Ayrton Oneill
Badminton is a fast-paced racquet sport played with racquets and a shuttlecock, also known as a birdie. It is played either in singles or doubles matches, with each side attempting to hit the shuttlecock within the parameters of their opponent's court. The sport is played on a rectangular court with a net running through the middle, and players must serve diagonally across the net to their opponent. The unique design of the shuttlecock, with feathers attached to a cork or rubber base, gives it an atypical trajectory, requiring players to make quick and powerful lateral movements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Court dimensions | 6.1m by 13.4m |
| Net height | 1.55m |
| Service | Underarm and below the waist |
| Scoring | A point is scored on every serve and awarded to the side that wins the rally |
| Winning score | First to 21 points (or 30 points if the game is tied at 29-29) |
| Equipment | Rackets, shuttlecock |
| Racket weight | 70-95 grams |
| Racket composition | Carbon fibre composite, solid steel, light metals, nanomaterials |
| Shuttlecock composition | Feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base |
| Shuttlecock weight | 4.74-5.5g |
| Shuttlecock length | 62-70mm |
| Footwear | Badminton shoes with thin soles and little lateral support |
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Scoring a point
The first player to reach 21 points wins the game. However, if the game is tied at 20-20, a player must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first player to score the 30th point wins. This 30-point limit is to prevent games from dragging on, especially at the top level of play, where long games can put athletes at risk of injury.
In doubles matches, both players in a pair work together to win points. The pair that wins the rally gets a point, and the winning side gets the next serve. The server's score determines the receiver's position; the receiver always stands in the service box diagonally opposite the server. So, if the server's score is an even number, they serve from the right service court, and the receiver stands in the diagonally opposite left service court. If the server's score is odd, they serve from the left service court, and the receiver stands in the diagonally opposite right service court.
In singles matches, the server will start from the right service court and will continue to serve from that side every time they have an even number of points. A player serves from the left every time they have an odd number of points. Each player will retain serve as long as they keep winning points.
A fault occurs when the shuttlecock lands outside the boundaries, does not go over the net, or a player touches the net with their body or racquet. A fault results in a point for the opponent.
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Faults
There are several types of faults in badminton, which can result in a player losing a point or service. These faults can be categorised into five types: contact, double hit, service, service received, and over the net faults.
Contact faults occur when the shuttlecock comes into contact with any object or person other than a player's racket. The only thing the shuttlecock should touch during a game is a player's racket. The shuttlecock must be hit below waist height, with players serving diagonally into their opponent's service box. A service fault can occur if the shuttlecock is hit above the waist or not in an upward motion. Players must also serve to the opposite side of their opponent's court.
Double hit faults occur when one or more players on the same team hit the shuttlecock consecutively before it goes back over the net.
Service faults can also occur if a player takes too long to serve, which is considered a delay. Players must also remain stationary until the serve is made.
Service received faults can occur when a player is distracted by their opponent. This can include gestures or trash-talking.
Over the net faults refer to when a player touches the net during a rally. However, it is not a fault if a player touches the net after the rally has ended, i.e. when the shuttlecock has hit the ground.
It is important to be aware of these faults and avoid them to prevent losing points and to ensure fair play.
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The shuttlecock
The choice between feathers and synthetic materials for shuttlecocks depends on various factors. Feathers, made from goose or duck wings, are preferred by experienced players and are used in serious tournaments or leagues. They offer unique playing characteristics, with feathers tending to drop straight down on a clear shot, while plastics fall on a diagonal. Feather shuttlecocks also have a higher top speed and slow down faster as they drop. However, they are easily damaged and need to be replaced frequently to maintain accurate flight. On the other hand, synthetic shuttlecocks are far more durable and less expensive, making them a popular choice for recreational players.
