Badminton is one of the most popular and widely-played racquet sports in the world. It’s easy to learn the basics of the game and start playing right away. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the basics of badminton will help you enjoy the game and increase your skill level.
History of Badminton
Badminton is believed to have been invented in India by British army officers in the late 19th century. It was then called “Poona”, and was based on the ancient game of battledore and shuttlecock. The game quickly spread to other parts of the world, including China, Japan, and Europe, where it was adopted and renamed “badminton”.
The Basics of Badminton
The basic rules of badminton are simple. The aim of the game is to hit the shuttlecock over the net and make it land within the boundaries of the court. Players must also adhere to certain rules such as serving, receiving, and returning the shuttlecock.
Equipment Needed to Play Badminton
The basic equipment needed to play badminton includes a badminton racquet, a shuttlecock, a net, and a court. The shuttlecock is made of a feathered or plastic skirt with a rubber base, and it weighs between 4.75 and 5.50 grams. The racquet is usually made of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum, and it typically weighs between 85 and 100 grams.
Badminton Court
The badminton court is rectangular in shape and is usually marked with a white border line. The court is divided into two halves, and each half is divided into left and right side service courts. The net is placed in the center of the court and it is 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 m) high at the sides and 5 feet (1.52 m) high at the center.
Scoring in Badminton
The basic rules of badminton scoring are simple. The first player or team to reach 21 points wins the game. A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands in the opponent’s side of the court. The game can also be won by the first player or team to reach 29 points, provided they have a two-point lead over their opponent.
Serving in Badminton
The rules of badminton state that the server must stand behind the service line and hit the shuttlecock diagonally over the net so that it lands in the opponent’s service court. The server must also make sure that the shuttlecock does not touch the net or the floor before it is hit.
Receiving and Returning the Shuttlecock
The rules of badminton state that the receiver must hit the shuttlecock back to the other side of the court without it touching the net or the floor. The shuttlecock is usually returned using a stroke called a “smash”, which is a powerful stroke aimed at the opponent’s body.
Conclusion
Badminton is a fun and exciting sport that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. Understanding the basics of badminton is essential if you want to improve your game and become a better player. With the right equipment and a bit of practice, you can master the basics of badminton and start enjoying the game.