HISTORY AND BACKGROUND OF BADMINTON

Badminton has its origins in ancient civilizations in Europe and Asia. The ancient game known as
battledore (bat or paddle) and shuttlecock originated more than 2000 years ago and was played in ancient
Greece, China, and India.
In the 1600s battledore and shuttlecock was an upper class pastime in England and many European
countries. Battledore and shuttlecock was simply two people hitting a shuttlecock backwards and forwards with
a simple bat as many times as they could without allowing it to hit the ground.
Modern badminton can be traced to mid-19th century British India. It was created by British military
officers stationed there. A net was added to the traditional English game of battledore and shuttlecock. As it
was popular in the British garrison town of Poona, the game came to be known as "Poona" or "Poonai" Initially,
woolen balls were preferred by the upper classes in windy or wet conditions, but ultimately shuttlecocks took
over the role of a "ball." This game was taken by retired officers who got back to England. It was introduced as
a game for the guests of the Duke of Beaufort at his stately home 'Badminton' in Gloucestershire, England
where it became popular, hence, the origin of the name "Badminton."
In March 1898, the first Open Tournament was held at Guildford and the first 'All England'
Championships were held the following year.
The International Badminton Federation was formed in 1934 with nine founder members, England,
Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, Holland, Canada, New Zealand and France. India joined as an affiliate in
1936.
The first major IBF tournament was the Thomas Cup (world men's team championships) in 1948. Since
then, the number of world events has increased with the addition of the Uber Cup (women's team), World
Championships (individual events), Sudirman Cup (mixed team), World Junior Championships and the World
Grand Prix Finals.
Badminton is a relatively new Olympic sport. It was a demonstration sport at the 1972 Munich
Olympics. Badminton eventually became an Olympic sport in Barcelona in 1992. Only the singles and doubles
were introduced for the first time in the Olympic Games. Mixed doubles was included in the 1996 Atlanta
Olympic Games and badminton is the only sport that has mixed doubles event in the Olympics.
Only five countries have won gold medals at the Olympics since badminton was introduced in 1992 -
China, Indonesia and Korea, England and Denmark.
Susi Susanti from Indonesia won the women's singles in Barcelona, becoming Indonesia's first medalist
after forty years participating in the Olympics. Ironically, Susi's future husband, Alan Budi Kusama won
Indonesia's second gold medal in the men's singles.

A turning point in badminton’s growth was the $20 million tripartite contract in 1994 for sponsorship of
the World Grand Prix Finals. Under the terms of the deal between the IBF, IMG, and STAR TV, STAR injects
the monies into the promotion and development of badminton. In return, STAR gains total exclusivity for the
exploitation of the commercial and television rights to the WGP Finals. “The deal was good for both main
parties,” said David Shaw, IBF’s executive director, who was brought into the organization with a brief to grow
the sport. “We needed a strong partner in television, and the broadcaster had identified badminton as a vehicle
which would attract audiences across Asia to its prime sports channel.”
 The next phase in the rise and rise of international badminton has been to retake the USA. The U.S. was
an early member of the IBF and initially one of the most successful. When the Uber Cup was introduced in
1956, Americans won the first three events. But then interest waned.

Badminton is a well-liked and familiar sport in the USA but, predominantly, is usually played as a fun
game in the backyard or on the beach. We know that once Americans see the other badminton—international
badminton, the world’s fastest racket sport—they will want to see and play more. The Atlanta Olympics started
to raise the sport’s profile in the U.S. The event was a sell-out and became one of the “must-see” sports.
ExPresident Jimmy Carter, Chelsea Clinton, Paul Newman, and Princess Anne were among the celebrities who
came to watch. David Broder of the Washington Post reported “seeing one of the supreme athletic spectacles of
my life.” The year 1996 was a landmark in USA badminton. It’s not only the Atlanta Olympic Games that
started to generate tremendous interest in the U.S. market. In December 1995, the IBF introduced a new concept
tournament in California, the Hong Ta Shan Cup, a men’s invitation tournament with the best players and big
prize money. There are now plans to add a women’s event and to increase the prize money. The Hong Ta Shan
Group has gone on to sponsor the U.S. Open, increasing the prize money to $200,000. This makes the event the
most valuable World Grand Prix event in the series and gives it six-star status.

