Badminton is one of the most popular and widely played racket sports. It is a great way to get active, have fun and even compete with friends and family. If you have a badminton set ready, you can start playing the game in no time. From understanding the basic rules to learning the various shots, this guide will help you understand how to play basic badminton.
Understanding the Basic Rules
Before you start playing badminton, it is important to understand the basic rules of the game. The game is played with a shuttlecock, which is a small, feathered ball that is hit over the net. The players must use a racket to hit the shuttlecock back and forth. The aim of the game is to hit the shuttlecock over the net and land it within the boundaries of the court. A point is awarded when the shuttlecock is not returned by the opposing team.
The court is divided into two halves and each team must stay within their own half. A team can only score a point when they are serving. The game ends when one team reaches 21 points, or when a team has a two-point advantage and reaches 29 points in a best-of-three set match.
Setting Up the Court
To set up a badminton court, you will need a net that is set up between two poles at the centre of the court. The court should be rectangular in shape, measuring about 44 feet wide by 17 feet long. The net should be 5 feet 1 inch high at the centre and should be tautly stretched from one pole to the other. The court should be divided into two halves and each team should stay within their own half.
The Serving Rules
The serving rules in badminton are very simple. The server must stand within their own service court and hit the shuttlecock over the net into the opponent’s service court. The receiver must stand within their own service court and return the shuttlecock to the server’s court. The server and receiver must alternate each time the shuttlecock is returned.
The player who is serving can only score a point if the shuttlecock is not returned by the opponent. The server should also make sure that the shuttlecock is dropped in an upright position and is not thrown or hit too hard.
Learn the Shots
There are a variety of shots that you can use in badminton. The most common shots are the clear, the drop, the drive, the smash and the lob. The clear shot is used to send the shuttlecock to the back of the court. The drop shot is used to send the shuttlecock to the front of the court. The drive shot is used to send the shuttlecock low and fast across the court. The smash shot is used to send the shuttlecock downwards and is usually used to end a rally. The lob shot is used to send the shuttlecock high and deep into the opponent’s court.
The Scoring System
In badminton, the scoring system is different from other sports. Instead of using a standard point system, the scoring system is based on the number of rallies. A rally is a sequence of shots that the players must make in order to keep the shuttlecock in play. The team that wins the rally is awarded a point. The first team to reach 21 points wins the game.
Conclusion
Badminton is a great racket sport that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. By understanding the basic rules and learning the different shots, you can easily start playing basic badminton. With a bit of practice, you can soon become an expert badminton player.