Amanda Knapp
The object used in badminton is called a shuttlecock, which is also known as a birdie or bird. It is a projectile that players hit back and forth over a net. The shuttlecock is made from overlapping feathers, usually goose or duck, that are embedded into a rounded cork base. The cork is then covered with thin leather. The feathers can also be replaced with nylon or plastic to produce a cheaper option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Shuttlecock, bird, birdie, cock, phool (in India), shuttle |
| Composition | 16 overlapping feathers (goose or duck), cork base, thin leather covering |
| Aerodynamics | More drag than balls used in other sports, steeper trajectory than nylon shuttles |
| Speed | Can exceed 565 km/h (351 mph) |
| Durability | Feathers are more fragile than nylon, but nylon cannot maintain energy in flight as well |
| Animal rights concerns | Plucking feathers from live birds has been deemed cruel by activists |
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What You'll Learn
The shuttlecock is made from cork and feathers
The shuttlecock, also known as a bird, birdie, or cock, is a key component of the game of badminton. It is a small object, comprising a base of cork with feathers or plastic attached. The cork base is usually made from a single piece of natural cork, although some are made by sandwiching polyurethane between two corks. The feathers used are typically goose or duck feathers, with around 16 feathers overlapping and embedded into the cork base. The feathers are usually taken from the right or left wing only, as feathers from different wings are shaped differently. This ensures the shuttlecock flies with the correct properties.
The feathers of the shuttlecock are a key factor in the speed and feel of the game. The feathers have a drag coefficient, which means the shuttlecock can slow down faster as it drops. The feathers also affect the trajectory of the shuttlecock, giving it a steeper path of movement. The feathers must be properly humidified to enhance the shuttle's speed and durability. Dry feathers are brittle and break easily, causing the shuttle to wobble, while saturated feathers become mushy and cause the shuttle to fly too far and fast.
The use of feathers in shuttlecocks has been criticised by animal rights activists in recent years, who have called the practice of plucking feathers from live geese or ducks cruel and inhumane. As a result, synthetic shuttlecocks have been developed, usually made from nylon. These synthetic shuttlecocks are praised for their durability and flying abilities and are often used by novice and recreational players. However, feather shuttlecocks are considered to offer a higher standard of play and are preferred by professional badminton players.
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It is also known as a bird, birdie or shuttle
The object that badminton players hit back and forth is known as a shuttlecock. It is also known as a bird, birdie or shuttle.
The shuttlecock is made from 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually plucked from the wings of a live goose or duck. These feathers are embedded into a rounded cork base, which is covered with thin leather. The cork base is made from either a whole piece of natural cork or by sandwiching polyurethane between corks. The former method is preferable as the shuttlecock is more durable and the cork changes very little after use.
The feathers used in shuttlecocks must be properly humidified. This is because dry feathers are brittle and break easily, causing the shuttlecock to wobble, while saturated feathers become "mushy", causing the shuttlecock to fly too far and fast. A humidification box or a small moist sponge is often used to achieve the correct level of humidity.
The roots of badminton can be traced to the ancient game of battledore and shuttlecock, which was played in ancient Greece, China and India. The game was taken from India to England, where it was first played in Gloucestershire.
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Some people refer to it as a cock or ball
The object that is hit back and forth in a game of badminton is known as a shuttlecock. It is constructed from 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually plucked from the wings of a goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork base. The cork is often covered with thin leather.
In badminton lingo, it is also called a bird, birdie, or shuttle. Some people refer to it as a cock or ball. In India, for instance, some people call it 'phool', which means 'flower'. Calling it a birdie is seen as a sign that the player is not very serious about the game. In some places, the term birdie is reserved for disc golf.
The feathers used in shuttlecocks are properly humidified to enhance their speed and durability. Dry feathers are brittle and break easily, causing the shuttlecock to wobble. Saturated feathers, on the other hand, cause the shuttlecock to fly too far and fast. The speed of a shuttlecock can exceed 565 km/h (351 mph).
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Feathers are plucked from live geese or ducks
The badminton bird, also known as a shuttlecock, is a high-drag projectile used in the sport of badminton. The name "shuttlecock" is often shortened to "shuttle", derived from its back-and-forth motion during the game, resembling the shuttle of a loom. The "cock" part of the name likely comes from the resemblance of the feathers to those on a cockerel. The use of feathers in shuttlecocks has come under scrutiny in recent years, with some calling for a switch to synthetic alternatives.
The feathers used in shuttlecocks are sourced from the wings of geese or ducks, with each wing yielding only six or seven usable feathers. The feathers are sorted into left-wing and right-wing piles, as feathers from different wings have distinct curvatures, and mixing them can affect the shuttlecock's performance. The feathers undergo a selection process where they are categorized by curvature, weight, and length to determine their suitability for creating the desired spin and speed.
The plucking of feathers from live geese and ducks for shuttlecocks is not only inhumane but also wasteful. The birds endure extreme pain and distress during the plucking process, and many more feathers are pulled out than are actually needed. This practice has led to concerns about the contribution of the badminton industry to animal agriculture and the potential for alternative sources of feathers, such as those collected from the ground or obtained as a byproduct of the meat industry.
While synthetic shuttlecocks exist, traditional feathered shuttlecocks remain popular due to their superior performance characteristics. Feathered shuttlecocks exhibit a constant drag coefficient, allowing for a higher standard speed range that synthetic shuttlecocks struggle to match. The flexibility of properly humidified feathers enhances speed change and durability, contributing to the overall feel and performance valued by badminton players.
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Feathers are humidified to enhance speed and durability
The object that is hit back and forth in a game of badminton is called a shuttlecock, which is frequently shortened to shuttle. The "shuttle" part of the name refers to its back-and-forth motion during the game, resembling the shuttle of a 14th-century loom. The "cock" part of the name comes from the resemblance of the feathers to those on a rooster. It is also sometimes referred to as a birdie, especially by beginners, or simply a bird or ball. In India, some people call it "phool", which means "flower".
Shuttlecocks are made from feathers, usually from the wings of a goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork base. The feathers are brittle and shuttlecocks break easily, often needing to be replaced several times during a game. To extend the lifespan of shuttlecocks, they can be stored in a humid environment. This is because when shuttlecock feathers dry out, they become brittle and break easily, causing the shuttle to wobble. Properly humidified feathers, on the other hand, flex during play, enhancing the shuttle's speed change and durability.
There are several ways to humidify shuttlecocks. One method is to use a humidification box, which can store and effectively humidify thousands of shuttlecocks at a time. This is a good option for badminton clubs, which can reduce the purchasing of feather shuttlecocks by 25-40% per year. Another option is to use a small moist sponge inserted into the feather end of the closed shuttle tube container, ensuring that there is no water contact with the cork. Some people also use steam from a kettle or place the shuttlecocks in the bathroom during a steamy shower.
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Frequently asked questions
The object is called a shuttlecock. It is made from 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork base.
A shuttlecock is also called a bird, birdie, shuttle, cock, phool, or feather ball.
There are different types of shuttlecocks. The traditional type is made from feathers and cork. The feathers are usually goose or duck and are embedded into a rounded cork base. There are also nylon shuttlecocks, which are known for their flying ability and durability.
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