What Is Badminton? From Backyard Game to Intense Inspiration
What is badminton? It’s a sport that’s played by hitting a shuttlecock over a net using a badminton racket. Two or four players can play on a rectangular badminton court, either indoors or outdoors. The goal is to hit the shuttlecock over the net and into your opponent’s court in a way that they can’t return it.
Badminton: From Origins to Modern Day
The history of badminton goes back to ancient Greece, China, and India. But the modern game started in the mid-19th century in British India. It was called “poona” after the city where it was popular. British officers brought the game back to England, where it became a hit at a house called Badminton. And that’s where the sport got its name.
In 1934, the International Badminton Federation was formed. It is now called the Badminton World Federation or BWF. They standardized the rules and organized international competitions. Badminton first became an Olympic sport at the 1992 Games in Barcelona. Today, it’s played in over 160 countries by an estimated 220 million people. The top countries in the sport are China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Denmark, India, and England.
What are the Rules of Badminton?
A badminton match is played to the best of three games. To win a game, you need to score 21 points with a lead of at least two points. Points are scored on every rally, regardless of who served.
A badminton court is 44 feet long and 17 feet wide for singles matches. For doubles, it’s 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. The net is 5 feet tall at the edges and 5 feet 1 inch tall in the middle.
Players hit a shuttlecock (also known as a birdie or shuttle) back and forth over the net. Shuttles are made of either feathers or synthetic materials. They have a cork base and usually weigh between 4.74 to 5.50 grams.
Badminton Drills and Skills
To get good at badminton, you need to practice various shots and footwork. Some essential badminton drills include:
- Clears: Hit the shuttle high and deep into your opponent’s backcourt
- Drops: Hit the shuttle softly so it falls just over the net
- Drives: Hit the shuttle low and flat over the net
- Smashes: Hit the shuttle down steeply into your opponent’s court
Footwork is also crucial. You need to be quick and agile to cover the court effectively. Drills can help. They include shadow play, agility ladder exercises, and court sprints. They can improve your footwork.
Set and Rackets: Tips and Recommendations
Badminton rackets come in different materials, weights, and balance points. Beginners usually start with a lightweight racket around 80-85 grams. More advanced players might prefer a heavier racket for more power. Yonex, Li-Ning, and Victor are some popular racket brands.
Choose a badminton set that includes good rackets, shuttles, and a strong net. You’ll also want comfortable, supportive badminton shoes with good traction.
What are the different types of badminton shots?
There are six main types of badminton shots:
- Serve: Used to start a rally
- Overhead clear/lob: Hit high and deep to the backcourt
- Drop: Hit softly to fall just over the net
- Smash: A powerful overhead shot hit steeply downward
- Drive: Hit low and fast, parallel to the ground
- Net shot: Hit from near the net, with the shuttle just clearing the net
Features of the Perfect Badminton Court
A regulation badminton court should have:
- Proper dimensions: 44 feet long, 17 feet wide for singles, 20 feet wide for doubles
- Clear lines: Visible lines marking the boundaries
- Adequate lighting: Bright, even lighting with no glare or shadows
- The right flooring is key. Use a wooden sprung floor or a synthetic court mat. They provide good traction and absorb shocks.
- Sufficient space: Enough room around the court for players to move safely
- Quality net: A taut net at the correct height (5 feet at the posts, 5’1″ in the center)
Badminton vs. Tennis: Which Sport is Harder?
Badminton and tennis share similarities, but they also have key differences. Some argue that badminton is harder because:
- Badminton is faster paced, with higher shuttle speeds
- Badminton requires more agility and faster reflexes
- The badminton court is smaller, so there’s less time to react
- The lightweight badminton racket requires more precise control
However, tennis has its challenges too:
- Tennis balls are heavier and create more strain on the arm and shoulder
- Tennis matches are typically longer, requiring more endurance
- The tennis court is larger, so there’s more ground to cover
- Tennis has more spin and bounce variations to handle
Ultimately, both sports are demanding in their own ways. It comes down to personal preference and physical attributes.
Famous Badminton Athletes and Moments
Badminton has produced many legendary players over the years. Some notable names include:
- Lin Dan (China): 2-time Olympic champion, 5-time world champion
- Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia): 3-time Olympic silver medalist, 4-time Commonwealth Games champion
- Taufik Hidayat (Indonesia): 2004 Olympic champion, 2005 world champion
- Carolina Marin (Spain): 2016 Olympic champion, 3-time world champion
- Susi Susanti (Indonesia): 1992 Olympic champion, 3-time world champion
Some iconic badminton moments include:
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The 1988 Summer Olympics featured badminton as a demonstration sport. This paved the way for its inclusion as a full medal sport in 1992.
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At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Indonesia’s Susi Susanti and Alan Budikusuma won gold in women’s and men’s singles. They were the first married couple to win Olympic golds in the same sport.
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2005 World Championships: China’s Lin Dan and Xie Xingfang win gold in men’s and women’s singles. This marks China’s dominance.
- 2016 Rio Olympics: Spain’s Carolina Marin beats India’s P. V. Sindhu to win Spain’s first ever badminton Olympic gold
So, what is Badminton? Final thoughts
Badminton is a fascinating and dynamic sport enjoyed by millions worldwide. From casual backyard games to intense Olympic matches, it offers something for everyone. Badminton has a rich history. It has a diverse skill set. It has a thrilling pace. It continues to captivate players and fans.