The degree of change is increasing. Badminton’s debut as an Olympic Games sport has manifestly
boosted interest internationally. The STAR TV agreement has increased the sport’s coverage dramatically.
Sponsors and television companies are being attracted to a sport which gives them access to the Asian
economies. And spectators are increasingly attracted to the exciting mix of angles, tactics, touch, reaction, and
fitness that would exhaust a squash champion.

Olympic Games Sport - 1992

Badminton is a relatively new Olympic Games sport. After being a demonstration sport in Munich in 1972,
badminton became an Olympic sport in Barcelona in 1992 with the singles and doubles disciplines introduced
for the first time in the Olympic Games. In Atlanta in 1996, a mixed doubles event was included and this is the
only mixed doubles event in all of the Olympic sports.

The following countries have won medals in badminton at an Olympic Games since its introduction in 1992 -
China, Denmark, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Russia.

Susi Susanti from Indonesia won the women’s singles in Barcelona, becoming Indonesia’s first medallist in the
40 years Indonesia had competed at the Games. In the same Olympic Games, Alan
Budi Kusama won Indonesia’s second gold medal in the men’s badminton singles.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is the world governing body for badminton recognised by the International
Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The BWF regulates, promotes, develops and
popularises the sport globally and organises inspiring world events. BWF has a vision of “giving every child a chance to
play for life”

Badminton in the Philippines

In Philippines, it was in the 1920 when British and American expatriates introduced badminton in the
country. As early as 1950's, the International Badminton Federation (IBF) recognized the Philippines as its 21st
member country. Since then, Filipino's have been playing badminton in international tournaments. In 1949
national rankings produced Adriano Torres, first national Men's single champion.

In 1952, the Philippine Badminton Association (PBA) was created and became the first national
badminton group, organized by 28 badminton clubs. Johnny Yan and Stephen Cheng were the countries first
doubles champions at the Hong Kong Open heln on 1962.

In the 1966 Triagular Meet in Vietnam, the Philippine team achieved its first team championship in the
Men's division namely Amando Yanga, Conrado Co, Jaime Gapas, Renato Navarro, and Danny So.

In 1981, the Philippine badminton team participated in the Southeast Asian (SEA) games. The country
hosted the event.

In 1984, the Philippines made its first appearance in the Thomas Cup tournament. The eighties to the
mid-nineties saw a new crop of luminaries in the game - Renato Reyes, Jessie Alonzo, Salvador "Badong"
Banquiles, Antonio "Jojo" Mance, Jr. and Naresh Ramnani.

And in 1992, Melvin Llanes became the first Philippine champion at the Prince Asian Juniors
Championship for the 16-under age group. It was in 1992 when the Philippines first played in the Uber Cup
games, resulting in a victory over Tanzania. It was duplicated in 1998 when the Philippine ladies team defeated
Mauritius at the Uber Cup Asian Zonal Championship.

In 1995 Australian International Championships (IBF-sanctioned international tournament), Weena Lim

and Kennie Asuncion were the first Philippine entry (ladies double) to win a gold medal, and in 1996 Atlanta
Olympics, Weena became the first Philippine badminton player to qualify and participate in the prestigious
game.

In 1997 SEA games in Jakarta, Weena Lim and Kennie Asuncion were the first bronze medalist in the
women's doubles event.

Despite badminton’s decline in popularity, financial woes and inconsistent programs, enthusiasts do not
lose hope in promoting the sport. Academies and foundations like Allied Victor 650, William and William
Gabuelo Academy (WWGA), Whackers and Golden Shuttle Foundation have financed and supported qualified
players who could not afford training expenses. Big companies like Toby’s and Yonex continue to organize
nationwide tournaments. Badminton clubs overseas like Wow Pinoy Badminton Club (United Emirates) and
Badminton Aficionados (Riyadh) continue to rise in numbers.

