Andrew Pace
Badminton is a racquet sport that has been around since the 16th century and is played using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net. It is often played casually outdoors, but professional games are played on a rectangular indoor court. The aim of the game is to score points by successfully hitting the shuttlecock over the net and landing it within the set boundaries of your opponent's half of the court. Badminton can be played in singles or doubles, with each side getting one chance to strike the shuttlecock before it passes over the net.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2 or 4 |
| Objective | Score points by successfully hitting the shuttlecock over the net |
| Court dimensions | 44 ft (13.4 m) long by 20 ft (6.1 m) wide |
| Net height | 5 ft (1.5 m) above the ground |
| Serving rules | Underarm and below the waist, no second serves |
| Scoring | Reach 21 points, or 2 clear points ahead if scores are tied at 20-20 |
| Faults | Touching the net, double-hitting the shuttlecock, distraction of opponent, etc. |
| Grip | Forehand and backhand grip, loose grip for flexibility and mobility |
| Footwork | Active and ready to move, sideways position with body perpendicular to the net |
| Techniques | Overhand strike, backhand underhand, overhead shots |
| Equipment | Rackets, shuttlecock (feathered or plastic) |
| Governing body | Badminton World Federation (BWF) |
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How to hold the racket
Holding the racket properly is essential in badminton. Here are the steps to follow:
- Handshake Grip: Grab the racket handle as if you are shaking someone's hand. This is a comfortable and familiar way to start holding the racket.
- V-Shape: Position your hand in a way that creates a V shape around the racket handle. This provides a stable base for your grip.
- Index Finger Spacing: Ensure there is a gap between your index finger and middle finger. This spacing allows for a more flexible grip and helps you avoid a "death grip," which is too tight.
- Loose Grip: Hold the racket with a loose grip, similar to the gentle grasp you would have when shaking someone's hand. This gives you the flexibility and mobility needed for different badminton shots. Practice a few swings to get a feel for this grip.
- Backhand Grip: When the shuttlecock is hit on the opposite side of your racket leg, use the backhand grip. For this grip, your thumb should be on top, and the racket should be parallel to the ground, resembling the position of holding a frying pan.
- Forehand Grip: For a forehand grip, turn your body sideways so that it is perpendicular to the net. Bend your racket hand and raise it behind your head, with the racket pointing down. This position prepares you to execute forehand shots effectively.
Remember, the grip you choose depends on the shot you intend to play. The backhand grip is useful for backhand underhand and overhead shots, while the forehand grip is ideal for forehand shots and preparing to strike the shuttlecock.
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Footwork and ready position
Footwork and positioning are crucial in badminton, and there are a variety of techniques and exercises to improve your movement around the court. The aim is to be in a position to react quickly to your opponent's shots, and to be stable and balanced when hitting the shuttlecock.
Your base position should be in the centre of the court, so that you can move quickly to either side. You should always return to this position after hitting the shuttlecock. It is important to be on the balls of your toes, with your weight lowered and your knees slightly bent, so you can move quickly in any direction. Your feet should be a little more than shoulder-width apart, and your racket should be held out in front of you, typically at waist height. You can hold it higher when attacking and lower when defending. Your left arm should be used to balance your right arm and the racket.
There are a number of exercises to improve your footwork. One is called the shadow exercise, where someone points to a spot on the other side of the net, and you move quickly to that position and swing as if hitting the shuttlecock. You then return to your base position. This allows you to practice different types of shots and improves your movement around the court. It is important to always keep your racket in the ready position when moving forward.
Another technique is to think about your footwork strategy before the match. You need to be able to react to your opponent's shots, so you can return them and keep the game going. You should also be aware of your position in relation to the shuttlecock. Getting behind it can give you more stability and options for your shot.
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Serving
The Basics of Serving in Badminton:
To begin serving, stand in the right service court when starting a game or when your score is even. If your score is odd, serve from the left service court. Aim to hit the shuttlecock towards the diagonally opposite service court. Remember, in singles, the receiving court is longer and narrower, while in doubles, it is wider and shorter.
