How to Play Badminton (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Who wouldn't want to play the fastest racket game in the world? Badminton is a sport that can be played by two or four players and in which the goal is to score points by sending the shuttlecock over the net. Although the game has similarities to tennis, the rules of badminton are different and it is important to know them before trying to play. If you want to become a badminton master or just impress that beautiful girl in the park, read on.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Learning the Rules

Step 1. Understand the goal of the game

Badminton, like tennis, is a racket sport played by two players two teams of two players. The goal is to be the first to reach 21 points. You will score a point every time you successfully send the shuttlecock over the net and the opposing team commits a foul, i.e. they will not be able to correctly return the shuttlecock to your side.

• To win a set, you'll need to get to 21 points first, by two points. This means that if both teams get to 20, it will be necessary to get to 22 to win, and so on.
• If you and your opponent fail to gain a two-point advantage, and the score is 29-all, the first player to reach 30 wins the set.
• The first team to win two sets wins the match. If the set score is 1-1, a decisive third set is required.

Step 2. Familiarize yourself with the badminton court

The court is 13.4m long and 6.1m wide. If you are playing solo, you will only use the 13.4m long and 5.2m wide part. The net should be in the middle of the court, on the 13.4m line, 1.55m above the ground. When playing doubles, you will need to use the full 6.1m width of the court. Here's what else you need to know:

• Each side of the pitch has a left and right service square. The player serving of a team must put the ball into play in the opposite square on the diagonal of the field; therefore, if a player serves from the left side of the court, he must do so in the right square of the opponent's court.
• When serving in singles, each player must do so from his serve square to the opposite square on the opponent's pitch diagonal, which includes the serve square and the back service lines of the singles pitch.
• When serving in doubles, a player may serve in the opposite service square on the diagonal of the court, which includes the doubles sideline, but not the single's long service line.
• In the single, therefore, the reception field is longer, while in the double, the field is wider.
• After successfully serving the shuttlecock, the field becomes all valid. The shuttlecock will only have to remain within the lines of the court.
• Players can get a point when the opponent commits a foul. If the serving player forces the opponent to foul, 1 point can be awarded to the serving player. If the receiver succeeds in forcing the serving player to commit a foul, the receiving player scores the point and serves the next play.

Step 3. Learn the basics of the game

Here's what you need to know before starting a badminton match, in addition to court information and scoring rules:

• Flip a coin or otherwise decide which team will serve first and which side of the court will serve.
• The first serve of a badminton match is from the right.
• If the serving team commits a foul, the receiving team scores a point and gets the serve. If the receiving team commits a foul first, the serving team will do so again from the other half of the pitch. For each service, one point will be scored.
• In doubles, each team has only one "serve". Therefore, if a player from one team serves and commits a foul, the shuttle passes to a player from the other team and so on.
• When the receiving team wins a point and gets the service, the players do not change positions but serve from where they are. If they win the first serve, then the players move from right to left.
• After each set, the players change sides, and the team that won the previous set has the right to serve in the next one.

Step 4. Know when a foul is committed

There are many types of fouls. Here they are summarized:

• Hitting the shuttlecock above the waist while serving, or holding the head of the racket over the hand may also be considered a foul.
• If the serving team fails to serve the shuttlecock over the net. In badminton, you only have one attempt per serve. The only exception is the let, which is the game situation in which the team hits the ribbon and the shuttlecock continues the race in the opponents' field. In this case, the service is repeated.
• If you send the shuttlecock into or under the net at any point in the game.
• If you get hit by the shuttlecock.
• If you send the shuttlecock out of the field.
• If the shuttle touches the ground on your side of the court.
• If the server fails to send the shuttle into the reception area.
• If a player tries (successfully or not) to obstruct the opponent in any way.
• The feet of the players must be completely inside the playing field during the set - otherwise a foul is called.
• When a player touches the net with any piece of equipment, including clothing or any part of the body - in this case a foul is called.
• Hesitations contribute to the phallus.