When choosing a shuttlecock, several factors come into play. These include shuttle flight path quality, consistency in landing, and speed. Different weights of shuttles are used to compensate for local atmospheric conditions, as both humidity and height above sea level impact the shuttle's flight. The Yonex Aerosena AS30 Speed 78 is the most popular shuttlecock in the UK, used by higher-level clubs and in tournaments due to its renowned quality. For recreational players, the Yonex Mavis 10 Nylon Shuttlecock is a good option, while the Ashaway International Feather Shuttlecock is recommended for match play. To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to store shuttlecocks in a humid environment and seal the tubes immediately after use to prevent moisture loss.
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Badminton racquets
Badminton is a fast-paced racket sport that requires a range of specialised equipment, including the racket itself. The choice of badminton racquet is an important one, as different racquets have different characteristics that appeal to various players.
The traditional oval head shape is still available, but an isometric head shape is becoming more common in newer racquets. The racquets are also very lightweight, with top-quality racquets weighing between 70 and 95 grams (not including grip or strings). The weight of the racquet is an important consideration for players, as it affects the speed and control they can generate in their shots.
The materials used in racquet construction vary, with modern racquets made from carbon fibre composite (graphite-reinforced plastic) or solid steel, augmented by various materials. Nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and fullerenes are now added to racquets to increase their durability. Before the adoption of carbon fibre composite, racquets were made from light metals like aluminium, and prior to that, wood. Steel is still used in cheaper racquets, but wood is no longer used due to its excessive mass and cost.
The strings on a badminton racquet are also important, with a range of thicknesses and tensions available. The strings are thin, with thicknesses ranging from 0.62 to 0.73 mm. Thicker strings are more durable, but thinner strings are often preferred by players for their feel. Recreational players generally use lower string tensions, typically between 80 and 110 N, while professionals use higher tensions, between 110 and 160 N.
In addition to the racquet, badminton players require specialised shoes that facilitate the powerful lateral movements inherent in the sport. General trainers or running shoes are not suitable as they have a high level of lateral support, which can actually increase the risk of injury in badminton. Proper badminton shoes have a very thin sole, which lowers the player's centre of gravity and reduces the likelihood of sprains and other injuries.
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Badminton shoes
Badminton is a fast-paced sport that involves rapid direction changes and sudden movements. To meet the demands of the game, players need to have a good pair of badminton shoes. The biggest mistake beginner badminton players make is buying regular trainers or running shoes. This not only decreases performance but also increases the risk of injuries.
The cushioning in badminton shoes is also important. Since badminton involves lunging and jumping, players need shoes with proper cushioning to ensure a safe landing and reduce pressure on the knees. The cushioning in badminton shoes should be thinner, softer, and slightly extended to allow for proper foot movement. High-priced badminton shoes typically have good cushioning, but there are also medium-priced options for beginners or intermediate players.
The fit and size of badminton shoes are crucial to improving performance and reducing the risk of injuries. Players should choose shoes that offer maximum stability and flexibility. Ergo-shaped shoes are available on the market, providing both stability and flexibility.
Some of the most common brands for badminton shoes include Yonex, Victor, Li-Ning, and ASICS. These brands offer shoes with features specifically designed for badminton, such as lightweight materials, breathability, and appropriate grip and traction.
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Frequently asked questions
TRA is not a common term used in badminton. However, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) is the governing body of the sport.
Badminton is played either as singles or doubles. All matches are the best of three games, and the first side to 21 points wins. A point is scored on every serve and awarded to the side that wins the rally. Players must serve diagonally across the net into their opponent's service box, and the shuttlecock must be hit below waist height.
Badminton is played with a racquet and shuttlecock. The shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, is cone-shaped and made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base. Racquets are lightweight, usually weighing between 70 and 95 grams, and composed of materials such as carbon fibre composite or solid steel.
Badminton is a highly demanding sport that requires intense rhythmic and lateral movements. It has been described as a versatile, explosive sprint sport with a typical match characteristic of a rally time of 7 seconds and a resting time of 15 seconds. The average heart rate during a match is over 90% of the player's maximum heart rate.
A fault occurs when a player fails to hit the shuttlecock over the net or when it lands outside the court. A fault is also called if a player deliberately distracts their opponent, or if the shuttlecock is hit twice. Infringements refer to violations of the laws of badminton, such as continuing to play after a fault.