Footwork and Body Positioning:
Badminton rules dictate that during the serve, you must keep at least part of both feet on the ground. As you swing the racket, your back left foot will naturally lift, but be sure to keep your toes on the ground. Avoid dragging your foot along the ground; instead, pivot if necessary.
Forehand Low Serve:
The forehand low serve is the most common type of serve in badminton. To execute this serve, bring the racket back to about shoulder height, then drop the shuttlecock and swing the racket forward in a smooth motion. Time it so that the racket meets the shuttlecock below your waist. This technique will result in the shuttlecock gently floating just over the net, limiting your opponent's swing and increasing your chances of scoring.
Forehand High Serve:
For a forehand high serve, you will aim for the back of the opponent's court. Swing the racket in a wide arc, releasing the shuttlecock just before the swing. This serve will cause the shuttlecock to travel in a high arc, landing deep in your opponent's court.
Mixing Up Your Serves:
Variety in serving is essential to keep your opponent guessing. After mastering the forehand low and high serves, experiment with different types of serves, such as backhand serves and combination serves. Vary the height, speed, and direction of your serves to keep your opponent on their toes. Remember, serving is not just about power but also about precision and strategy.
With practice, you'll develop a feel for the different serves and be able to use them effectively during a match. Serving is a crucial skill in badminton, and mastering it will give you a significant advantage over your opponents.
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Scoring
In doubles, the pair wins the points, and the serve changes between team members. For example, if player 1 of team A serves and the opponent scores a point, player 1 of team B will serve next. If team A then scores another point, the serve goes to player 2 of team A.
The receiver's position is determined by the server's score. The receiver always stands in the service box diagonally opposite the server. So, if the server's score is odd, they will serve from the left court (known as the odd service court), and the receiver will stand in the diagonally opposite service court. If the server's score is even, they will serve from the right court (the even service court).
In a major tournament, a coin toss decides which side serves first. In more casual club games, players usually throw the shuttlecock in the air and let it land, with the side it points to serving first.
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Singles vs doubles
The main objective of badminton is to score points by successfully hitting a shuttlecock over a net. The game can be played with two or four players and the rules are essentially the same for singles and doubles matches. However, there are some key differences between the two formats.
A fundamental difference between singles and doubles is the size of the court. In singles, the court is narrower, measuring 17 feet (5.2 m) wide, whereas in doubles, the court has wider sidelines, measuring 20 feet (6.1 m) wide, to accommodate both players. The extra 15 feet (1.5 m) on either side of the court in doubles are considered fair game for serving and returning.
Another key difference is the service rotation in doubles. Players must keep track of which partner is serving and from which side. The attack formation in doubles typically involves one player covering the backcourt and the other covering the front. The backcourt player uses offensive shots such as half smashes, full smashes, and drives. In singles defence, it's more about strategic positioning and footwork rather than speed.
The strategy and gameplay in doubles can also differ based on the gender of the players. In mixed doubles, men tend to cover the rear court, while women often stay closer to the net. Doubles require communication and coordination with a partner, playing to each other's strengths and abilities. It involves predicting your opponent's shots and covering for each other. On the other hand, singles is a solo battle where you must outmaneuver and outlast your opponent.
While the fundamentals of badminton are the same for both formats, the winning tactics can vary significantly. The skills required for success, such as agility, reflexes, and strategy, remain essential in both singles and doubles.
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Frequently asked questions
Badminton is a racquet/racket sport played using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net.
Points are scored by successfully hitting the shuttlecock over the net and landing it in your opponent's court. Each side may only strike the shuttlecock once before it passes over the net.
A point is scored when you successfully hit the shuttlecock over the net and land it in your opponent’s court before they hit it. A point can also be gained when your opponent hits the shuttlecock into the net or outside the parameters. To win a game, you must reach 21 points before your opponent.
Although it may be played with larger teams, the most common forms of the game are "singles" (with one player per side) and "doubles" (with two players per side).
Basic badminton skills include learning how to hold the racket properly, practicing your forehand and backhand grip, and footwork.