Step 5. Learn the basic methods of hitting the shuttlecock

The standard badminton racket is 66cm long and weighs between 125 and 150g. Most of them are made of metal and nylon and you will need to generate enough energy to effectively hit the shuttlecock with this lightweight racquet. The main hits are the forehand and backhand (like in tennis) and you'll need a quick, light flick of the wrist to hit the shuttlecock the right way. Here's what you need to know about hitting the shuttlecock:

• It's all in the footwork. Follow the flywheel's trajectory and take small steps to position yourself so you can hit it easily and don't have to reach out to touch it.
• You will need to practice the loading movement, the pushing movement and contact with the flywheel, and the final part of the movement to make an effective strike. You should hit the shuttlecock in its round center, and not on the feathers.
• Perfect your clear shot. This is the most common shot, the purpose of which is to send the shuttlecock away from the opponents' net, in order to have time to prepare the next shot.
• Practice the short ball. To make this shot effectively, you will need to hit the shuttlecock slowly and gently, to drop it immediately after the net, and put your opponent in trouble no matter how fast he is.
• Try a smash. This is a powerful blow that you can use to hit the shuttlecock when it is above the height of the net. You will have to raise the racket behind your back, as if you were using it to scratch yourself, anticipate the flywheel's trajectory, and then hit it hard, as if you were going to crush it to the ground.
• Use the drive. You can perform this forehand or backhand shot, sending the shuttlecock parallel to the ground, just above the net, making it difficult for the opponent to anticipate or respond to your strike.

• Understand that the servant must be able to tell when the opponent appears ready to be served. Whoever serves cannot do so if the opponent is not ready to receive.

  Both players must remain within the boundaries of the court with both feet in contact with the floor until the server passes the ball to the opponent

Part 2 of 3: Mastering the Shots

Step 1. Learn the right grip

The grip is the way you hold your racquet, and it will affect your every shot. There are two main grips in the game, one for the forehand and one for the backhand. Here's what you need to know:

• The taking of law. Hold the racquet with the hand you are not using to play, pointing the handle towards you, with the racquet face perpendicular to the ground. Put your hand on the handle as if you want to shake his hand. Try to put your thumb and forefinger in a V. Don't over-tighten the handle for more flexibility. Shorten your grip and bring it closer to the head of the racket for more control when hitting the shuttlecock from areas of the court closest to the net.
• The backhand grip. Hold the racquet as if you were going to play a forehand. Then, rotate your hand clockwise, so that the V you have formed moves to the left. Put your thumb in the rear recess of the handle for more leverage and power, while holding the racquet without too much force.

Step 2. Master the high and low serve

There are many ways to hit a serve in badminton, from the top serve to the backhand serve. Here are some services you need to know:

• The service from above. This is a great serve, able to take your opponent off the net in a single match; in the double it is less used. You will need to use a forehand from below for this serve. Relax, bend your knees, standing 60-90cm behind the short service line. Bring your left leg forward (if you are right-handed), placing the other leg behind it. Move the racket back to the shoulder, then bring it forward. Hold the shuttlecock by the feathers and drop it slightly in front of you. Hit the shuttlecock with the face of the even racquet and complete the movement until you reach the left side of the head with the racquet (if you are right-handed).

• The service from below. This service is used most often in the double. You can use the right or the backhand for this movement.

  • For the forehand serve, stand 60-90cm behind the service line, bring the racquet to waist level and start taking it forward. Hold the shuttlecock by the feathers and bring it close to the racket instead of dropping it. Hold the shuttlecock slightly below your waist, and push it with the face of the racquet, trying to make it touch the ribbon.
  • For the backhand serve, bring your right leg forward (if you are right handed), with your feet facing your opponent. Use a short backhand and then bring the racket forward, holding the shuttlecock by the tip of the feathers, in front of the waist. Then, push him with the face of the racket, and try to make him touch the ribbon. Shorten your grip for more control.

  

  Step 3. Master the flick service and the drive

  Here's what you need to know:

  • The flick service. This is a quick service that you should rarely use. Use forehand or backhand, mimicking the moves of a normal low serve, but instead, use your wrist to quickly send the shuttlecock over the net.
  • The drive service. This is a perfect attack service for singles or doubles. It will make the flywheel fly at a flatter angle and faster. Use a right from below, positioning yourself slightly behind the service line, bringing your left leg forward (if you are right-handed), with the racket slightly below waist level, which you will need to carry forward parallel to the waist. Bring the racquet forward and complete the movement as you drop the shuttlecock slightly to the side of your body.

  

  Step 4. Master the Law

  When you see that the shuttlecock comes low in front of you, you will need to use the forehand to beat the opponent. Here's what you need to do:

  • Drop the racket head down and behind you. Make sure the racket extends behind you.
  • Keep your knees bent and get ready to move.
  • Step forward with your right leg (if you are right handed).
  • Keep your arm straight as you bring the racket forward, giving a wrist whip at the last available moment before hitting the shuttlecock.
  • Hold the racquet face open and bring it up to push the shuttlecock. Complete the movement until the racket is close to the opposite shoulder.

