Badminton is an incredibly popular racquet sport, enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It is a game that has been around for centuries and is thought to be one of the oldest racquet sports in the world. While badminton is commonly compared to other racquet sports such as tennis and squash, there are some major differences between them. In this article, we will explore the biggest difference between badminton and other racquet sports.
The Equipment
One of the biggest differences between badminton and other racquet sports is the equipment used. Badminton is played with a lightweight racquet known as a shuttlecock, as well as a net. The shuttlecock is made of a cork base with a skirt of feathers or plastic, and is designed to fly through the air in a consistent and predictable fashion. In contrast, tennis and squash racquets are heavier and made of metal or graphite. As a result, they are not as suitable for hitting the shuttlecock.
The Court
Another major difference between badminton and other racquet sports is the court. Badminton is played on a court that is 44 ft. x 17 ft., with a net that is 5 ft. high in the center and extends the full width of the court. Tennis and squash courts, on the other hand, are generally much larger, and the nets are not as high. This difference in court size affects the way the game is played, as badminton players must be more agile and precise in their movements.
Scoring System
The scoring system in badminton is quite different from other racquet sports. In badminton, the first player to score 21 points wins the game, and each point is determined by who strikes the last shot. In contrast, tennis and squash games are usually best of three or five sets, with each set being the first to six games.
Serving
Serving is another major difference between badminton and other racquet sports. In badminton, players must serve from behind the base line with an underarm motion. The serve must also be below the waist. In contrast, tennis and squash players can serve from anywhere on the court and with either an overhead or underarm motion.
Rally Length
The length of a rally is also a major difference between badminton and other racquet sports. In badminton, the rally is over when the shuttlecock touches the ground, regardless of who hit it. In contrast, in tennis and squash, rallies can last for multiple shots, as long as the ball stays in play.
Conclusion
Badminton is a popular racquet sport that is enjoyed by millions of people. While it may be similar to other racquet sports such as tennis and squash, there are some major differences between them. The biggest differences between badminton and other racquet sports include the equipment used, the court size, the scoring system, serving rules, and the length of a rally.