Kristian Ferrell
Badminton is a high-speed indoor racquet sport that has been played at the Olympics since 1992. It can be played as singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2), and the first side to reach 21 points wins the game. There are many techniques and skills to learn in badminton, such as different types of shots, footwork, and racket grip. For example, one of the most common shots is the overhand forehand, where players hit the shuttle overhead. To practice this shot, players can start by throwing the shuttle overhead and creating a 90-degree angle with their throwing hand, then stepping with the opposite foot and extending their arm. This can be practiced with a partner, where one person throws and the other hits the shuttle. Badminton lesson plans can help students develop basic skills and build confidence before playing full games. Some fun badminton activities include small-sided games with unique rules, such as requiring players to drop their rackets and spin in a circle after losing a point.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Game format | Singles or doubles |
| Number of players | 2 for singles, 4 for doubles |
| Scoring | First to 21 points wins a game; two clear points needed if score reaches 20-20; first to 30 points if 29-29 |
| Service | Must pass over the short service line; serve diagonally into opponent's service box; change of ends under specific conditions |
| Equipment | Rackets, shuttlecock/birdie (feathered or synthetic), court |
| Court dimensions | Length: 13.41m (singles), 14.1m (doubles); width: 5.18m (singles), 6.1m (doubles) |
| Net height | 1.55m at edges, 1.52m in the centre |
| Footwork | Dynamic, allows players to move around the court and set up shots |
| Grips | Forehand and backhand grip |
| Stance | Athletic stance/ready position |
| Shots | Clear, net, smash, overhead forehand, overhand backhand, underhand forehand, underhand backhand |
| Drills | Throwing and hitting shuttle, rallying with an overhand strike |
| Rules | Points scored by landing shuttlecock within the boundaries of the opponent's half; each side can strike shuttlecock once before it passes net; play ends when shuttlecock touches the floor/ground or a fault is called |
| History | Roots in ancient Greece, China, and India; introduced to England in the 1860s-1870s; first competition in 1899 |
| Competitions | Olympic Games, BWF World Championships, Thomas Cup, Uber Cup |
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What You'll Learn
Footwork and athletic stance
The Athletic Stance
Also known as the ready position, the athletic stance is the foundation of badminton technique. It is the position you want to reach before your opponent hits the shuttlecock, so you are ready for any shot. Your base starting point should be in the centre of the court, so you can react to any side your opponent chooses to strike. From this position, you can move forward with good posture and your racket in the ready position.
Footwork Techniques
The speed of your footwork will improve your athletic performance in a match. You need to get to the shuttle quickly to hit your stroke, so you should be able to move fast from your ready position as soon as your opponent strikes the shuttle. Watch the shuttle as it leaves your opponent's racket and push off hard with the foot that is away from where you want to move. The fastest way to move forward is by running, and you should always move with good posture and your racket in the ready position. The split step is a technique that allows you to make a fast start while still covering different shots from your opponent. The correct lunge technique lets you stop quickly and protects your joints from injury.
Footwork for Different Shots
Good footwork will enable you to play a wide range of shots. For example, you can prepare yourself for a good smashing position or net kill by positioning yourself in time to get to the shuttlecock and possibly end the exchange quickly. Getting behind the shuttlecock gives you more stability and options. However, a late arrival to the backcourt could lead to a point loss, as it is difficult to play a good shot if the shuttlecock drops below net level.
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Racket grip and swings
Racket grip and swing techniques are essential to master in badminton. The way a player holds their racket can reduce injuries, increase the range of shots, and produce more efficient hits. There are four basic grips in badminton: the backhand grip, the bevel grip, the panhandle grip, and the forehand grip.
The backhand grip is a good starting point for beginners. To achieve this grip, place your thumb on top of the wider section of the grip, with the strings of the racket facing the floor and the ceiling. This grip is not suitable for backhand shots in the rear court.
The bevel grip is a variation of the backhand grip and is used for defensive and deceptive shots. To achieve this grip, start in a backhand grip and move the racket head so that the strings are facing diagonally, with your thumb on the ridge or bevel.
The panhandle grip is the most natural grip for beginners as it is easy to hit overhead shots with. To achieve this grip, place your thumb on the side of the racket, pinching the sides with your thumb and fingers. This grip is used for late backhand rear-court shots, retrieving a net cord on the backhand side, and some net kills or drives.
The forehand grip is also important to master, as it is the starting point for the hammer grip. To achieve this grip, simply hold the racket with a forehand grip.
The hammer grip is useful when executing jumping smashes. To achieve this grip, start with a forehand grip, then rotate swiftly to a hammer grip while swinging your arm during the jump, and tighten your grip when it is time to hit the shuttlecock.
It is important to note that your fingers should be loose around the grip, regardless of which grip you are using. A tight grip will make it more difficult to change between grips during a rally and will limit your control and power. Practicing these grips and swings will help players develop the foundational skills they need to succeed in badminton.
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Different shots
Badminton is a dynamic sport that demands speed, agility, and strategic thinking. To excel in this sport, players must master a range of shots to adapt to different situations and outmaneuver their opponents. Here is a detailed overview of the different types of shots in badminton:
Clear Shot
The clear shot, also known as a defensive clear or a lob, is a fundamental shot that every beginner should master. It is used to relieve pressure when your opponent is attacking aggressively or playing at a faster pace. The shuttlecock is hit high and deep into your opponent's court, giving you time to reorganise your footwork and get back into the game. This shot can be executed with either an overhead or underarm stroke, and it is crucial to aim for the highest point of contact to achieve maximum height and distance.
