Racket sports are a popular form of indoor and outdoor recreational activity. Badminton is one of the most widely played racket sports across the world, but there are several other racket sports that are also quite popular. While all racket sports involve hitting a shuttlecock or ball with a racket, there are some subtle yet important differences between badminton and other racket sports. In this article, we will discuss the key differences between badminton and other racket sports.
History of Racket Sports
Racket sports have been around for centuries, with the earliest record of badminton being traced back to the 1800s. However, there is evidence to suggest that the game originated in India centuries ago. Other popular racket sports such as tennis and squash were both developed in England during the 19th century.
Equipment Used
All racket sports are played using a racket and a shuttlecock/ball. However, the type of equipment used can vary from one sport to another. Badminton is played using a badminton racket which is light and shorter than other racket sports. The shuttlecock or birdie is made of feathers or plastic and is much lighter than a tennis ball. Tennis is played using a longer racket that is heavier than a badminton racket. The ball used in tennis is much heavier and larger than a shuttlecock. Squash is played with a racket that is similar in shape and length to a badminton racket but is heavier than a badminton racket. The ball used in squash is smaller than a tennis ball and is made of rubber.
Rules
The rules of each racket sport can vary depending on the game. Badminton is usually a singles or doubles game where the aim is to hit the shuttlecock across the net so that it lands in the opponents’ court. The shuttlecock must be hit before it touches the ground and it cannot be hit twice in succession by the same player. Tennis is a singles or doubles game in which the aim is to hit the ball across the net so that it lands in the opponents’ court. Unlike badminton, a tennis ball can be hit multiple times in succession by the same player. Squash is a singles or doubles game in which the aim is to hit the ball against the walls of the court so that it lands in the opponents’ court. The ball must be hit before it touches the ground and can be hit multiple times in succession by the same player.
Scoring
The scoring system in each racket sport can also vary from one game to another. In badminton, the player or team who reaches 21 points first is declared the winner. In tennis, the player or team who reaches 4 points first is declared the winner. In squash, the player or team who reaches 11 points first is declared the winner.
Court Size
The court size can also differ between racket sports. Badminton is usually played on a court that is 17m long and 5.18m wide. Tennis is usually played on a court that is 23.77m long and 8.23m wide. Squash is usually played on a court that is 11.89m long and 5.49m wide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while all racket sports involve hitting a shuttlecock or ball with a racket, there are some subtle yet important differences between badminton and other racket sports. Badminton is played using a badminton racket which is light and shorter than other racket sports and the shuttlecock or birdie is made of feathers or plastic and is much lighter than a tennis ball. The rules, scoring system and court size can also differ between racket sports.