EQUIPMENTS

• Badminton Racket
The badminton racket is one of the most important tools a player has in the game. Modern Badminton
Rackets are light in weight and don’t weigh more than 100 grams. The frame of the Racket can be made of
common metals like steel or aluminum. Sometimes rackets are made of alloys, tough carbon fiber, ceramic, or
boron. Its length does not exceed 680mm and width does not exceed 230 mm. Depending on the material
selection, this can result in different combinations of racket weight, balance points and string tensions.
 Parts of the racket include the head, throat, shaft and handle with a maximum length of 27.77 inches and
a width of 9 inches. It Strings that are stretched across the opening of the racket in a checkerboard pattern,
which acts as the hitting surface. Badminton rackets can vary widely in cost depending on whether they are
purchased as part of a basic backyard set or as more expensive professional models.

• Shuttlecock
The badminton shuttlecock also referred to as a shuttle or birdie, acts similarly to a ball in other racket
sports. However, the design of the birdie creates more drag as it is propelled through the air due to its feathered
shape. The shuttlecock is made up of a cone shape with a hard cork at its tip. Shuttlecocks can be made from a
variety of materials -- more expensive models are actually made from feathers, and less expensive models are
made from plastic feathers. The shuttle has 16 feathers attached to the base and the length of the feathers range
between 2.44 and 2.75 inches. The best Badminton Shuttlecocks are made from feathers from the wing of a
goose. The shuttle weighs between 4.74 to 5.50 grams.

There are two types of shuttlecocks - plastic and feathered shuttlecocks.

Plastic shuttlecocks are far more durable compared to the feathered types which are commonly used.
However, plastic shuttlecocks are only recommended for beginners who are just starting out. This is because
feathered shuttlecocks are expensive and fray easily especially if the wrong technique is used. Plastic
shuttlecocks are usually used by young children who play badminton for recreation. Plastic shuttlecocks tend to
travel shorter distances as they are heavier. Hence, they are good for building strength as you make the
transition to feathered shuttlecocks. Most people will progress to using feathered shuttlecocks as they are used
at all competitive tournaments.

• Badminton Accessories
The commonly used Badminton Accessories are Grip, Badminton Clothes, Socks, Wrist Band and Head Band.

Grip

A grip made of cloth or synthetic fiber absorbs sweat and provides you a drier feel.

Badminton Clothes

Comfortable T-shirts and shorts, that don’t hinder your movement, are ideal to play Badminton. A cotton
roundneck or a collar t-shirts with a pair of light shorts are usually preferred.

Socks

Wear a pair of thick cotton socks as they help to absorb sweat. They also prevent your feet from slipping inside
your shoes. Avoid wearing Nylon socks that don’t absorb sweat.

Wrist Band

If you perspire a lot, you may consider getting a wrist band that prevents your sweat from flowing to your racket
handle.
Head Band

Wear a Head Band if you wear spectacles. It prevents your lenses from getting wet and also stops the sweat and
hair from getting into your eyes while playing.
Shoes
A good pair of Badminton Shoes provides good grip, cushioning and some flexibility at the forefoot.

• Facilities
Court dimensions

The badminton court should be 44 feet long by 22 feet wide if playing doubles, and 44 feet long by 17
feet wide for singles. If the facility is indoors, there needs to be enough height for the shuttlecock to be able to
float across the net without hitting the ceiling. This height will vary depending on the strength of the players.
The lines marking out the court are easily distinguishable and colored white or yellow. The lines are 40mm
wide.
A court may be marked out for singles only. The back boundary lines also become the long service lines
and the posts or the strips of material representing them are placed on the side lines.
The diagonal full length of the full court is 14.366m.

Posts

The posts are 1.55m high from the surface of the court and remain vertical when the net is strained.

