Badminton
Badminton is a racket sport played on a rectangular court that is divided by a net. It can be played by either two opposing players (singles) or two opposing pairs (doubles) who take positions on opposite halves of a court. Players score points by striking a shuttlecock with their racket so that it passes over the net and lands in their opponents' half of the court or when the opponents make an error and cannot play back the shuttlecock back across the net.
What equipment does one need to start playing?
Clothing
Remember, badminton requires a lot of movement and quick changes in direction. Therefore it is important that players wear lightweight clothes such as shorts and t-shirts. Clothes that are loose fitting are more suitable because you will have more freedom to move. A tracksuit may be useful but is not absolutely necessary.
Footwear
A comfortable pair socks and lightweight badminton shoes that have a good sole for gripping are important. Badminton players should choose shoes designed for badminton instead of trainers or running shoes because badminton shoes have thinner soles. They are more stable, and therefore help to avoid possibilities of injuries.
Rackets
If you are just starting to play badminton, it is not necessary that you buy a very expensive racket. It is also not advisable to use very cheap rackets because they may not be durable and they could be too heavy for you. Buy a racket that is light, within your budget and one that appeals to you. When buying, look for a racket that "feels" good, flexible and strong enough to with stand the string tension that you prefer. It is best to visit a shop that has a good selection of rackets. Try as many rackets as possible to see if they feel right before you decide.
Shuttles
You may use plastic or feather shuttles. However, if you are just starting, and if you are conscious of costs, then plastic shuttles are ideal, cheaper and durable. They come in three speeds - fast, medium and slow. It is recommended to use medium speed to start until you are better.
The above information is from USA Badminton. For more basic badminton information, click on the link in the picture below.
What equipment does one need to start playing?
Clothing
Remember, badminton requires a lot of movement and quick changes in direction. Therefore it is important that players wear lightweight clothes such as shorts and t-shirts. Clothes that are loose fitting are more suitable because you will have more freedom to move. A tracksuit may be useful but is not absolutely necessary.
Footwear
A comfortable pair socks and lightweight badminton shoes that have a good sole for gripping are important. Badminton players should choose shoes designed for badminton instead of trainers or running shoes because badminton shoes have thinner soles. They are more stable, and therefore help to avoid possibilities of injuries.
Rackets
If you are just starting to play badminton, it is not necessary that you buy a very expensive racket. It is also not advisable to use very cheap rackets because they may not be durable and they could be too heavy for you. Buy a racket that is light, within your budget and one that appeals to you. When buying, look for a racket that "feels" good, flexible and strong enough to with stand the string tension that you prefer. It is best to visit a shop that has a good selection of rackets. Try as many rackets as possible to see if they feel right before you decide.
Shuttles
You may use plastic or feather shuttles. However, if you are just starting, and if you are conscious of costs, then plastic shuttles are ideal, cheaper and durable. They come in three speeds - fast, medium and slow. It is recommended to use medium speed to start until you are better.
The above information is from USA Badminton. For more basic badminton information, click on the link in the picture below.
Badminton Skills
SmashYou hit the shuttle with power directly to the ground of your opponent.
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Drop ShotYou hit the shuttle gently and it lands just over the net of your opponent.
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Badminton in the Olympics
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/1/2/24129474/badminton-banner_orig.jpg)
Badminton made its debut as a demonstration sport at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. It was not until the 1992 Games in Barcelona that it was officially included on the Olympic programme, with men’s and women’s singles and doubles events. The mixed doubles event made its debut in 1996 at the Atlanta Olympic Games. Since then, the number of events has remained unchanged.
Although the creation of modern badminton is attributed to England, it is Asia that now dominates this sport. Between 1992 and 2008, Asian countries won 69 of the 76 medals available in Olympic competition! The dominant countries are China, Indonesia and the Republic of Korea, followed by Great Britain and Denmark.
Click the link in the picture below for more information on Olympic badminton.
Although the creation of modern badminton is attributed to England, it is Asia that now dominates this sport. Between 1992 and 2008, Asian countries won 69 of the 76 medals available in Olympic competition! The dominant countries are China, Indonesia and the Republic of Korea, followed by Great Britain and Denmark.
Click the link in the picture below for more information on Olympic badminton.