Badminton has long been a popular racquet sport, enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a fast-paced, dynamic game that requires a combination of power, speed and agility. However, the traditional game of badminton can be difficult for some people to play due to physical or medical impairments. Para-badminton is an adapted form of badminton that takes into account all levels of physical ability and allows players of any age to compete in a fun, social and competitive environment.
What Is Para-Badminton?
Para-badminton is a version of badminton designed to be accessible to people of all physical abilities. It can be played by people with a variety of impairments including physical, sensory, cognitive and mental health. The game is exactly the same as badminton, but with a few minor modifications. These modifications include the use of lighter and slower shuttles, the use of wheelchairs or other mobility aids, and a wider court to accommodate wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment.
Differences in Equipment
The most obvious difference between para-badminton and badminton is the equipment used. In para-badminton, players use a lighter and slower shuttlecock, which is designed to make the game more accessible to players of all physical abilities and to reduce the impact of the game on the body. In addition, para-badminton courts are wider than badminton courts, allowing for the use of wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
Differences in Rules
The rules of para-badminton are slightly different from those of traditional badminton. In para-badminton, the court is wider to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids, and the net is set lower to make the game more accessible to players of all physical abilities. In addition, para-badminton players are allowed to serve from a wheelchair and are allowed to use any type of racquet or grip.
Differences in Scoring
The scoring system in para-badminton is slightly different from that of traditional badminton. In para-badminton, points are awarded when the shuttlecock is hit by both players, regardless of whether it lands in the court or not. This means that players can score points even if they miss the shuttlecock, as long as they make contact with it.
Differences in Competition
Para-badminton is a recognized sport and there are international competitions held for para-badminton players. The World Para-Badminton Championships are held every two years, while the Paralympic Games also have a para-badminton tournament. These tournaments feature athletes from around the world and are an opportunity for para-badminton players to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Conclusion
Para-badminton is an adapted form of badminton that is designed to be accessible to people of all physical abilities. It has a few minor modifications, such as the use of lighter and slower shuttles, a wider court, and a lower net, as well as a different scoring system. Para-badminton is a recognized sport, with international competitions and tournaments held for para-badminton players. With para-badminton, no one has to miss out on the joys of badminton.