The posts are placed on the double side lines irrespective of whether singles or doubles is played. The posts or
supports must not extend into the court beyond the side lines.

Where it is not practicable to have posts on the side lines, some method can be used to indicate the position of
the side lines where they pass under the net, e.g. by the use of thin posts or strips of material 40mm wide, fixed
to the side lines and rising vertically to the net cord.

Net

A mesh net divides the badminton court into two sides. Badminton net is placed lower than volleyball net at five
feet and one inch high on the sides and five feet high in the center. The length may vary depending on whether
doubles or singles are playing, with singles reaching 17 feet and doubles reaching 22 feet. The net is 30 inches
wide with a 3-inch white tape doubled over the top. There is a specific height from the ground assigned for a
professional match of Badminton. From the ground, it should measure neither more nor less than 5 feet. The net
edges are tapped in white so that the actual height of the net is visible for a fair game. There must be no gaps
between the ends of the net and the posts. If necessary, the full depth of the net at the ends is tied to the posts.
Overall Court Dimensions
The overall dimensions of a badminton court is 20 feet by 44 feet. The lines along these measurements mark the
sidelines for doubles play and long service lines for singles play.

The Net Line

The net line marks the middle of the court where the net is placed, creating a 22 feet by 20 feet area on each side
of the net.

Short Service Line

The short service line is marked 6 feet 6 inches (some are marked 7 feet) from the center line. The area inside
the short service line is also called the Non Volley Zone.
Center Line
The Center Line is the line that divides the court from the Short Service Line to the Back Boundary Line. This
delineates the Left from Right Service Court.

Side Line for Singles Play

The Singles Side Line is marked 1 1/2 feet from the edge of the outer boundary (doubles side line)

Back Boundary Line and Long Service Line for Singles

The back boundary line is the same for singles and doubles play it is the outermost back line on the court.

Long Service Line for Doubles

Is marked 2 ½ feet inside the back bounsary line.

The Badminton Net

Measures 5 feet tall in the center.
BASIC SKILLS
1. The Ready Stance
Always having the right stance when playing makes it a lot easier to minimize the movements you need
to make to hit a shot. The ready stance is done by putting your non-racquet leg a step forward and about
shoulder width away from your racquet leg. Slightly bend both knees with your weight balanced between both
legs. Slightly bend forward from the hip, keeping your back straight, and lift your racquet up with your racquet-
hand in front of you slightly above your shoulder and the head of the racquet to be right above your forehead.
Raise your nonracquet arm to help improve your balance.

2. Forehand and Backhand Grip

Having the right grip is crucial in helping new players control their shots better and protects from
possible injury from putting too much pressure on the wrist. The simplest way to grip your badminton racquet is
by imitating a handshake. Your thumb should press against the handle while the rest of your hand and four
fingers wrap around the racquet. This handshake should be a friendly one. Don’t grip too tightly because you
need to retain flexibility in your wrist. It is recommended that you opt to put a wrap around your grip to make it
more comfortable and less slippery.

This grip applies to both forehand and backhand grips used for both forehand and backhand shots. The
variations lie in that for the forehand grip, it’s better to fold your thumb a bit and let your index finger control
the racquet on the stroke, while for the backhand grip, the thumb pressing against the racquet will control the
stroke. Having a loose grip and being able to quickly switch between grips is an advanced skill that allows pros
to shift from forehand to backhand easily.

