Badminton is a popular sport that has been around for hundreds of years, and it is known for its fast-paced and exciting gameplay. While the game has changed over the years, one thing that has remained the same is its name. But why is badminton called shuttle?
The Origins of Badminton
Badminton is believed to have originated in India in the late 18th century, where it was known as poona. It was introduced to England in the mid-19th century and quickly gained popularity. The game was first known as “poona” and then “battledore,” and its name is thought to have been changed to badminton in honor of the Duke of Beaufort’s country estate in Gloucestershire, Badminton.
The Name “Shuttle”
The name “shuttle” is believed to have come from the game’s use of a shuttlecock, which is a feathered projectile that is hit back and forth across a net. In the game of badminton, players use a racquet to hit the shuttlecock back and forth over the net. The game is named after the motion of the shuttlecock (or “shuttle”) as it is hit back and forth.
The Origins of the Shuttlecock
The shuttlecock has been around for centuries, and its origins can be traced back to ancient China. The Chinese used a similar object called a “jiuping”, which was a feathered projectile used for a game similar to badminton. The “jiuping” was made from a wicker basket filled with feathers and tied together with a string. This ancient game was called “ti Jian Zi”, which means “kick shuttlecock”.
The Modern Shuttlecock
Today, the shuttlecock is made from a cork base with plastic or feathers attached to the top. The cork base is covered with a thin layer of plastic or rubber to protect the feathers, and the feathers are usually goose or duck feathers. The modern shuttlecock is designed to be light and aerodynamic so that it can travel long distances when hit.
Conclusion
Badminton is a popular sport that has been around for centuries. The game is named after the motion of the shuttlecock, or “shuttle”, as it is hit back and forth across a net. The shuttlecock has its roots in ancient China, where it was made from a wicker basket filled with feathers and tied together with a string. Today, the shuttlecock is made from a cork base with plastic or feathers attached to the top. Understanding the history of why badminton is called shuttle is a great way to appreciate the game even more.