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The piece of equipment in badminton that is hit back and forth is called a shuttlecock. It is made from 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually from a goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork base covered with thin leather. It has many nicknames, including birdie.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Shuttlecock |
| Other Names | Birdie |
| Composition | 16 overlapping feathers, usually goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork base covered with thin leather |
| Feather Placement | Feathers from only the right or left wings are used, not a mixture of both |
| Speed | Feather shuttles can reach speeds of over 565 km/h (351 mph) |
| Durability | Properly humidified feathers enhance shuttle durability |
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What You'll Learn
Shuttlecocks are made from feathers
In the sport of badminton, the projectile used is called a shuttlecock, which is often shortened to shuttle, and also has the nicknames bird, birdie, or cock. A shuttlecock is made from feathers, usually from the left wing of a goose or duck, although some sources suggest that the right wing is also used. The feathers are embedded into a rounded cork base, which is covered in thin leather.
The feathers are plucked from the wings of live geese or ducks, a method that has been criticised by animal rights activists. The feathers are then bleached to create a pure white colour, and categorised by their curvature, weight, and length, which determine their speed and spin capabilities. It is preferable to use feathers from the same wing in each shuttlecock, as the feathers from different wings are shaped differently, which affects the shuttlecock's flight pattern.
A shuttlecock is typically made from 16 feathers, which overlap to form an open conical shape. The feathers are fixed into a 'semi-ellipse' or rounded cork base, which has been made by sandwiching polyurethane between two corks, or using a single piece of natural cork. The latter method results in a more durable structure, as the cork is less likely to become misshapen.
Feathered shuttlecocks are considered superior to synthetic shuttlecocks, as they can achieve a higher standard speed range, and have a constant drag coefficient. The feathers also affect the feel of the shuttlecock during the game, as they create more resistance in the air. However, feathered shuttlecocks require careful maintenance, and are more expensive than synthetic alternatives.
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Feathers used are plucked from live geese or ducks
The object used in badminton is called a shuttlecock, which is often shortened to shuttle. Other nicknames include bird or birdie. The shuttlecock is a high-drag projectile with an open conical shape. The cone is formed from 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork base. The feathers used are plucked from live geese or ducks, causing the birds a great deal of pain.
Technicians identify the feathers they need, choosing the whiter feathers that weigh between 1.7 and 2.1 grammes. Feathers are chosen from the wing, starting at the tip. The first three feathers are skipped based on length, while the next seven are used for high-end shuttlecocks. Feathers beyond this range may be used for practice or American shuttlecocks. The feathers are then bleached to create a pure white colour, then categorized by the curvature, weight and length of the feather to determine their capability for spin and speed.
The geese or ducks are then sorted into left-wing or right-wing piles. Only six or seven feathers from each wing can be used for shuttlecocks. Makers cannot mix left-wing and right-wing feathers because of their contrasting curvature, and left-wing feathers are said to produce the best results. The feathers are glued into the cork base, with the cork covered in thin leather.
There has been some discussion about switching to synthetic badminton birdies to reduce the use of animal products in the sport.
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Feathers must be properly humidified before play
The shuttlecock is a unique feature of badminton, formed from around 16 feathers, usually goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork base. The feathers are plucked from the wings of live birds, a method that has been criticised by animal rights activists. The cork is covered with thin leather. The shuttlecock has many names, with some people calling it a "birdie".
Players will often test shuttlecocks before play to ensure they perform as expected. Different weights compensate for local atmospheric conditions, as both humidity and height above sea level impact the shuttlecock's flight. The World Badminton Federation Rules state that the shuttlecock should reach the far doubles service line, plus or minus half the width of the tram.
It is also important to note that feathers from only one wing should be used in each shuttlecock. This is because feathers from different wings are shaped differently, which can affect the shuttlecock's flight properties.
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Feathered shuttlecocks are faster than synthetic ones
The object used in badminton is called a shuttlecock. It is also colloquially referred to as a "birdie". Shuttlecocks can be made of either synthetic materials or feathers. While synthetic shuttlecocks are more durable and less expensive, feathered shuttlecocks are faster.
Feathered shuttlecocks are made from 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually from the wings of a goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork base. Feathers from different wings are shaped differently, so it is preferable to use feathers from only one side of the bird to ensure the shuttlecock flies properly. The feathers are covered with thin leather and attached to a cork base. The cork base can be made from a single piece of natural cork or by sandwiching polyurethane between two cork pieces. The single-cork structure is more durable, but the polyurethane structure is also an option to consider if you are looking for a cheaper alternative.
Feathered shuttlecocks offer high aerodynamic lift and a higher initial speed coming off the bed. They also decelerate faster due to the higher drag they experience during flight, allowing them to travel shorter distances and fall at steeper angles. The feathers must be properly humidified before play to enhance speed change and durability. Dry feathers break easily, while saturated feathers become "mushy" and cause the shuttlecock to fly too far and fast.
Synthetic shuttlecocks, on the other hand, are made of plastic or nylon and are used by recreational players and beginners due to their lower cost and higher durability. They have a flatter trajectory and take longer to travel the same distance as a feathered shuttlecock. While they are great for casual play, they are not suitable for professional matches.
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Shuttlecocks are also known as birdies
The projectile used in badminton is known as a shuttlecock. It is also commonly referred to as a "birdie", especially in casual contexts.
Shuttlecocks are designed to be hit back and forth using rackets and are composed of feathers embedded into a rounded cork base. The feathers are typically sourced from the wings of a goose or duck, with the left and right wings providing differently shaped feathers. The cork base is covered with thin leather, and the entire shuttlecock is designed to be lightweight and aerodynamic.
The construction of a shuttlecock is important for its performance. For example, dry feathers are brittle and break easily, causing the shuttlecock to wobble, while saturated feathers can cause the shuttlecock to fly too far and fast. Properly humidified feathers, on the other hand, provide the optimal balance, enhancing the shuttlecock's speed, durability, and flight characteristics.
The sport of badminton is unique due to the use of shuttlecocks, which require specific skills and techniques to effectively hit and manoeuvre. The feathers of the shuttlecock impact its performance, with feathered shuttlecocks offering a higher standard speed range compared to synthetic ones. This results in a different "feel" during gameplay, which players may prefer.
In conclusion, shuttlecocks, also known as birdies, are an essential component of badminton. Their construction, materials, and aerodynamics influence the gameplay and experience of badminton players, contributing to the sport's uniqueness and appeal.
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Frequently asked questions
A badminton ball is called a shuttlecock.
A shuttlecock is made of 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually from a goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork base.
A feather shuttlecock may come off the strings at speeds of over 565 km/h (351 mph).