3. Footwork

Footwork is basic badminton skill that a lot of new players often overlook. But having the right footwork
makes the game so much easier as it allows you to cover more ground around the court while using less time
and energy. Lateral steps are the best way to move around the badminton court as it allows you to cover a lot of
ground and change direction fast, while putting less strain on your knees. By practicing the right footwork,
you’ll feel that it is easier to recover to hit shuttles that are flying towards the other side of the court. Some basic
drills to improve your lateral movement can be very effective in helping train yourself to move around the court
better. 4. Strokes
There are 4 basic strokes that every beginner needs to learn. By knowing these, beginners can create
good badminton stroke habits, which they can use in the future for more advanced shots like drops, smashes and
drives. These are:

Overhead Forehand – this is the most common stroke and most beginners are very more comfortable
using this especially for stronger strokes. Make sure to have a forehand grip, lift your racket arm up with the
racket slightly above your head, and tilt your body to the side of your racket arm with your racket arm behind
you. Widen your chest and use your non-racket hand to point at the shuttlecock to aim. Straighten out your
racket arm then swing it towards the shuttle in a downward motion while slightly rotating your waist towards
the front. Swing the racket until it’s pointing slightly downwards.

Overhead Backhand- the overhead backhand is slightly more difficult for beginners as you’ll have to
face your body backward to use this effectively. This is a slightly advanced shot that is hard to master at first but
doing so will set good foundations to how you play badminton. To start, turn your body to the back in the
direction of your non-racket arm, with your racket arm raised in front of you and pointing towards the back.
Keep your racket-arm close to your body, bent such that your elbow is pointing down. As the shuttle approaches
above your head level, slightly tilt your arm downward to gain momentum then swing up and flick your wrist
upward until the racket is pointing up and your arm is straightened out. Remember to immediately go back to
your ready stance once you’ve hit the shot.

Underarm Forehand– the underarm forehand allows you to hit low shots with a lot of strength, but it is
quite challenging to aim at first. To do this, from your ready stance, lunge forward with your racket-leg and
keep your racket arm slightly bent with the top of the racket’s head slightly below shoulder level. Straighten
your arm out to make the racket tilt backwards then flick your wrist, followed by your arm, to swing forward
when hitting the shuttle. Bend your body forward slightly to keep your balance.

Underarm Backhand– the underarm backhand is actually easier to do than the overhead counterpart
since you won’t need to turn backwards. Lunging towards your backhand area, Bend your racket arm downward
with the racket handle parallel to the floor and the racket head parallel to your body. Flick your wrist upward,
followed by your arm until your arm is extended straight and aligned with your shoulder.
5. Underarm Backhand Serve

The underarm backhand serve is the most basic badminton serve that you can practice as a beginner
because it gives you easier control in terms of how strong you’ll hit the shuttle and where you will make the
shuttle go in terms of height or placement on the court. By learning how to utilize this serve, you can already
start to strategize where you place your serve depending on your opponent. To start, have a ready stance with
your backhand leg slightly forward with both feet pointing forward. Lift your racket up to so it is parallel to the
floor, with the head parallel to the net and aligned with your shoulder. Using your non-racket hand, hold the
shuttle cock by the feather about 5-6 inches in front of the center of the racket’s face. Bend the wrist of your
racket hand downward to generate momentum and flick upwards with varying strength depending on how far or
how high you want the shuttle cock to travel. Try to play around with how strong you hit the shuttle and how
high you follow through. Try to aim for different spots in the court with this serve and you’ll immediately have
the upper hand against your opponents.
6. Basic Badminton Shots Serve
The serve is the most important shot in badminton and a fundamental shot in your badminton skill. A
good serve will put you in a strong position. It has two types: forehand and backhand serve.
Clear
Its importance is overlooked as it rarely scores. Its main aim is to give you time to recover for your next
shot.
Defensive High Clear/lob
Lobbing is mainly used as a defensive shot. When you’re out of position, hit the high clear/lob to
‘buy’ yourself time to recover.
Drop Shots
Make sure you have a variation of shots in your games. Drop shots are perfect to variate the pace of the
rally. It is a shot that lands between the service line and net.

