft shot returning to the net.

  • Lob: High shot to the back of the opponent's court, with defensive and attacking variants.