BADMINTON

Badminton is a racquet sport that is played by two or four players (singles or doubles) and is known for its fast-paced
nature and competitive gameplay. Here's a brief history of the game:
Origins in India: Badminton's origins can be traced back to ancient India, where a game called "Poona" was played as
early as the 17th century. Poona was a leisure sport played in British India's garrison town of Pune, and it involved
hitting a shuttlecock (a feathered projectile) back and forth with the palm of the hand.
Introduction to England: British army officers stationed in India during the mid-19th century discovered the game of
Poona and brought it back to England. They began playing it among themselves, using the name "Poona" or "Poonah."
The game evolved as it gained popularity in England and started to be played indoors.
Name Change to Badminton: The Duke of Beaufort's Badminton House in Gloucestershire, England, is credited with
giving the game its modern name. In 1873, a party at Badminton House led to the game being introduced to the British
elite, and it became known as "Badminton" after the house.
Establishment of Rules: In the late 19th century, formal rules for badminton were developed, and the Bath Badminton
Club was established in 1877, playing a crucial role in codifying the rules and promoting the sport.
Global Spread: Badminton continued to gain popularity, and it quickly spread to other countries. The Badminton
Association of England (now known as Badminton England) was founded in 1893, further establishing the game's
structure and organization.
Olympic Recognition: Badminton's international governing body, the Badminton World Federation (BWF), was founded
in 1934. The sport was introduced to the Olympic Games as a demonstration event in 1972 and later became a full
Olympic sport in 1992, with singles and doubles events for both men and women.
Evolution and Professionalization: Over the years, badminton has evolved in terms of equipment, playing techniques,
and strategies. It has also become a highly competitive and professional sport with a strong following in Asia,
particularly in countries like China, Indonesia, and South Korea.
Today, badminton is played and enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, both recreationally and competitively. It
continues to be a popular sport at the amateur level, as well as in international competitions like the Olympics and the
All England Championships.

What are the Dimensions of a Badminton Court?

A court specifically made for badminton may sound like a foreign concept, especially to those who may have been
exposed to badminton through multi-purpose gyms or simply through casual backyard play. Let’s take a look at what
the dimensions are for a standard badminton court, and how that knowledge may be used to make wise decisions on
court.

The dimensions of a badminton court are 20 ft x 44 ft (6.1 m x 13.4 m), an area of 880 ft 2 (81.75 m2). The diagonal
length of the full court is 48.30 ft (14.72 m).

Both singles and doubles are played on the same standard court. The difference is that badminton singles is
played without the side or doubles alleys that extend 1 ft 6 in (0.46 m) on either side of the court.

As such, the boundaries of the singles court is played on a 17 ft x 44 ft (5.18 m x 13.4 m) court space, an area of
748 ft2 (69.49 m2). Each of the lines drawn on a standard badminton court have a thickness of 1.57 in (40 mm).

Badminton Singles and Doubles Court Dimensions

So, it’s well known that the badminton court has different functional areas. For members who are not
familiar with these categories, obvious signs will be very helpful. When explaining a badminton court
to new players, using some custom stickers to illustrate the functions is a good way to clear up any
confusion. In actual gyms, it’s also great to include some warning label stickers on the walls or
benches to remind the audience to pay attention to safety.
BADMINTON RULES

 A player must wait until his opponent is ready before serving. If the opponent attempts a return then
he is ruled having been ready.
 The feet of both players must remain in a stationary position until the serve is made. Your feet can
not be touching the line at this time.
 It is not a fault if you miss the shuttle while serving.
 The shuttle cannot be caught and slung with the racket.
 A player cannot hold his racket near the net to ward off a downward stroke by his opponent or to
interfere with his racket.

Rules

A match consists of the best of three games of 21 points.

