Tennis and badminton are two of the most popular racquet sports in the world. Though they may seem to have nothing in common, a closer inspection reveals that the two games do share some similarities. This article will explore what those similarities are and why they’re important.
History
The history of tennis and badminton are closely intertwined. Both games originated in the 19th century, with tennis dating back to at least the 1870s and badminton to the 1880s. Badminton was derived from the game of battledore and shuttlecock, which was a precursor to tennis and a popular pastime in the English countryside. The modern game of badminton is said to have been invented by British military officers in India in the late 19th century.
Rackets and Balls
One of the most obvious similarities between tennis and badminton is the equipment they use. Both sports require a racket and a ball or shuttlecock. The rackets used in tennis and badminton are similar in shape, though their weight and size can differ. Tennis rackets are usually heavier and larger than badminton rackets, and they are strung differently in order to generate more power.
The balls or shuttlecocks used in the two sports are also similar. Both are made of cork or rubber and are hollow on the inside. The main difference between the two is that badminton shuttlecocks are feathered, while tennis balls are not.
Court Size
Another similarity between the two sports is the size of the court. A standard tennis court is 78 feet long and 27 feet wide, while a standard badminton court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. This means that the playing area for both sports is relatively small, making them well suited for indoor play.
Scoring System
The scoring systems of tennis and badminton are also very similar. Both sports use a point-based system where the player who reaches a certain number of points first wins the game. In tennis, a player must win four points to win a game, while in badminton, a player must win 21 points.
Rules and Regulations
The rules of tennis and badminton are also very similar. Both games require players to stand on opposite sides of the court and hit the ball or shuttlecock over the net. In both sports, the ball or shuttlecock must land in the opponent’s court in order for a point to be scored. Additionally, both sports have regulations regarding the types of strokes that can be used, as well as the number of strokes that can be taken before the ball or shuttlecock goes out of bounds.
Conclusion
Though tennis and badminton may seem to have nothing in common, a closer look reveals that the two sports do share some similarities. Both sports use rackets and balls or shuttlecocks, have similar court sizes, use a point-based scoring system, and have similar rules and regulations. These similarities make the two sports great for playing together and for competing against each other.