Amanda Knapp
The object used in badminton is called a shuttlecock. It is also sometimes referred to as a birdie. The shuttlecock is a projectile made of cork with sixteen goose or duck feathers glued to its rounded base. It is hit back and forth with racquets in a game of badminton.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Names | Shuttlecock, Birdie |
| Composition | 16 overlapping feathers, usually goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork base covered with thin leather |
| Weight | 5 grams (0.18 ounces) |
| Speed | 565 km/h (351 mph) |
| Flight Properties | Feathers from the right or left wings are used, not a mix of both, as feathers from different wings are shaped differently |
| Durability | Feathers must be properly humidified to enhance speed change and durability; dry feathers break easily and saturated feathers make the shuttlecock fly too far and fast |
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What You'll Learn
The shuttlecock is also called a 'birdie'
The projectile used in the game of badminton is known as a shuttlecock. It is a feathered or plastic projectile that is hit back and forth across a net by players using racquets. The shuttlecock is also sometimes referred to as a shuttle, a term that is especially common in the UK. In the US, it is often called a birdie, although some people consider this term odd or funny. In other countries, the shuttlecock has different names; in Dutch, for example, it is sometimes called "kip" (chicken) in informal settings, and in Japanese, it is 羽根, or 'feather'.
The shuttlecock is constructed from 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork base. The feathers are plucked from the wings of a live goose or duck, a method that has been criticised by animal rights activists. The cork is covered with thin leather. To ensure the shuttlecock flies properly, it is considered preferable to use feathers from either the right or left wing, rather than a mixture of both. Badminton companies make shuttlecock corks by sandwiching polyurethane between two pieces of cork, or using a whole piece of natural cork. The latter method is more durable, as the structure of the shuttlecock is stronger.
Feathered shuttlecocks are considered superior to plastic ones by experienced players. This is because they have a higher top speed compared to plastic shuttlecocks and balls used in other racquet sports, and they decelerate more rapidly. They also have a constant drag coefficient, which gives the shuttlecock a higher standard speed range. However, feathered shuttlecocks are more delicate and can break easily, often needing to be replaced several times during a game. They also need to be properly humidified for at least 4 hours before play to ensure they fly at the correct speed and distance.
The use of the term "birdie" for the shuttlecock may have originated from golf, where "birdie" means one under par. As shuttlecocks are made of feathers, this etymology makes sense.
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It is made from 16 goose feathers
The object used in badminton, also called a birdie or shuttle, is made from 16 goose feathers. These feathers are glued to a rounded cork base. The feathers are plucked from the wings of a live goose, a method deemed cruel by animal rights activists. The cork is covered with thin leather. Feathers from only one side of the goose are used, as the feathers from different wings are shaped differently. The feathers are also humidified to enhance the shuttle's speed change and durability. Dry feathers are brittle and break easily, causing the shuttle to wobble, while saturated feathers make the shuttle fly too far and too fast. Badminton is a racquet sport played using racquets to hit the shuttlecock across a net. The feathers of the shuttlecock create much higher drag, causing it to decelerate more rapidly.
The shuttlecock is formed from overlapping feathers. The feathers are plucked from the left or right wing of the goose, with only six or seven feathers from each wing being used for shuttlecocks. The feathers are sorted into left-wing or right-wing piles, and makers cannot mix feathers from different wings. The feathers from the left wing of the goose are said to produce the best results.
The use of goose feathers in shuttlecocks has come under scrutiny due to animal welfare concerns. The feathers are plucked from live geese, causing pain and distress to the animals. There have been calls to switch to synthetic shuttlecocks or those made from chicken feathers as a more sustainable and ethical alternative. However, some players prefer goose feathers for their superior playing characteristics. Feathers tend to drop straight down on a clear shot, while plastics fall on a diagonal. Feather shuttlecocks also have a higher top speed and are preferred by elite players.
The shuttlecock's cork base is made from the bark of the cork tree. It can be made by sandwiching polyurethane between two corks or using a whole piece of natural cork. The latter method is more durable as the structure of the shuttlecock remains more stable. The cork base is also covered with thin leather for added protection.
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Feathers are plucked from live geese or ducks
The object used in badminton is called a shuttlecock, or a "birdie". It is made of a cork base with sixteen goose or duck feathers glued to its rounded base. Feathers are plucked from the wings of live geese or ducks, a method deemed cruel by animal rights activists. The birds are caught by handlers, held down, and have their wings pulled open, from which dozens of feathers are forcefully pulled out. This process is said to cause unbearable pain to the birds.
