Andrew Pace
Badminton is a fun and dynamic racket sport that can be enjoyed by students of all skill levels. It is an excellent addition to a school's athletic program as it provides an opportunity for students who might not try out for any other sport to be part of a team. To start a badminton team at a school, the first step is to survey students to determine interest. Schools will then need to procure equipment such as nets, shuttlecocks, and racquets, as well as find a suitable coach. Basic skills such as footwork, racket swings, and serves can be taught to beginners, helping them develop confidence and comfort on the court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Court size | Singles: 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide. Doubles: 6.1m (20ft) wide. |
| Net height | 1.55m (5ft 1in) high at the ends, 1.52m (5ft) high in the middle. |
| Equipment | Rackets, shuttlecocks (birdies), nets, poles, shoes, clothing, hand grips, wrist bands, ankle guards, team medical kit, first-aid supplies, water bottles, scorebook. |
| Rules | Players change ends at the conclusion of the first game and when one side reaches 11 points in the third game. A point is won if the shuttlecock lands in the opponent's half. A point is conceded if a shot goes out of bounds, the shuttlecock hits the net, or a player strikes the shuttlecock twice. |
| Skills | Footwork, racket grip, racket swings, serves, hand-eye coordination, speed, agility, endurance. |
| Drills | Overhead forehand stroke, overhand backhand stroke, underhand forehand stroke, underhand backhand stroke. |
| Coaching | Experienced coaches are scarce, so finding one may be challenging. |
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What You'll Learn
Footwork and stance
Badminton is a fast-paced game that requires quick movement and good footwork. The right badminton shoes are essential for your game. Having a solid ready position is the foundation of badminton technique. In the ready position, a player's feet should be square or slightly staggered, depending on their preference and comfort. If a player chooses to have a staggered stance, the dominant foot should be furthest forward. The feet should be shoulder-width apart, with the knees slightly bent, and the weight distributed on the balls of the feet. The racket should be held slightly in front of the body, towards the backhand side. This position allows players to move sharply in the direction of the shuttle.
The base starting point for a player should be the centre of the court. This enables the player to react to any side their opponent strikes the birdie. It is important to return to this position after hitting the birdie, as it allows the player to react quickly to the next shot.
There are several types of footwork techniques that can be used to move across the court. The side step, or chasse, is a step used to deliver a powerful shot from the back of the court. The player jumps off the ground and switches their feet in mid-air, landing on the non-dominant foot first. The player then turns their body to hit the shuttle, using the momentum of the switch to deliver a powerful blow. The lunge is another technique used to deliver a powerful shot. The scissor kick is used to travel quickly across the court. The player uses their non-dominant foot as a pivot and the dominant foot as the leading foot. The crossover step is used to move to any corner of the court, allowing the player to move further and faster, especially towards the net. The three-step return to mid-court is used to get back into the ready position after hitting a shot from the back of the court. The player performs a scissor-like action with their legs, then uses a three-step pattern to return to the centre.
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Racket grip and swings
Badminton is a dynamic and fast-paced racket sport that can be enjoyed by students of all skill levels. Before students begin playing, it is important to ensure they have a good grasp of the fundamentals, including the different types of racket grips and swings.
Racket Grip
The way a student holds their racket is one of the most important basic steps in badminton. A good grip can reduce injuries, increase the range of shots, and produce more efficient hits. There are four basic grips in badminton: the forehand grip, the backhand grip, the bevel grip, and the panhandle grip.
- Forehand grip: This is the basic grip that players usually start with. It is similar to holding a hammer, with the strings facing the floor or ceiling.
- Backhand grip: This grip is used for backhand shots, with the thumb on top of the wider section of the grip and the strings facing the floor or ceiling.
- Bevel grip: This grip is used for defensive and deceptive shots. It is similar to the backhand grip, but with the racket head rotated so that the strings are facing diagonally.
- Panhandle grip: This grip is used for late backhand rear-court shots and net kills or drives. The thumb is on the side of the racket, pinching the sides with the thumb and fingers.
It is important to note that the grip should not be too tight, as this will make it difficult to change between grips during a rally and limit control and power in shots.
Racket Swings
Once students have mastered the different grips, they can begin to practice their racket swings. There are four basic strokes that players can develop: the overhead forehand stroke, overhand backhand stroke, underhand forehand stroke, and underhand backhand stroke.
- Overhead forehand stroke: This stroke is used for smashes and clear shots. The player brings the racket overhead in a forehand grip and swings downward to hit the shuttlecock.