 The player/pair winning a rally adds a point to its score.
 At 20-all, the player/pair which first gains a 2-point lead wins that game.
 At 29-all, the side scoring the 30th point wins that game.
 The player/pair winning a game serves first in the next game.
A badminton match can be played by two opposing players (singles) or four opposing players
(doubles).
A competitive match must be played indoors utilising the official court dimensions.
A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court or if a returned shuttlecock
hits the net or lands outside of the court the player will lose the point.
 At the start of the rally, the server and receiver stand in diagonally opposite service courts.
A legal serve must be hit diagonally over the net and across the court.
A badminton serve must be hit underarm and below the server's waist height. The whole of the shuttle
should be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when it is hit by the server, with the
racquet shaft pointing downwards. The shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce. After a point is won, the
players will move to the opposite serving stations for the next point.
 The rules do not allow second serves.
 During a point a player can return the shuttlecock from inside and outside of the court.
A player is not able to touch the net with any part of their body or racket.
A player must not deliberately distract their opponent.
A player is not able to hit the shuttlecock twice.
A 'let' may be called by the referee if an unforeseen or accidental issue arises.
A game must include two rest periods. These are a 90-second rest after the first game and a 5-minute
rest after the second game.

Nature of the game Badminton

Badminton is a racket sport that is typically played indoors, although it can also be played outdoors. The nature of the
game involves two or four players (singles or doubles) who take positions on opposite sides of a rectangular court
divided by a net. The primary objective of badminton is to score points by successfully hitting a shuttlecock over the net
in such a way that it lands in the opponent's court, while preventing the opponent from returning it effectively.
Here are some key aspects of the nature of the game of badminton:
Equipment: Players use a lightweight racket to hit a shuttlecock, also known as a birdie, over the net. The shuttlecock
has a feathered skirt or a plastic skirt with an open conical shape.
Court: The badminton court is rectangular and is divided into two halves by a net. The dimensions and markings of the
court are standardized for competitive play.
Scoring: Badminton is typically played in sets, and points are scored when one side fails to return the shuttlecock
legally. A game is usually played to 21 points (rally scoring), and a match is typically the best of three games.
Serving: Players take turns serving, and the serve must be diagonal, from one side of the court to the other. The
server's feet must remain stationary during the serve, and the shuttlecock must be struck below the waist.
Rally: After the serve, players engage in rallies where they try to hit the shuttlecock over the net and into the
opponent's court. The shuttlecock can be hit only once by each side before it must pass over the net.
Winning Points: Points are won by making the shuttlecock land in the opponent's court, causing it to touch the ground,
or forcing the opponent to make an error (e.g., hitting the shuttlecock out of bounds or into the net).
Rules: Badminton has specific rules regarding footwork, service faults, and other technical aspects of the game. These
rules are enforced to ensure fair play.
Speed and Agility: Badminton is known for its fast-paced and dynamic nature. Players must possess good speed, agility,
and reflexes to succeed in the game.
Strategies: Players use a combination of offensive and defensive strategies, such as smashing, drop shots, clears, and
net play, to outmaneuver and outscore their opponents.
Sportsmanship: Like all sports, badminton values sportsmanship and fair play. Players are expected to follow the rules
and exhibit good sportsmanship throughout the match.
Badminton is a physically demanding sport that requires skill, speed, and precision. It is a popular recreational activity
and is also played competitively at various levels, including local, national, and international tournaments.

Fundamental skills in badminton include:

