Ayrton Oneill
The object that players hit over the net in a game of badminton is called a shuttlecock. It is a light cone consisting of a cork stub with feathered flights. Shuttlecocks are made from 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually from the left wings of geese or ducks, embedded into a rounded cork base. The term birdie is also used, especially among junior, recreational, and North American players.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Shuttlecock, Birdie, Bird, Cock |
| Composition | Feathers (goose or duck), cork, leather, plastic, nylon |
| Speed | Can exceed 565 km/h (351 mph) |
| Durability | Feathers are brittle and break easily; synthetic cork base is more durable |
| Weight | 42 grams (standard weight) |
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What You'll Learn
The shuttlecock is made from feathers
In badminton, the object that players hit back and forth is called a shuttlecock, often shortened to shuttle, and also referred to as a birdie, ball, or cock. The shuttlecock is a high-drag projectile with an open conical shape. It gets its name from its back-and-forth motion during the game, resembling the shuttle of a 14th-century loom, and the feathers that resemble those on a rooster.
To ensure the shuttlecock flies true and at the proper speed and distance, the feathers must be properly humidified. Feathers that are too dry will be brittle and break easily, causing the shuttlecock to wobble, while saturated feathers will cause the shuttlecock to fly too far and too fast. A humidification box or a small moist sponge is often used to keep the feathers at the correct humidity.
The feathers used in shuttlecocks are typically more expensive than plastic alternatives, and they are less durable, often needing to be replaced every three or four games. However, serious tournaments or leagues always use feather shuttlecocks, as they are preferred by experienced and skilled players. Plastic shuttlecocks fly more slowly on initial impact and tend to fall on a diagonal, whereas feathers tend to drop straight down.
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It is also called a 'cock' or ''bird'
The small object that is hit back and forth in a game of badminton is called a shuttlecock. It is typically made from 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually from the wings of a goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork base. The cork is often covered with thin leather. The shuttlecock is sometimes referred to as a "birdie", particularly by junior players and in casual or social games, such as in backyards and on beaches. In the United States and Canada, synthetic shuttlecocks are more common and are often called "birdies". The term "birdie" is also used by more serious players, such as club players, who may use the term ""bird". The use of the term "birdie" can also be influenced by regional variations, with some regions considering it a sign of inexperience.
The shuttlecock has a rich history, dating back to the late 1800s when badminton was invented in the town of Badminton in England. Over time, the shuttlecock has evolved, with different materials being used for its construction. Synthetic shuttlecocks, for example, are made from nylon or plastic and tend to be more durable than natural feather shuttlecocks.
The feathers used in shuttlecocks play a significant role in their performance. Properly humidified feathers enhance speed and durability, while dry feathers are brittle and can cause the shuttlecock to wobble. The angle of the feathers is also important, with only feathers from the left wing of a goose or duck being suitable as the angle must be consistent for the shuttlecock to fly and rotate correctly.
The shuttlecock's flight characteristics are influenced by various factors, including humidity and height above sea level. Prior to play, shuttlecocks are tested to ensure they meet the required standards for speed and distance. The World Badminton Federation, for example, specifies that the shuttlecock should reach a certain distance during service.
The shuttlecock is an integral part of the game of badminton, and its unique design and construction contribute to the skill and strategy involved in playing the game. The choice of materials and the maintenance of the shuttlecock can impact the feel and performance during gameplay, influencing the power, pace, and tempo of the game.
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Badminton birdies are synthetic
The object that is being hit back and forth in a game of badminton is called a shuttlecock. It is also known by other names such as "birdie" and "bird". The shuttlecock is formed from 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork base. The cork is covered with thin leather.
Badminton birdies, or synthetic shuttlecocks, are made from nylon or plastic and tend to be more durable than natural feather shuttlecocks. They are also cheaper and are sold in tubes of 6. They are more commonly used by casual players, such as those playing in their backyard or on the beach. Synthetic shuttlecocks are also more commonly used in the United States and Canada.
The base of a synthetic shuttlecock is made from synthetic cork, which helps to lower the cost and increase durability. However, one drawback of synthetic shuttlecocks is that they cannot maintain energy in flight in the same way that feathered shuttlecocks can. This impacts the feel of the shuttlecock during the game for players.
Feathered shuttlecocks are considered superior to synthetic ones for competitive play. This is because they have a higher standard speed range that the game is typically played at. They also provide better anti-wobbling trajectories because of their natural counterclockwise spin. However, feathered shuttlecocks are more expensive and less durable, as the feathers can break easily.
The choice between a synthetic or feathered shuttlecock depends on factors such as skill level, budget, and intended use. Synthetic shuttlecocks are a good option for casual players who want a durable and affordable option, while feathered shuttlecocks are better suited for competitive play and provide a superior playing experience.
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Feathers are plucked from live geese or ducks
The object that players hit back and forth in badminton is known as a shuttlecock, or a "birdie" for short. The shuttlecock is formed from 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork 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 pulled out. This process causes the birds unbearable pain.
The feathers from the left and right wings of the birds differ, so a shuttlecock can only use feathers from one side of the goose or duck. 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. Shuttlecocks lose their shape easily, and up to three dozen can be used in one professional game (the feathers of 54 geese!).
In China, goose feathers are used, whereas in India, white duck feathers are used. Only six feathers in each wing can be used to make a shuttlecock. The geese of China and the ducks of Bangladesh live and die for this sport. 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."
Some people argue that the geese or ducks are reared for killing for meat, so plucking their feathers does not make a difference. However, goose or duck meat is not a big market, whereas feathers are. If the birds were being killed for their meat, there would need to be a huge market for goose or duck meat.
There has been some discussion about the possibility of switching to synthetic badminton birdies to reduce the use of animal products in the sport. Synthetic shuttlecocks show less consistency in their drag coefficient, and they cannot maintain energy in flight in the same way as feathered shuttlecocks. However, synthetic shuttlecocks could be recycled or repaired, and they do not contribute to the animal agriculture industry.
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Feathers are from the left or right wing only
The object that is hit back and forth in a game of badminton is known as a shuttlecock, or a birdie for short. The shuttlecock is a high-drag projectile with an open conical shape. It is formed from 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually goose or duck, embedded into a rounded cork base. The cork is covered with thin leather.
To ensure satisfactory flight properties, it is considered preferable to use feathers from either the right or left wing only in each shuttlecock. This is because the feathers from different wings are shaped differently. If feathers from both wings are used, the shuttlecock will wobble.
According to a 12-year former deputy president of the Badminton World Federation, the goose's left wing and right wing are curved differently. The feathers from the left wing will cause the shuttlecock to spin clockwise, while the feathers from the right wing will spin it counterclockwise. This inconsistency can affect the game.
Feathers from the left wing of a goose are said to be used for the best-playing shuttlecock, and manufacturers never mix left and right-wing feathers in one shuttlecock. Six or seven feathers from each wing can be used for shuttlecocks, and the feathers from one side of a goose are enough for one shuttlecock.
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Frequently asked questions
The object that is hit back and forth in badminton is officially called a shuttlecock. It is made of feathers and cork.
Yes, shuttlecocks are also commonly referred to as "birdies", especially in North America and among casual players.
Shuttlecocks are made from feathers, usually from the left wing of a goose or duck, and cork. Synthetic shuttlecocks are made from plastic or nylon.
The term "birdie" is used by junior players and casual players. It is also used to refer to synthetic shuttlecocks, which are more commonly used in North America.
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