The feathers used in shuttlecocks are sourced from geese and ducks in China and Bangladesh, respectively. The trade guide from Bangladesh states:
> "Bangladesh could be a major potential supplier of bird feathers. Historically, our village dwellers are raising ducks and pigeons in their homes. Recently, ducks are being raised commercially for their feathers. Tender feathers should be removed carefully from the bird bodies to ensure that blood and rust are not mixed with them."
The feathers are plucked from live geese and ducks, far more than what is actually needed to make a shuttlecock. Each shuttlecock only uses feathers from one side of the bird's wing, as feathers from the left and right wings differ in curvature. Feathers from the left wing are said to produce the best results.
The use of feathers in badminton is controversial due to the pain it causes animals, and some have suggested switching to synthetic shuttlecocks. Feathers from different wings should not be mixed, as it may affect the shuttlecock's flight properties. Feathers also need to be properly humidified before play, as dry feathers are brittle and break easily, and saturated feathers become "mushy", causing the shuttlecock to fly too far and fast.
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Feathers are preferred over plastic for their speed
The shuttlecock is a small, feathered projectile that is hit back and forth in a game of badminton. The feathers of a shuttlecock are often made from real bird feathers, but some are also made from synthetic materials, such as plastic. While plastic shuttlecocks are cheaper and more durable, many badminton players prefer to use feathered shuttlecocks for a variety of reasons, one of which is speed.
Feathered shuttlecocks are faster than plastic ones. This is because plastic shuttlecocks are heavier and cut through the air more easily, leading to a more parabolic flight. They are also less affected by wind resistance, which means they travel further and faster. Feathered shuttlecocks, on the other hand, have more wind resistance, which causes them to slow down faster. This means they are easier to control and allow for more finesse techniques, such as drop shots and slices, which are difficult to execute with a plastic shuttlecock.
The speed and trajectory of a shuttlecock are determined by a number of factors, including the quality of the feathers, the temperature, and the elevation of the location. Feathered shuttlecocks with higher-quality feathers tend to have a more consistent flight path, but they are also more expensive. The temperature and elevation of the location can also affect the speed of the shuttlecock, with some feathers performing better in colder conditions.
The transition from playing with plastic shuttlecocks to feathered shuttlecocks can be difficult, even for experienced players. This is because the technique for hitting a feathered shuttlecock is different from that of a plastic one. With plastic, players tend to use more arm and elbow, while with feathers, the wrist and fingers are used more. This can lead to a higher risk of injury when switching to plastic, as poor technique can be compensated for by using more strength.
Overall, while feathered shuttlecocks may be more expensive and less durable, many badminton players prefer them for their speed, control, and the improvement they offer to a player's technique. The use of feathers over plastic allows for a more skilled and nuanced game, which is why they are used in competitive play.
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The shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce
The object used in badminton is known as a shuttlecock, or sometimes a birdie or shuttle. It is made from 16 goose or duck feathers embedded into a rounded cork base. The feathers are glued to the base and covered with thin leather. The shuttlecock is a feathered or plastic projectile that flies differently from the balls used in other sports.
The shuttlecock's unique flight characteristics also give badminton a distinctive nature. The feathers cause the shuttlecock to drop straight down on a clear shot, whereas plastics never return to a straight drop. The shuttlecock's deceleration can be used strategically to create drop shots and smashes that dip more steeply after passing the net.
While the shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce, it does have some bounce due to its soft foam rubber-like cap at the bottom. This cap causes the shuttlecock to bounce slightly when it hits the ground, rather than turning over. However, play ends as soon as the shuttlecock touches the floor, even if it bounces slightly afterward.
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Frequently asked questions
The object used in badminton is called a shuttlecock. It is also sometimes referred to as a birdie.
A shuttlecock is made of cork with 16 goose or duck feathers glued to its rounded base.
A shuttlecock is a feathered or plastic projectile that flies differently from the balls used in other sports. Balls may be spun to alter their bounce, but a shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce.
Badminton is a racquet sport played by hitting a shuttlecock across a net. Points are scored by striking the shuttlecock and landing it within the other team's half of the court. Each side may only strike the shuttlecock once before it passes over the net.
