Badminton Rules, History and court dimensions

Badminton is a racquet sport played by two opposing players (singles) or two opposing pairs (doubles), who take positions on opposite sides of a rectangular court that is divided by a net.

Players earn points by hitting the shuttlecock (also known as a shuttle, bird, or birdie) with their racket so that it passes over the net and enters half of their opponents’ court. Each side may strike the shuttlecock only once. The rally ends after the shuttlecock hits the floor.

History of Badminton Game

Like other sports, there is no definite evidence about the origin of badminton. This game was played around the 17th century at a place called badminton. This location was in Gloucesterstire. Apart from this, evidence of the game of battledore and shuttlecock played in ancient Greece, India and China. Around 1870 AD, this game was played in Poona city of Maharashtra. Now it is called Pune.

Talking about modern badminton, England has contributed in popularizing this sport. For the first time in England, in the year 1873, a badminton club was established at a place called Boy.

The “Badminton Association of England” was established in 1893. This organization played an important role in popularizing badminton. The “International Badminton Federation” was founded in 1934. This association made many rules for badminton. Gradually this game became popular all over the world.

Badminton history in India

British Army officers stationed at Poona (present-day Pune) in India gave badminton its present form in the 19th century and played competitively. At that time the game also came to be known as Poona.

“Badminton Association of India” popularized badminton in India.. It was established in the year 1934. This organization organized the first national level competition in Kolkata in the year 1934 itself.

Badminton game is achieving high places in India today. Badminton Association of India organized “Indian Badminton League” in the year 2013 to provide opportunities to more and more players like cricket, football and other sports.

General Rules of Badminton

From the right side of the court the shuttle will be served or received by a player when the score is 0-0 or at even score. At the odd score the service is always served from the left side of the court and received by the rival from his left side. When a point is scored the players change the sides of the court each time….[ Read More ]

Skills and Techniques

Badminton Grip

Starting with a correct Badminton Grip is the foundation of playing Badminton. Holding the racket wrongly will decrease your stroke’s power and accuracy. Your shots will be limited and therefore you will not enjoy the game as much let alone improve.

• Forehand Grip
• Backhand Grip
• Badminton Footwork

Badminton Serve

Mastering various types of Badminton Serve is essential if you want to improve your game. Serving is the starting of a point. Use it not merely as just a serve but a weapon during games.

• High Serve
• Low Serve
• Forehand
• Backhand
• Flick Serve

1. Badminton Clears

Badminton Clears are the most common and important of all badminton strokes that can be played overhand and backhand sides.

• Overhead Clears
• Defensive Clear
• Forehand Overhead Clear
• Backhand Overhead Clear
• Underarm Clear

2. Badminton Drop Shots

Badminton Drop Shots are dedicate badminton shots that can win you points outright if executed well with deception. These shots can be played both on the forehand and backhand sides.

• Forehand Drop Shot
• Backhand Drop Shot

3. Badminton Smash

Badminton Smash is the most potent of all badminton shots. There is almost no defence against a well executed smash. It can be played both on the forehand and backhand sides.

• Forehand Smash
• Backhand Smash

 4. Badminton Drive

Badminton Drive shots are shots that crosses the net flatly in a horizontal trajectory. It can be played both on the forehand and backhand sides.

• Forehand Drive
• Backhand Drive

Specification of Badminton Court

Badminton Singles Court Dimensions

The following are the details of badminton courts for singles as per the Badminton World Federation (BWF) :

Badminton Doubles Court Dimensions

Essential Badminton Equipment

The basic equipment required for the game of badminton are shuttles and rackets. A shuttle cock weighs 4.73 to 5.50 grams. The bottom of the shuttle contains a cork that has a diameter of 1 to 1.5 inches. 13-15 feathers are pinned into this cork that makes it shuttle cock. The feathers are 2.5 to 2.75 inches long and can be 63.5 mms wide.

Badminton racket is made of wood or steel and weighs 4-5 ounces. The racket shall be a frame not exceeding 680 mm is overall length and 230 mm in overall width consisting of the main parts.

National and International Tournaments (Badminton Championship)

National Championship

1. National Badminton championship
2. Inter State Level Badminton Championship
3. Narang Cup (National Junior Team-Men)
4. Shafi Qureshi Cup (National Junior Team-Men)
5. Nehru Memorial Badminton Championship
6. Indian Badminton League

International Championship

1. Olympic Games
2. Thomas Cup
3. Uber cup
4. All England Badminton Championship
5. World Cup
6. Commonwealth Games
7. Asian games

Famous Sports Personalities

Famous Badminton Players of India