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Badminton is a racquet sport played using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net. The shuttlecock, also known as a shuttle or birdie, is a high-drag projectile with an open conical shape. It is made from sixteen overlapping feathers embedded into a rounded cork base. The court is a 44-foot by 20-foot rectangle divided into two halves by a centre line. The net is a mesh of dark cord held up by posts at each end of the court. To play, you will also need sports shoes with good grip and traction, a t-shirt, shorts, and accessories such as grips, grip powder, and wrist/headbands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Court size | 13.40m (44 feet) length; 5.18m (17 feet) width for singles; 6.1m (20 feet) width for doubles |
| Net | 1.55m (5 feet, 1 inch) tall at the posts; 1.52m (5 feet) tall at the center; 6.1m (20 feet) wide; made of vinyl mesh with leather or cotton tops |
| Rackets | Weigh between 3 and 3.5 ounces; made of composite materials such as aluminum, graphite, or titanium; strings made of synthetic threads |
| Shuttlecock | Made of 16 feathers and a rounded cork base; 6.35-6.85cm (2.5-2.7 inches) long; weigh less than a quarter of an ounce; plastic shuttlecocks are used by beginners |
| Shoes | Lightweight with good traction and grip; thin sole to lower the center of gravity and prevent injuries; good cushioning to absorb impact |
| Clothing | T-shirts and shorts for casual players; hand grips, wristbands, and ankle guards for competitive matches |
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What You'll Learn
Rackets
Badminton rackets were originally made of wood, but today they are typically made with composite materials such as aluminium, graphite, or titanium. These modern rackets are designed to be lightweight and rigid, with a weight of between 3 and 3.5 ounces. The strings on the racket are made of synthetic threads and must be flat, forming a uniform pattern. The entire stringed area cannot exceed 11 inches in length and 8.7 inches in width.
When playing badminton, it is recommended to carry extra grips to ensure a safe and uninterrupted game. Grips can become worn and slippery due to sweat, so having a replacement grip can improve performance and prevent the need to end the game early. Similarly, grip powder is another useful accessory that can help to improve grip and absorb sweat.
Badminton is the fastest racket sport, with the shuttlecock capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 mph. The shuttlecock is a feathered or plastic projectile that flies differently from the balls used in other sports. It has an open conical shape, with feathers overlapping and embedded into a rounded cork base. The cork is then covered with thin leather or synthetic material.
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Shuttlecocks
The shuttlecock is an essential piece of equipment in badminton. It is a high-drag projectile, also known as a shuttle or birdie, that players hit with their rackets and volley over a net to the other half of the court. The shuttlecock is made from 16 overlapping feathers embedded into a rounded cork base. The cork is covered with thin leather or synthetic material.
There are feathered and plastic shuttlecocks. Feathered shuttlecocks are commonly used in adult competitive tournaments. They are expensive and break easily, especially if the player uses the wrong technique. Plastic shuttlecocks are ideal for beginners as they are cheaper and good for building strength. They tend to travel shorter distances as they are heavier.
The shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce. However, slicing the shuttlecock does have applications in badminton. Slicing underneath the shuttlecock may cause it to turn over itself (tumble) several times as it passes the net. This is called a spinning net shot or tumbling net shot. The opponent will not address the shuttlecock until it has corrected its orientation.
Badminton rules also provide for testing a shuttlecock for the correct speed. To test a shuttlecock, hit a full underhand stroke that makes contact with the shuttlecock over the back boundary line. The shuttlecock shall be hit at an upward angle and in a direction parallel to the sidelines. A shuttlecock of the correct speed will land not less than 530 mm and not more than 990 mm short of the other back boundary line.
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Badminton court
A badminton court is a rectangular surface with a net in the middle, used for the racket sport of badminton. The court is divided into two halves, with each half further split vertically into two service courts. The service courts are outlined with lines on the court.