1. *Serve:* A precise serve sets the tone for the rally. Players must master different types of serves, such as high serves, low
serves, and flick serves, to keep opponents guessing.
2. *Lob:* A defensive shot that sends the shuttle high and deep into the opponent's court, giving the player time to recover or
change the tempo of the game.
3. *Clear:* A powerful shot that travels deep into the opponent's backcourt, used to create space and regain control of the
rally.
4. *Drop Shot:* A delicate shot that lands just over the net, requiring finesse and touch to catch opponents off guard.
5. *Smash:* An aggressive overhead shot aimed at forcefully driving the shuttle into the opponent's court, often used to finish
a rally.
6. *Drive:* A fast, flat shot that travels parallel to the net, maintaining pressure on opponents and keeping them on their toes.
7. *Net Shot:* A soft shot played close to the net, forcing opponents to approach and potentially opening up opportunities for
follow-up shots.
8. *Footwork:* Agile movement is essential. Players need to cover the court efficiently, transitioning between different shots
and positions quickly.
9. *Grip:* Proper grip on the racket allows for control and power. Players typically use a forehand grip, backhand grip, and
variations in between.
10. *Positioning:* Understanding court positioning helps players anticipate opponent shots and execute shots effectively,
improving overall control of the game.
11. *Recovery:* After each shot, players must return to a balanced, ready position to prepare for the next shot, ensuring
they're not caught off guard.
12. *Tactics:* Knowing when to play defensively, when to attack, and how to exploit opponent weaknesses adds a strategic
layer to the game.
13. *Timing:* Hitting the shuttle at the right moment maximizes power and control. Timing is crucial for effective shots and
positioning.
14. *Communication (Doubles):* In doubles, effective communication with your partner is key to coordinating shots,
covering the court, and preventing confusion. Mastering these fundamental skills is essential for players to excel in badminton
and enjoy the strategic and dynamic nature of the game.

Terminologies used in badminton:

1. *Shuttlecock:* Also known as a birdie, the shuttlecock is the lightweight projectile that players hit back and forth
over the net.
2. *Racket:* The equipment used by players to hit the shuttlecock.
3. *Serve:* The initial shot used to start a rally, where the shuttlecock is hit diagonally across the net into the
opponent's court.
4. *Clear:* A shot hit high and deep into the opponent's backcourt to create distance and gain time to recover.
5. *Drop Shot:* A gentle shot that falls just over the net, forcing opponents to move forward and potentially setting up
for a follow-up shot.
6. *Smash:* A powerful overhead shot aimed at hitting the shuttlecock downward with force, often used to end a rally.
7. *Drive:* A fast and flat shot hit parallel to the net, usually used to maintain pressure and control the rally.
8. *Net Shot:* A delicate shot played close to the net, requiring precision and control to keep the shuttlecock low and
near the net.
9. *Lob:* A high, defensive shot that sends the shuttlecock deep into the opponent's court to buy time or change the
rhythm of the game.
10. *Footwork:* The movement of a player's feet on the court, essential for reaching the shuttlecock in optimal
positions.
11. *Baseline:* The back boundary line of the court, marking the farthest limit.
12. *Midcourt:* The central area of the court, between the net and the back boundary lines.
13. *Deuce:* A situation where the score is tied at 10-all or higher, requiring a two-point lead to win the game.
14. *Fault:* An error made during service or play that results in a point for the opponent.
15. *Let:* A situation where the rally is stopped and replayed due to external interference or unforeseen
circumstances.
16. *Side-out:* When the serving side loses a rally, resulting in a change of server.
17. *Game Point:* The situation when a player is one point away from winning the game.
18. *Match Point:* The situation when a player is one point away from winning the entire match.
19. *Doubles:* A game with two players on each side of the court.
20. *Singles:* A game with one player on each side of the court.
21. *Mixed Doubles:* A game with a male and a female player on each side of the court. These terminologies help
players communicate effectively, understand the rules of the game, and discuss strategies during matches.

badminton is a dynamic racquet sport with a rich history that traces its origins to India and later gained popularity in
England. Over the years, it has evolved into a highly competitive and professional sport, with a global following and
inclusion in the Olympic Games. Badminton's unique characteristics, such as its fast-paced nature, require agility,
precision, and strategic play, making it a thrilling and engaging sport for both players and spectators alike. Whether
played recreationally or at the highest competitive levels, badminton continues to captivate individuals of all ages,
embodying the spirit of athleticism and sportsmanship.