Kristian Ferrell
Badminton is gaining popularity in American high schools, with more than 15,000 students playing the sport. It is currently the most popular high school sport that is not an NCAA-sanctioned championship sport, and it is one of seven emerging sports vying for championship status. In some states, such as Minnesota, it is a varsity sport, and coaches recruit players from gym class and other sports like volleyball and tennis. While it is considered a backyard game, interscholastic badminton is quite different, and coaches with real experience are hard to find. However, schools that offer badminton in their physical education classes can take advantage of existing equipment, and the sport is not expensive to maintain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of states with varsity high school badminton | 1 (Minnesota) |
| Number of girls' badminton teams in Minnesota | 17 |
| Number of high school students playing badminton | 15,000+ |
| Popularity compared to other sports | 7th most popular emerging sport for females |
| Equipment required | Nets, standards (poles), shuttlecocks, racquets |
| Challenges | Finding a coach with experience, broadening competition |
| Advantages | Low cost, opportunity for students who don't play other sports |
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What You'll Learn
Minnesota has 17 girls' badminton teams
In Minnesota, a state with 17 girls' badminton teams, the sport is gaining traction in high schools. It is one of the few sports that students can start playing in high school and still have a chance to make it to the varsity team. This is in contrast to other sports, where students typically need to join teams at the junior high school level to have a shot at varsity later on. Minnesota's interest in badminton is notable, with schools like North St. Paul High School recently adding it as an activity. The state's girls' badminton season takes place in the spring, and the sport has seen success, with the Paul City Conference winning the girls' badminton state championship an impressive 19 times.
Badminton is an appealing option for schools and state associations seeking to comply with Title IX, which ensures equal opportunities for students in education-based activities. It is also an "entry sport," meaning players are less likely to be committed to other activities, and it attracts a diverse range of students. The sport is inexpensive to set up, as most school gymnasiums already have the necessary equipment, and it doesn't require additional officials, making it a cost-effective option.
The popularity of badminton in Minnesota high schools is evident, with over 15,000 students playing the sport according to a 2007-2008 survey by the National Federation of State High School Associations. This number has likely grown, as badminton is one of the seven emerging sports for females vying for NCAA championship status. While sports like lacrosse have drawn participants due to their varsity status and athletic scholarship potential, badminton is gaining ground.
Minnesota's badminton scene is also notable for its positive sportsmanship. Players make their own calls, and opponents often compliment each other on good shots. This fosters a respectful and competitive environment without the need for intensive officiating. The sport also offers cross-training opportunities and can help develop fundamental skills that transfer to other sports, such as volleyball and tennis.
Overall, Minnesota's 17 girls' badminton teams reflect a growing interest in the sport at the high school level. With its accessibility, affordability, and ability to engage a diverse student population, badminton is well-positioned to continue expanding its reach in Minnesota and beyond.
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Popularity is growing
Badminton is gaining popularity as a varsity sport in US high schools, with more than 15,000 students playing, according to the 2007-08 High School Athletics Participation Survey. It is the most popular high school sport that is not yet an NCAA-sanctioned championship sport.
The sport is particularly popular in Minnesota, which has 17 girls' badminton teams. Minnesota is one of the few states where students can take up the sport in high school and still have a chance of making a varsity team. In other states, students often have to start playing in junior high school to progress to the varsity level.
Badminton is also a varsity sport in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The low cost of adding a badminton team is an attractive proposition for schools. The equipment is inexpensive, and schools that offer badminton as part of their physical education curriculum may already have the necessary equipment. The biggest challenge is often finding a good coach, as experienced coaches with real knowledge of the sport are scarce. However, the sport provides an opportunity for students who might not try out for other sports, and its indoor nature means it can be offered year-round.
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Inexpensive to set up
Badminton is a sport that is gaining popularity in high schools across the United States. More than 15,000 high school students are playing badminton, and it is the most popular high school sport that is not yet an NCAA-sanctioned championship sport. In Minnesota, for example, there are 17 girls' badminton teams.
One of the reasons for its growing popularity is that it is inexpensive to set up. As one commentator puts it, "You already have a gym, and the equipment isn't more than $50." The equipment required includes nets, poles, shuttlecocks or birdies, and racquets. While most experienced players prefer to use their own racquets, it is a good idea to have some available for new players or those who cannot afford their own. If badminton is already offered as part of physical education classes, schools can take advantage of existing equipment. They can also add new nets and equipment gradually over time.