  

  Step 5. Master the backhand

  To hit a backhand, you will need to wait for the shuttlecock to come to your left side (if you are right handed). Here's what you need to do:

  • Move your left foot and bring your right in front of your body (if you are right handed), making sure your right shoulder is facing the net.
  • Bend your right elbow and bring your right hand in front of your body to prepare to move the racket, shifting your weight to your left foot, while keeping your right unloaded and mobile.
  • Shift your weight onto your front foot, straightening your elbow as you bring the racket forward, until it hits the shuttlecock. Complete the movement over the right shoulder.

  

  Step 6. Learn how to effect your shots

  The slice can help you slow down the shuttle or change its direction. This is an advanced ability that will make it more difficult for the opponent to understand where the shuttlecock will go. Here's how to do it:

  • Use the net slice. Start the forward movement as usual, then move the racket inwards, perpendicular to the center of the shuttlecock, giving it an effect and spinning it to the other side of the court, surprising your opponent.

    If the shuttle touches the net and then bounces off the opponent's court, the game is stopped and the serve is repeated

  • Use the slice on short balls. Move the racket perpendicular to the center of the shuttlecock when it is in the air. This will slow it down, causing it to quickly fall into the opponent's side near the net.

  

  Step 7. Learn to hit overhead

  This strike is also known as a smash, and allows you to use your strength and hit the shuttlecock at the top of its trajectory. To do this, bring your free hand close to the shuttlecock, then bring the racket overhead, hitting the center of the shuttlecock before it starts to fall, directing it towards the opponent's court.

  Aim is important in this shot - try to aim the shuttlecock in a difficult spot to defend

  

  Step 8. Recognize some of the more common mistakes made on serve that may or may not be considered a foul

  • Whoever serves must be able to throw the shuttlecock to the other side with the shot. If the shuttle is missed during the service, it can be considered a foul (it happens even to the best)
  • If the shuttlecock is held against the racket during the execution of the serve or if it is hit twice, it is considered a foul.

  Part 3 of 3: Mastering the Strategy

  

  Step 1. Make sure you always return to the waiting position after each shot

  This means you should get back into position, light on your feet, and be ready for the next hit. If your opponent moves you to one side of the pitch, this creates a clear area where he can throw the shuttle without you being able to respond, so you should get back into position as soon as possible.

  • In the waiting position you will need to keep your feet shoulder-width apart and parallel and your toes pointing towards the net.
  • Keep your knees bent and the racket in your hand, with your arms in front of your body.
  • Don't stand up as you normally would, or your body will be too stiff to move well.

  

  Step 2. Be prepared to move anywhere at all times

  Get ready to run to the net, across the court, back to the service line, or reach for the shuttlecock from any position. The element of surprise is important in this game, so beware of your opponent's tricks.

  

  Step 3. Try overhead shots whenever you can

  The smash is the most powerful blow in the game, because it allows you to hit the shuttlecock with maximum force and speed, making it very difficult for the opponent to respond. Look for opportunities to execute this strike when your opponent returns the shuttlecock high over the net.

  

  Step 4. Keep running the opponent

  Don't pull the shuttlecock at your opponent, or you'll make it easier for him to respond. Your goal should be to move your opponent all over the court so that he gets tired and can't respond drinking.

  

  Step 5. Use your head

  Don't just try to hit the shuttlecock hoping your opponent misses; decide on a plan of where to throw the shuttlecock, how to hit it and why. If you hit the shuttlecock without thinking, you won't get far.

  

  Step 6. Notice your opponent's weaknesses

  If you want to win, you will have to get the opponent to play your game and make him as uncomfortable as possible. If your opponent has backhand problems (like most beginners), continuously hit the shuttlecock towards his backhand. If it's slow, make it run. If he loves to play net, send the shuttlecock long and deep. If your opponent likes to smash, don't turn the shuttle too high. Adopt a strategy that takes into account your opponent's strengths and weaknesses to win with ease.

  It is important to carefully observe the opponent. At the beginning of a game or during a friendly dribble, try to notice his strengths and those where he is weakest first

  

  Step 7. Vary your shots

  While always trying to hit overhead is a good idea, as is hitting especially straight crossovers because this is your best shot, if you repeat the same shot over and over again, your opponent will quickly get used to your strategy. It is important to keep surprising your opponent, to catch him with your guard down and not be predictable.

  This advice also applies to the service

  Advice

  • Follow the rules and enjoy badminton.
  • Concentrate during the game.
  • Skip if necessary!
  • Learn how to perform the different strokes to become a better player.
  • Be prepared.