What is Badminton?

Badminton is a fast-paced racquet sport played with a shuttlecock and lightweight racquets, either in singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2) format. It’s usually played indoors on a rectangular court divided by a net, where players score points by landing the shuttle in the opponent’s court. Known for its quick reflexes and agility, badminton is one of the most popular and accessible sports worldwide.

What makes it even more special is its origin in India, where it was once known as Poona. From being a leisure activity among British officers in Pune to becoming a global competitive sport governed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the journey of badminton is nothing short of fascinating.In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about badminton, from its origin, rules, and equipment to tips, techniques, and fitness benefits that make badminton a complete sport for everyone.

History of Badminton

The game was originally a leisure activity for the British officers posted in Pune (then Poona). The first set of rules was even formulated in this very city, giving the game the name it was initially known as – ‘Poona’.

British soldiers returning to their home, started a badminton club in the town of Folkestone where it garnered more attention. The shuttlecocks back in the days were made with goose feathers tied together to a cork while the racquets were made out of wood.

As the sport became more popular in England, several clubs started springing up in the country. The Bath Badminton Club was crucial to the evolution of the sport to become what we know as Badminton today.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF), the governing body for the sport, started in 1934. Badminton, since, has seen several players and matches that put the sport on the map. 

Rules of Badminton

The first official rules of badminton, known as the Pune Rules, were framed in 1873 in India. These early versions guided the sport’s foundation before evolving under the Badminton Association of England in 1887. Today, the modern rules are standardised globally by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

1. Court Dimensions: The badminton court is rectangular, measuring 13.4 metres in length. The width is 6.1 metres for doubles and 5.18 metres for singles.
2. Net Height: The net stands 1.55 metres high at the posts and slightly lower, 1.524 metres at the centre.
3. Scoring System: Matches are played in the best of three games, each going up to 21 points. A player or team must win by two clear points, except when the score is 29–29, where the side scoring the 30th point wins.
4. Serving Rules: The shuttle must be hit below the server’s waistline, with the racquet head facing downward. It must travel diagonally into the opponent’s service court to be valid.
5. Faults: A fault occurs if the shuttle lands outside the boundary, fails to cross the net, touches the ceiling, or if the server violates serving rules.
6. Let: A rally is replayed (let) if play is interrupted, such as when the shuttle gets stuck in the net or outside interference occurs.
7. Change of Ends: Players switch sides after the first game, and again in the third game when one side reaches 11 points.
8. Intervals:  A 60-second break is allowed when a side first reaches 11 points in a game, and a 2-minute break is given between games.

Read More: Badminton Court Dimentions

Match Format and Scoring in Badminton

Badminton matches follow a structured scoring system that ensures fairness and competitive play. Matches are typically played in a best-of-three games format, with each game using the rally point system.

Element	Details
Number of Games	A match is played in best of 3 games.
Points per Game	Each game is played to 21 points under the rally point system.
Winning Margin	A player or team must win by at least 2 points (e.g., 21–19).
Tie-Break Rules	If the score reaches 29–29, the side scoring the 30th point wins the game.

Badminton Singles

In singles badminton, one player competes against another. The court used is narrower than the doubles court, which is 5.18 metres wide and 13.4 metres long.

The serve starts from the right side when the server’s score is even and from the left side when it’s odd. Players must rely on speed, endurance, and shot precision, as there’s more court to cover alone. Strategies often focus on rallies, footwork, and placement rather than sheer power. Singles badminton games demand excellent stamina and quick reflexes, making it the truest test of an individual’s badminton skill.

Badminton Doubles

Doubles badminton involves two players per side, played on the full-width court (6.1 metres) but the same length of 13.4 metres. The serve always starts from the right-hand court, and teams alternate sides based on whether the score is even or odd in a badminton doubles match. After losing a rally, the serve changes sides, but the scoring continues from where it left off.

Doubles require team coordination and communication, as quick exchanges near the net are common. Players typically follow a front-and-back or side-by-side formation to balance offence and defence. Speed, strategy, and synergy decide who dominates the court.

Mixed Doubles Badminton

Mixed doubles bring one male and one female player together on each side. The court dimensions and scoring remain the same as standard doubles.

However, the playing style changes, as men often take charge of rear-court power shots, while women excel in net play and quick reflexes. That said, many teams now play a more balanced strategy, sharing both roles equally.

Success in mixed doubles depends on team chemistry, tactical awareness, and smart shot selection. It’s one of the most exciting formats to watch and play, showcasing both power and precision in perfect sync.

Badminton Equipment and Gears

The most important equipment involved in the sport includes shuttlecocks and racquets. The racquets used for badminton are different from tennis racquets. With longer, thinner handles and a smaller head, these racquets come much lighter than their tennis counterparts, usually within the range of 100 grams.

Shuttlecocks have a conical shape and are made of 16 feathers tied together at the base of the cork. Synthetic shuttlecocks are also available in the market, but used mostly by recreational players for their lower cost and higher durability.

With the shuttlecocks travelling at speeds of more than 400 km/h, one can imagine how quick the players’ movements should be. To enable this, a person must be equipped with the right pair of non-marking shoes for efficiency, comfort, and to reduce chances of injuries.

Badminton for Fitness

Playing badminton is one of the most effective sports to burn calories. The player has to be swift and have good hand-to-eye coordination. Regular playing can strengthen forearm and leg muscles and bones. The sport is also proven to reduce stress and increase heart health and metabolism rate. 

While the sport serves several mental and physical benefits, it is imperative that the player should be fit for the game as well. Regular physical exercise that is tailor-made for badminton players can help combat the problems that you might face. 

Inculcating warmups and cooldowns after every game can also ensure that your body is not pushed to the limit each time you’re on the court and made to succumb to the injuries that may happen.

Tips & Techniques

As a sport that’s been established for over a century, there are various techniques that players have to employ in the game. The most important aspect of a badminton game is the service. While serving, it is essential to make sure you use the proper serving techniques in order to not lose the service to the opposite team.

To end a rally and win a point, it is essential to learn how to smash the oncoming shuttlecock. There are techniques to return a smash as well. Some of the other most common shots include drop shot, lift shot, net shot and toss, all of which work best when played with the right technique and strategy.

Since the techniques are almost as old as the game and constantly evolving, it is important to keep in mind the different tips to perform them more efficiently. Engaging in badminton specific drills is also a great way to help you play better. 

Conclusion

India has seen several world-class badminton players over the years and still continues to do so. There is more appreciation for badminton (that was once a leisure activity) all over the world as a serious sport.

Luckily, the rise of the sport in the past years has given birth to new badminton courts in the country. These are professional courts catering to the standards of BWF, helping you finesse your skills in a professional setting. 

We also have a repository of information on how to choose the right racquet to a curated list of racquets and other equipment available online for you to refer to every step of the way in your badminton journey.

For beginners and professionals, from equipment to technique, right here is your one-stop solution for everything Badminton related.

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