The biggest challenge in setting up a badminton team or program is often finding a good coach. Coaches with real experience are scarce, and it can be difficult to find individuals with the necessary skills, strategy knowledge, and previous experience with the sport. However, once a coach is in place and recruiting players, badminton can be a great addition to a high school athletic program. It provides an opportunity for students who might not try out for any other sport and does not draw athletes away from other teams. It is also an indoor sport, so schools should consider when they could best fit it into their seasonal offerings.
To start a badminton team, schools should survey students to determine if there is sufficient interest and look for a coach. They should also consider adding badminton during a season when other local schools offer the sport, so they can develop a schedule for competition.
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Coaches are hard to find
Although badminton is gaining popularity in high schools, it is challenging to find coaches for varsity high school badminton teams. This is partly due to the perception of badminton as a backyard game in the USA, rather than a competitive sport. As a result, there is a scarcity of coaches with experience in interscholastic badminton, which differs significantly from the casual backyard version.
In states like Minnesota, where badminton is recognised as a varsity sport, the challenge of finding coaches is evident. Without a junior high school programme to develop players, most students pick up the sport in the 10th grade. This late start means that coaches must recruit from other sports, such as volleyball and tennis, where some transferable skills and footwork can be found. However, the lack of specialised badminton coaches may hinder the sport's growth and development in high schools.
The availability of coaches is crucial for the advancement of badminton players. In Canada, for instance, the absence of athletic scholarships for badminton reduces the correlation between prestigious schools and skilled badminton players. However, schools with decent teams or clubs can still produce top players, and good coaching is identified as a key factor in their success.
The rarity of specialised badminton coaches in high schools has led some students to seek alternative training methods. Some students opt for private or group lessons at dedicated badminton facilities or clubs, recognising the value of expert instruction. Additionally, online resources, such as YouTube videos, have become popular sources of information for improving fundamental skills like footwork, grip, and technique.
While the demand for varsity high school badminton coaches is high, the supply of qualified individuals remains limited. This disparity creates challenges for schools aiming to establish or expand their badminton programmes. However, the increasing popularity of badminton in high schools may encourage more individuals with badminton expertise to step into coaching roles, addressing the current shortage.
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Not an NCAA-sanctioned championship sport
Badminton is gaining popularity in high schools, with more than 15,000 high school students playing the sport as of 2007-08. In Minnesota, there are 17 girls' badminton teams, and badminton, along with lacrosse, is one of the few sports that students can start playing in high school and still make the varsity team. However, badminton is not currently an NCAA-sanctioned championship sport.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sanctions and awards championships in several sports. These include basketball, baseball (men), track and field, softball (women), football (men), cross country, field hockey (women), bowling (women), golf, fencing (coeducational), lacrosse, soccer, gymnastics, rowing (women), swimming and diving, beach volleyball (women), volleyball, ice hockey, water polo, rifle (coeducational), tennis, skiing (coeducational), and wrestling (men). The NCAA also sanctioned boxing and trampoline championships in the past.
NCAA-sanctioned sports award trophies with gold, silver, and bronze plating for the first, second, and third-place teams, except for basketball and football, where semifinalists also receive bronze trophies. The NCAA does not hold a championship tournament for Division I FBS football, its highest level of football.
Badminton is one of seven "emerging sports" for females vying for championship status with the NCAA. To gain NCAA championship status, an emerging sport must have a minimum of 40 varsity programs for team sports (28 for Division III) within ten years or show steady progress toward that goal. The six other emerging sports are archery, equestrian, synchronized swimming, and three unnamed sports.
While not an NCAA-sanctioned championship sport, badminton is still a popular varsity sport in many high schools, especially in Minnesota, and is growing in popularity.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, badminton is a varsity sport in some US high schools. It is gaining popularity, with more than 15,000 high school students playing the sport.
Minnesota is one state that has varsity badminton, with 17 girls' badminton teams. Other states that have high school badminton teams include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, and Colorado.
Badminton is a great addition to high school athletic programs because it is inexpensive, provides an opportunity for students who might not try out for other sports, and can be easily accommodated within existing physical education offerings.