Smashing
Rallies are often put away with the smash. It is the most powerful shot in badminton. it uses the energy
from your whole body. You should get the shuttle as close to the net as possible and make sure to aim at the
floor away from your opponent to garner a point.
Net Play
Dominate the front area of the court by having good net playing skills.
Drive
An aggressive shot used to pressure your opponent into making mistakes

Rules and Regulation

Object of the Game

The object of badminton is to hit the shuttlecock over the net and have it land in the designated court areas. If
your opponent manages to return the shuttlecock then a rally occurs. If you win this rally i.e. force your
opponent to hit the shuttlecock out or into the net then you win a point. You are required to win 21 points to win
a set with most matches being best of 3 sets. Points can be won on either serve.

Players & Equipment

There are two forms of badminton, singles and doubles (it’s also possible to play mixed doubles). Each player is
allowed to use a stringed racket (similar to a tennis racket but with the head being smaller) and a shuttlecock.
The shuttlecock is made up of half round ball at the bottom and a feather like material surrounding the top. You
can only really hit the bottom of the shuttlecock and as gravity comes into play will always revert the ball side
facing down. You may only hit the shuttlecock once before it either hits the ground or goes over the net.

The court measures 6.1m wide and 13.4m long. Across the middle of the rectangular court is a net which runs at
1.55m. Running along each side of the court are two tram lines. The inside lines are used as the parameter for
singles match whilst the outside line is used for a doubles match.

The coin toss – who goes first?

Before a tournament starts, a coin is tossed. The winner of the coin toss will then get to choose either

• to serve or to receive first or

• the preferred side of the court

The loser of the coin toss will then exercise the remaining choice.

However, if it is just a friendly game with your family or friends, you may wish to use rock-paper-scissors to
determine the winner of who’s going to go first.

Badminton Service
A serve is delivered diagonally across the courts. During service, both the server and receiver must stand at
diagonally opposite sides without touching the boundary lines of the badminton courts. During a serve, the point
at which the racquet is allowed to come into contact with the shuttlecock must happen below the server’s waist.
Once the players are ready, the first forward movement of the server’s racket shall be the start of the service.
The server shall not serve before the receiver is ready. However, the receiver will be considered to have been
ready if a return of service is attempted.

Rally
A rally starts with a serve, often continuing with a series of shots exchanged between opposing sides before it
finally ends when a point is scored.

Winning the Game

To win a game you must reach 21 points before your opponent. If you do so then you will have won that set. If
the scores are tied at 20-20 then it comes down to whichever player manages to get two clear points ahead. If
the points are still tied at 29-29 then the next point will decide the winner of the set. Winning the overall game
will require you to win 2 out of the 3 sets played.

Interval and Change of Ends o When the leading score reaches 11 points,
players have a 60 second interval.
 o A 2 minute interval between each game is allowed. o In the third game,
players change ends when the leading score reaches 11 points.

Singles
o At the beginning of the game (0-0) and when the server’s score is even, the server serves from the right
service court. When the server’s score is odd, the server serves from the left service court.
o If the server wins a rally, the server scores a point and then serves again from the alternate service court.
o If the receiver wins a rally, the receiver scores a point and becomes the new server. They serve from the
appropriate service court – left if their score is odd, and right if it is even.

Doubles o A side has only one ‘set’. o The service passes consecutively to the players as shown in the
diagram. o At the beginning of the game and when the score is even, the server serves from the right
service court. When it is odd, the server serves from the left court.
o If the serving side wins a rally, the serving side scores a point and the same server serves again from the
alternate service court.
o If the receiving side wins a rally, the receiving side scores a point. The receiving side becomes the new
serving side. o The players do not change their respective service courts until they win a point when
their side is serving.

Rules of Badminton - Singles

Serving and receiving courts

You shall serve from, and receive in, the right service court when you or your opponent has scored
an even number of points in that game.

You shall serve from, and receive in, the left service court when you or your opponent has scored
an odd number of points in that game.

You and your opponent will hit the shuttle alternately until a 'fault' is made or the shuttle ceases to be in
play.

Scoring and serving

You score a point and serve again from the alternate service court when your opponent makes a 'fault' or
the shuttle ceases to be in play because it touches the surface of your opponent's side of court.

