HOW TO PLAY BADMINTON
Easier said than done
It's important to have patience when learning how to play badminton. You will quickly discover that it isn't as easy as it looks and requires skill, concentration, and a lot of practice. Keep this in mind as you learn.
Fundamentals are key
Even if you have read up on how to play badminton, you can't expect to just jump on a court and start executing everything you've read. You need to start by focusing on the fundamentals. This is especially important if you are teaching yourself how to play badminton.
Here are some fundamentals to work on as you learn to play badminton:
- Proper form and use of badminton equipment
- Knowledge of official badminton rules
- Familiarity with court layout
Learning to keep score
Learning how to keep score is a critical part of learning to play badminton, especially now that there are two ways of doing it.
The traditional scoring system is a fairly simply one, which involves playing to 15 points. In order to score a point with this system, you must be the serving team.
Approximately a year ago, the International Badminton Federation launched a new, experimental system. This system involves the ability of both the serving and non-serving teams to win points and also adjusted the winning score from 15 to 21 points.
If you are just learning how to play badminton, it might be wise to learn the traditional scoring method since the new one isn't official yet. However, if you are already somewhat familiar with how to play badminton and are ready for a challenge, you could learn the new system
In the end, it truly is your technique that will make you a great badminton player. As you learn how to play badminton, take the time to conquer the basics and master your techniques.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
A badminton match is played to the best of three games. A coin toss determines first serve or choice of side. The object of a badminton game is to hit the badminton shuttlecock over the badminton net and onto the ground within bounds on your opponent's side of the court. A rally can also be lost by hitting the shuttle into the badminton net, out of bounds, before it crosses the net to your side, or if it strikes your clothing or body rather than your badminton racket.
Badminton Scoring Formats
The modern badminton rules permit two different scoring formats: service and rally. In service play, a badminton game is won by scoring 15 points in doubles and men's singles, or 11 points in women's singles. In rally play, 21 points are needed to win a badminton game.
In service play, only the serving team may score a point. If the rally is lost, service passes to the opponent in singles play. In doubles play, except for the first service of a game, each player on a team is permitted to serve at least once before service is lost. In rally play, a point can be awarded to either team, and in most cases, a point is awarded along with resumption of service, except when a rally point is lost by the first member of a serving doubles team.
At the conclusion of each badminton game, players or teams must switch sides. If a third game is necessary during a match, sides are switched during that game when a player/team has reached eight points in doubles or men's singles, six points in women's singles, or 11 points in rally play.
Badminton Serving Rules
As in tennis, badminton service is always done diagonally, e.g. from the right service court to the opponent's left service court. The first serve is always taken from the right court, and subsequent serves are taken from alternating sides.
Line shots in badminton service or rallies are considered in, though court bounds are different for singles and doubles play. The back line is the same for both, but singles badminton is played with the narrower of the two sidelines.
A serve that strikes the net and lands in the opponent's court is a let serve and is retaken. During service, players must stand in their respective service courts. The receiving player is not permitted to move his/her feet until the badminton shuttlecock has been struck. The highest part of the serving player's badminton racquet must remain below his/her hand and waistline during service. In other words, only underhanded serves are permitted.
BADMINTON SAFETY
Badminton is a safer sport than most, but badminton injuries do happen. A badminton player covers about a mile of territory during a match, usually in quick stops and starts, and the speed of reaction needed to play badminton can also invite motion-related injuries. Here are some tips on badminton safety that will assist you in injury prevention.
Badminton Safety Attire
Two pieces of badminton equipment can go a long way toward preventing injuries: badminton shoes and badminton goggles. Badminton shoes should offer an excellent slip-free grip because you'll need to be able to stop and start without fear of slipping. Badminton goggles are especially important in doubles play, where there is a greater chance of an errant badminton racquet swing making contact with a playing partner.
Besides these basics, always wear badminton equipment that is medically necessary, such as knee braces or tensor bandages.
Badminton Drills for Injury Prevention
Warming up before a badminton match is one of the best ways to prevent injuries. Start with a brisk jog or run, or engage in easy badminton rallies with a partner for 10 to 15 minutes.
Once you've gotten warm, practice stretching exercises that focus two to three minutes each on specific areas such as your shoulders and knees. Follow these stretching techniques with other static stretches focused entirely on your legs. Wearing a warm-up suit as you stretch will keep you from cooling while your body is stationary. About 15 minutes of stretching should be enough in most cases.
After your warm-up and stretching drills are completed, another five to 10 minutes of more strenuous rallying with a partner should help you work up a light sweat that will leave you primed for real badminton play.
Other Badminton Safety Tips
Besides these exercises, take basic safety precautions when playing badminton. Take breaks to stay hydrated, especially when playing outdoors. In doubles play, communicate with your partner to avoid collisions. Make sure the court is free of any slick or wet spots before beginning play. Playing with a badminton set regularly will keep you in better physical condition, which is the best injury prevention means of all.