- Overhand backhand stroke: Similar to the overhead forehand stroke, but with the racket in a backhand grip.
- Underhand forehand stroke: The player brings the racket underhand in a forehand grip and swings upward to hit the shuttlecock.
- Underhand backhand stroke: Similar to the underhand forehand stroke, but with the racket in a backhand grip.
By practicing these different grips and swings, students can develop their technique and become more confident badminton players.
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Shuttlecocks
The shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, is badminton's unique "ball". It is a cone-shaped projectile made of either feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base. The shuttlecock's shape ensures that it always flies cork-first once hit, until it is struck again.
There are two types of shuttlecocks: plastic and feathered. Plastic shuttlecocks are more durable than feathered ones, which are more commonly used. However, plastic shuttlecocks are recommended for beginners as feathered shuttlecocks are expensive and prone to fraying, especially if the player uses the wrong technique. Plastic shuttlecocks are ideal for beginners and young children as they travel shorter distances due to their heavier weight, helping build strength for the transition to feathered shuttlecocks.
Feathered shuttlecocks are used in competitive tournaments. A feathered shuttlecock is made up of 16 feathers, with the tip of the feathers forming a circle with a diameter of 58-62mm. The cork or rubber base should have a diameter of 25-28mm and be rounded at the bottom. The total length of the shuttlecock should be between 62-70mm, and it should weigh between 4.74 and 5.5g.
When playing, each side can only strike the shuttlecock once before it passes over the net. If the shuttlecock hits the ceiling, it is considered a fault.
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Scoring system
Badminton is typically played as a best-of-three match, with each individual game played until a player or team reaches 21 points. Points can be scored by either side on every serve, with the winning side getting the next serve. If the score reaches 20-20, however, a side must gain a two-point lead in order to win the game. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to reach 30 points wins.
The server's score determines the service court they will use. If the server's score is odd, they will serve from the left court, and if their score is even, they will serve from the right court. The receiver's position is also determined by the server's score, with the receiver occupying the diagonally opposite service court. In doubles, the server will keep serving as long as their side keeps winning points. If the receiving side wins a point, they assume the serve.
In more casual club games, the first side to serve is often determined by tossing a shuttlecock into the air and letting it land. In competitive matches, a coin toss is usually used to decide which side serves first.
There are a variety of opinions on the scoring system. Some believe the 11-point system is the best, while others prefer the 15-point system. Some also believe that the 21-point system is too long, making the game boring for spectators, especially in singles matches.
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Equipment and attire
To play badminton, there is some essential equipment and attire that is needed. The equipment includes:
- A net
- Poles to hold the net in place
- Containers of shuttlecocks or 'birdies'
- Rackets
Shuttlecocks are cone-shaped and made using either feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base. The feathers or synthetic material ensure the shuttlecock always flies cork-first when struck. The shuttlecocks used will depend on the players' skill level. Plastic shuttlecocks are more durable and suitable for beginners as they travel shorter distances due to their heavier weight. More experienced players will use feathered shuttlecocks, which are used in competitive tournaments.
Rackets are also essential, and while more experienced players may have their own, it is important to have a few spares for beginners or those who cannot afford their own.
In terms of attire, badminton players should wear clothing that is comfortable and allows for ease of movement. This may include a comfortable pair of shorts and a cotton or dri-fit t-shirt. Some players may also opt for hand grips, wristbands, and ankle guards. Badminton shoes are also recommended as they provide better traction and grip, as well as cushioning to absorb impact.
Other equipment to consider includes a team medical kit, first-aid supplies, a water jug or bottles, and a scorebook.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a net, poles, racquets, shuttlecocks (also known as birdies), and a court to play on. You can use plastic shuttlecocks if you're a beginner, as they are more durable and cheaper than feathered shuttlecocks. You should also wear badminton shoes, which are designed to give you better traction and grip.
Badminton is played with two players (singles) or two pairs (doubles) hitting a shuttlecock back and forth over a net. Each side can only strike the shuttlecock once before it passes over the net. A point is won if the shuttlecock hits the ground in the opponent's half of the court. Players must change ends under specific conditions, such as at the conclusion of the first game.
Badminton requires a combination of hand-eye coordination, speed, agility, and endurance. Basic skills include footwork, racket grip, and different types of racket swings and serves.
Badminton is a fun, fast-paced, and inexpensive sport that can appeal to a wide range of students, especially those who might not try out for any other sport. It can be structured similarly to tennis, with singles, doubles, and mixed doubles competitions within a team match.