No points will be scored when you make a 'fault' or the shuttles ceases to be in play because it touches
the surface of your side of court. The serving right will then be transferred to your opponent.

Rules of Badminton - Doubles

At the start of the game, and each time a side gains the right to serve, the service shall be delivered from the
right service court. Only your opponent standing diagonally opposite of you shall return the service. Should
your opponent's partner touched or hit the shuttle, it shall be a 'fault' and your side scores a point.
Order of play and position on court
After the service is returned, either you or your partner may hit the shuttle from any position on your
side of the net. Then either player from the opposing side may do the same, and so on, until the shuttle ceases to
be in play.

Scoring and serving

If you are serving or receiving first at the start of any game, you shall serve or receive in the right
service court when your side or your opponent's side scored an even number of points.
You shall serve from or receive in the left service court when your side or your opponent's side
has scored an odd number of points.

The reverse pattern shall apply to your partner.

In any game, the right to serve passes consecutively from the initial server to the initial receiver, then to
that initial's receiver's partner, then to the opponent who is due to serve from the right service court, then
to that player's partner, and so on.

You shall not serve out of turn, receive out of turn, or receive two consecutive services in the same
game, except as provided in service court errors and 'lets'.

Service court errors

A service court error has been made when a player has served out of turn, has served from the wrong service or
standing on the wrong service court while being prepared to receive the service and it has been delivered.

If a service court error is discovered after the next service had been delivered, the error shall not be corrected. If
a service court error is discovered before the next service is delivered, the following rules apply.

If both sides committed an error, it shall be a 'let'. If one side committed the error and won the rally, it shall be a
'let'. If one side committed the error and lost the rally, the error shall not be corrected.

If there is a 'let' because of a service court error, the rally is replayed with the error corrected. If a service court
error is not to be corrected, play in that game shall proceed without changing the player's new service courts.

Faults

The rules of badminton consider the following as faults:

- If the shuttle lands outside the boundaries of the court, passes through or under the net, fail to pass the net,
touches the ceiling or side walls, touches the person or dress of a player or touches any other object or person.
- If the initial point of contact with the shuttle is not on the striker's side of the net. (The striker may, however,
follow the shuttle over the net with the racket in the course of a stroke.)
- If a player touches the net or its supports with racket, person or dress, invades an opponent's court over the net
with racket or person except as permitted.
- If a player invades an opponent's court under the net with racket or person such that an opponent is obstructed
or distracted or obstructs an opponent, that is prevents an opponent from making a legal stroke where the
shuttle is followed over the net.
- If a player deliberately distracts an opponent by any action such as shouting or making gestures.
- If the shuttle is caught and held on the racket and then slung during the execution of a stroke.
- If the shuttle is hit twice in succession by the same player with two strokes.
- If the shuttle is hit by a player and the player's partner successively or touches a player's racket and continues
towards the back of that player's court.
- If a player is guilty of flagrant, repeated or persistent offences under Law of Continuous Play, Misconduct,
Penalties.
- If, on service, the shuttle is caught on the net and remains suspended on top, or, on service, after passing over
the net is caught in the net.

Lets
'Let' is called by the umpire, or by a player (if there is no umpire), to halt play.
A 'let' may be given for any unforeseen or accidental occurrence. The rules of badminton consider the following
as 'lets':
- If a shuttle is caught in the net and remains suspended on top or, after passing over the net, is caught in the net,
it shall be a 'let' except on service.
- If, during service, the receiver and server are both faulted at the same time, it shall be a 'let'.
- If the server serves before the receiver is ready, it shall be a 'let'.
- If, during play, the shuttle disintegrates and the base completely separates from the rest of the shuttle, is shall
be a 'let'.
- If a line judge is unsighted and the umpire is unable to make a decision, it shall be a 'let'.
- A 'let' may occur following a service court error. When a 'let' occurs, the play since the last service shall not
count and the player who served shall serve again, except where in situations where the Law of Service Court
Errors is applicable. Shuttle not in play
A shuttle is not in play when it strikes the net and remains attached there or suspended on top.
A shuttle is not in play when it strikes the net or post and starts to fall towards the surface of the court on the
striker's side of the net.
A shuttle is not in play when it hits the surface of the court or a 'fault' or 'let' has occurred.