Drop Shot
The drop shot is a semi-offensive or deceptive shot that aims to catch your opponent off guard. It is used to maintain the pace of the game or to force your opponent out of their position. This shot is executed from the back of the court, hitting the shuttlecock softly so that it falls just over the net and close to the front of your opponent's court. It requires a light grip and a short swing, ensuring that you are comfortable with the pace of the game before attempting it.
Smash Shot
The smash shot, also known as the "winning shot," is one of the most powerful shots in badminton. It is often used to end a rally and is challenging to return due to its pace and downward angle. When executing a smash, aim for the highest point of contact, and direct it towards your opponent's weaker side or their upper torso. However, be mindful that smashing can cause a loss of balance, so ensure that the risk is worth the potential reward.
Drive Shot
The drive shot is a fast and powerful shot exchanged horizontally across the net. It is used to increase the pace of the game and keep your opponent on their toes. Drive shots are typically played when you are comfortable with the rally's pace and want to counter-attack. This shot can be executed on both the forehand and backhand, with the racket held straight ahead and the wrist locked to deliver a flat and fast drive.
Net Shot
The net shot is a tricky shot used to surprise your opponent. It involves hitting the shuttlecock softly and with a quick wrist action, making it fall just over the net and deep into your opponent's court.
Advanced Shots
In addition to the core shots mentioned above, more advanced players can explore spinning shots, lifts, and net kills. Disguising your shots is also an important aspect of badminton, keeping your opponent guessing until the last moment.
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Rules and scoring system
Badminton is a high-speed indoor racket sport with complex and technical rules. Here is an overview of the rules and scoring system:
Rules
- A badminton match is the best of three games. To win a match, you need to win two games.
- The shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, is cone-shaped and made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base.
- The shuttlecock must be hit below waist height, with players serving diagonally into their opponent's service box.
- The whole shuttlecock should be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when hit by the server, with the racket shaft pointing downwards.
- The serve in badminton should always be an underarm shot.
- No player shall serve or receive out of turn or receive two consecutive services in the same game.
- During a point, a player can return the shuttlecock from inside and outside the court.
- A player must not touch the net with any part of their body or racket.
- In singles, the server starts from the right service court and will serve from that side every time they have an even number of points.
- In doubles, each player has a service court. When serving, a player stands in their service court, and their partner stands in the other service court.
- In doubles, players do not change their respective service courts until they win a point when their side is serving.
- A game must include two rest periods: a 90-second rest after the first game and a 5-minute rest after the second game.
Scoring System
- A badminton game is played up to 21 points.
- A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court.
- If a returned shuttlecock hits the net or lands outside the court, the opponent wins the point.
- If the score reaches 20-20, a two-point advantage is required for victory.
- If neither player has a two-point advantage by 29-29, the first player to reach 30 points wins.
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Equipment
The equipment you will need to play badminton will depend on whether you are a beginner or a more advanced player. However, there are some essentials that all players will need.
The most important piece of equipment is the badminton racket. Rackets come in different weights and materials, so it is important to choose one that suits your style of play and feels comfortable. You should purchase your racket in person so that you can check its weight and grip.
The next essential piece of equipment is the shuttlecock. There are two types of shuttlecocks: plastic and feathered. Beginners should opt for plastic shuttlecocks, as they are more durable and long-lasting than feathered ones, which fray easily and are more expensive. Plastic shuttlecocks are also good for building strength as they are heavier and travel shorter distances. Most competitive tournaments use feathered shuttlecocks, so more advanced players will want to use these.
Badminton-specific shoes are another vital piece of equipment. These should be lightweight and offer good traction and grip to allow you to stop and return shots quickly. They should also have excellent cushioning to absorb the impact of jumping and landing. Regular jogging shoes are not suitable as they lack grip and traction.
In terms of clothing, a comfortable pair of shorts and a cotton or dri-fit t-shirt are sufficient for casual and non-competitive players. Some players may also want to use hand grips, wristbands, and ankle guards. For more advanced players, a collared or round-neck cotton t-shirt is recommended to absorb sweat and body heat without affecting performance.
Other accessories that can be useful include grip powder to prevent slipping, and a badminton tracker, which is a portable device that provides real-time coaching and analysis of your performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Beginners should focus on the racket grip and the ready position. Grips include the forehand and backhand grip, which are fundamental to feeling comfortable with a racket in hand. The ready position, or athletic stance, allows players to be prepared for any shots that come their way.
Footwork is important in badminton as it is a dynamic sport. Proper footwork allows players to move around the court and set up for shots.
One fun game is a variation on normal badminton where players must alternate hitting the shuttle with their partner. This game helps with coordination and strategy. Another game involves players lining up on one side of the court to challenge a champion on the other side. Challengers must win two points in a row to take the champion's spot.
Serves should be done in an underhand motion. The server should stand behind the short service line and can choose to do a backhand or forehand short serve.
Advanced players can learn different types of shots such as the clear, net, smash, net shot, drop shot, and kill shot. They can also learn the rules of the game and develop their muscle memory through repetition.