The standard length of a badminton court is 13.40m (44 feet) for both singles and doubles matches. However, the width differs based on the competition type: singles courts are 5.18m (17 feet) wide, while doubles courts are 6.1m (20 feet) wide. The court's boundary widths vary between single and double matches.
The badminton net is made of a dark-coloured cord mesh and is held in place by posts on the outer sideline. The net measures 1.55m (5 feet, 1 inch) tall at the posts and 1.52m (5 feet) tall at the centre of the court. It is at least 6.1m (20 feet) wide. The top of the net is edged with approximately 3 inches of white tape doubled over a cable.
The service courts are set back from the net by a short service line of 1.98m (6.5 feet) and a long service line of 0.72m (2.36 feet) from the baseline.
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Badminton shoes
To play badminton, you will need a range of equipment, including a net, a racket, and a shuttlecock. Badminton shoes are another important piece of equipment. They are specifically designed to provide better traction and grip, allowing players to stop in time to return a shot.
When choosing badminton shoes, it is important to consider their weight and cushioning. Badminton shoes should be lightweight, allowing players to move quickly and easily on the court. Adequate cushioning is also important to absorb the impact of jumps and landings, reducing the stress on the player's feet and legs. Additionally, regular players may benefit from heel cups, which can prolong the lifespan of the shoes.
The right badminton shoes can vary from person to person. It is important to try on different shoes to find the pair that provides the best fit, comfort, and support for your feet. The sizing and fit of badminton shoes can vary depending on the brand and model, so it is worth trying on multiple pairs to find the perfect fit.
When trying on badminton shoes, pay attention to the sole of the shoe. The sole should be made of a durable material that provides good traction. The sole pattern should also allow for flexibility and quick movements in multiple directions. The shoe's upper material should be breathable and lightweight, as this will help keep your feet comfortable and cool during gameplay.
In conclusion, badminton shoes are an important piece of equipment for any player. They provide the necessary traction and grip to move effectively on the court and can help reduce the impact on your feet and legs during jumps and landings. With the right pair of badminton shoes, players can improve their performance and comfort during the game.
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Badminton attire
To play badminton, it is important to wear the right attire to ensure comfort and performance. While the rules are not as strict as in other sports, there is still a general dress code to follow.
For your upper body, it is recommended to wear short-sleeved shirts. These can be either loose or tight-fitting, depending on your preference. It is important to avoid wearing clothing with strong perfumes or colognes as they may distract or irritate other players.
For the lower body, shorts are typically worn. Again, these can be loose or tight-fitting. The key is to ensure that your movement is not restricted.
Badminton-specific shoes are also recommended. These shoes are designed to provide better traction and grip, allowing you to stop in time to return a shot. They should be lightweight and have good cushioning to absorb the impact of jumps and landings. Heel cups can also be useful in prolonging the lifespan of your shoes. It is important to avoid wearing shoes with high heels or platforms as they can increase the risk of ankle injuries.
Additionally, consider wearing accessories such as sweatbands or headbands to keep sweat away from your eyes during play. Keep your nails trimmed short to prevent any scratches to yourself or your opponents. Avoid wearing jewellery or any other accessories that may interfere with your movement or pose a safety hazard.
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Frequently asked questions
A badminton racket or racquet is used to hit the shuttlecock.
The shuttlecock, also known as a shuttle or birdie, is made of a cork-rounded base with overlapping feathers. Synthetic shuttlecocks are also available, which are cheaper and more durable than feathered ones.
Badminton rackets weigh between 3 and 3.5 ounces. The stringed area cannot be larger than 27.9cm in length and 22.1cm in width.
The standard size of a badminton court is 13.40m (44 feet) in length and 6.1m (20 feet) in width for doubles. For singles, the width is slightly smaller at 5.18m (17 feet).
Badminton-specific shoes are recommended for playing badminton as they provide better traction and grip, as well as cushioning to absorb the impact of jumping and lateral movements.