Continuous play, misconduct, penalties

Play shall be continuous from the first service until the match is concluded, except as allowed in intervals not
exceeding 90 seconds between the first and second games, and not exceeding 5 minutes between the second and
third games.

Officials and appeals

The referee is in overall charge of the tournament. The umpire, where appointed, is in charge of the match, the
court and its immediate surrounds. The umpire shall report to the referee. The service judge shall call service
faults made by the server should they occur. A line judge shall indicate whether a shuttle landed 'in' or 'out' on
the line or lines assigned. An official's decision is final on all points of fact for which that official is responsible.
An umpire shall:
- Upload and enforce the Rules of Badminton and, especially, call a 'fault' or 'let' should either occur.
- Give a decision on any appeal regarding a point of dispute, if made before the next service is delivered.
- Ensure players and spectators are kept informed of the progress of the match.
- Appoint or remove line judges or a service judge in consultation with the referee.
- Where another court official is not appointed, arrange for that official's duties to be carried out.
- Where an appointed official is unsighted, carry out the official's duties or play a 'let'.
- Record and report to the referee all matters in relation to continuous play, misconduct and penalties.
- Take to the referee all unsatisfied appeals on questions of law only. (Such appeals must be made before the
next service is delivered, or, if at the end of the game, before the side that appeals has left the court.)

PARTS OF A RACKET
Materials
Traditionally, badminton frames have been made out of wood. Although still available, wood rackets have
largely been abandoned due to the availability of lighter, more durable synthetic materials such as carbon fiber,
lightweight metal alloys and ceramics. These are used in most modern badminton rackets today.

Frame
The body of the racket itself is called the frame. It consists of the head, the stringed area, the throat, the shaft
and the handle. According to BWF laws, the length of the frame should be no longer than 680 millimeters or
wider than 230 millimeters. The weight of a fully strung frame should be within 80 and 100 grams. Frames can
come in different shapes, with larger or smaller sweet spots, and can be more or less flexible, depending on the
materials used and their construction.

Head
The head of the racket is the ring of material that holds the strings in place. It can be oval or more rounded, and
has holes in its perimeter though which the strings are laced.

Stringed Area
The stringed area is made up of nylon or carbon fiber string that is interwoven to form the face of the racket. Its
dimensions, according to BWF rules, must not exceed 280 millimeters in length or 220 millimeters in width.

Throat
The throat connects the head to the shaft. It may be a separate triangular piece at the base of the head, or may
actually be integrated into the head itself.

Shaft
The shaft is the long rod between the throat and handle. Often made of a composite material such as graphite,
the shaft can be stiffer or more flexible based on the needs of the player.
Handle
The handle connects to the shaft and is used to hold the racket. The handle is covered with a material called the
grip. There are two types of grips: towel grips are good for absorbing moisture, but may need to be changed
frequently; synthetic grips are less absorbent but more durable.

REFERENCES

https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Badminton/USAB/History/Brief-History-of-Badminton
https://www.athleticscholarships.net/history-of-badminton.htm sportsrec.com/6612657/badminton-equipment-
facilities
https://www.myactivesg.com/Sports/Badminton/How-To-Play/Badminton-Equipment/Getting-Started-for-a-
Game-of-Badminton https://www.tutorialspoint.com/badminton/badminton_equipment.htm

https://www.whscsatx.com/5-basic-badminton-skills-every-beginner-needs-to-learn/

https://www.masterbadminton.com/badminton-basics.html https://www.burbankbadminton.org/basic-

badminton-skills-and-drills-for-beginners-to-practice/ http://www.badminton-information.com/rules-of-

badminton.html https://www.badmintonbc.com/page/2888/The-Laws-of-Badminton