HANDOUTS in PHYSICAL EDUCATION 3

Individual/Dual Sports

I. HISTORY OF BADMINTON

Although the exact origins of badminton are unclear, games based on a shuttlecock and a battledore
were played in China, Japan, India, Siam and Greece over 2000 years ago.

Between 1856 and 1859 a game known as ‘battledore and shuttlecock’ started to evolve into the modern
game of badminton at “Badminton House”, the Duke of Beaufort’s country estate in England.

Similar games were played in Poona India around this time and a badminton code of conduct was drawn
up in 1877.

The aim of battledore and shuttlecock played at “Badminton House” was to keep the shuttlecock in the air
for as long as possible by hitting the shuttle between two or more people.

The reverse is true today. The aim now is to finish a rally as quickly as possible by scoring winning points
against your opponent.

In 1893, the Badminton Association of England was formed to administer the game internationally from
England.

As part of the Olympic Games in 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 the entire Olympic sports.

II. BADMINTON TERMINOLOGIES

1. Attacking clear - An offensive stroke hit deep into the opponent’s court.
2. Backcourt - Back third of the court, in the area of the back boundary lines.
3. Backhand - The stroke used to return the shuttlecock, a hit to the left of a right-handed player and to
the right of a left-
handed player.
4. Base position - The location in the center of the court to which a singles player tries to return after each
shot; also
called “center position”.
5. Baseline - The back boundary line at each end of the court, parallel to the net.
6. Carry - An illegal stroke in which the shuttle is not hit, but caught and held on the racket before being
released; also
called a “sling” or “throw”.
7. Center line - A line perpendicular to the net that separates the left and right service courts.
8. Clear - A shot hit deep into the opponent’s court.
9. Doubles - A game where a team of two players play against another team of two.
10. Doubles’ sideline - The side boundary of a doubles’ court.
11. Drive - A fast and low shot that makes a horizontal flight over the net.
12. Drop shot - A shot hit softly and with finesse to fall rapidly and close to the net in the opponent’s court.
13. Fault - A violation of the playing rules.
14. Feint - Any deceptive movement that disconcerts an opponent before or during the serve; also called
a “balk”.
15. Flick - A quick wrist-and-forearm rotation used to surprise an opponent by changing an apparently soft
shot into a
faster passing shot.
16. Forecourt - The front third of the court, between the net and the short service line.
17. Forehand - The stroke used to return a shuttlecock, hit to the right of a right-handed player and to the
left of a left-
handed player.
18. Hairpin net shot - A shot made from below and very close to the net and causing the shuttle to rise
just clear the net
and drop sharply down the other side so that the flight of the shuttlecock resembles the
shape of a hairpin.
19. Half-court shot - A shot, hit low and to midcourt, used effectively in doubles play against the up-and-
back formation.
20. High clear - A defensive shot hit deep into the opponent’s court.
21. Kill - Fast downward shot that can hardly be returned.
22. Let - A minor violation of the rules allowing a rally to be replayed.

23. Long Service Line - In singles, the back boundary line. In doubles a line 2-1/2 feet inside the back
boundary line.
The serve may not go past this line.
24. Match - A series of games to determine a winner.
25. Midcourt - The middle third of the court, halfway between the net and the back boundary line.
26. Net shot - A shot hit from the forecourt that just clears the net and drops sharply.
27. Push shot - A gentle shot played by pushing the shuttlecock with a little wrist motion.
28. Rally - The exchange of shots that decides each point.
29. Serve - The stroke used to put the shuttlecock into play at the start of each rally; also called a
“service”.
30. Short service line - The front line of the service courts 1.98 meters from the net.
31. Singles - A game where one player plays against another player.
32. Singles’ sideline - The side boundary of a singles court.
33. Smash - A hard-hit overhead shot that forces the shuttle sharply downwards into the opponent’s
court.
34. Wood shot - A legal shot in which the shuttle hits the frame of the racket.

III. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

A. Court

B. Racket

Badminton rackets are light, weighing between 75 to 95 grams (2.6 to

3.3 ounces) including the string. They are composed of many different
materials ranging from carbon fiber composite (graphite reinforced
plastic) to solid steel, which may be augmented by a variety of materials.

C. Shuttlecock
The feathered shuttlecock shall have 16 feathers
fixed in the base.
The feathers shall have a uniform length between
62 mm to 70 mm when measured from the tip to
the top of the base. The tip of the feathers shall lie
Ferrule on a circle with a diameter from 58 mm to 68 mm.
The base shall be 25 mm to 28 mm in diameter
and rounded on the bottom. The shuttle shall
weigh from 4.74 to 5.50 grams.
 III. BASIC SKILLS

A. Types of Grips

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. The correct way of holding a racket is as simple as a FRIENDLY
HANDSHAKE. Imagine the grip of the racket as a hand approaching to shake your hand. Go ahead and
hold the racket as if you're shaking someone's hand.

Below are the two basic types of Badminton Grips.

1. Forehand Grip

- This grip is used to hit shots that are on the forehand side
of your body and around the head shots.
- Hold the racket head with your non-playing hand so that
the handle points towards you.
- Your racket face shall be perpendicular to the floor.
- Place your playing hand on the handle as if you are
shaking
hands with it.
- There shall be a V shape in between your thumb and your
index finger.
- The racket handle shall rest loosely in your fingers for
greater flexibility.
- Can try shortening your grip and place it nearer to the
shaft to increase control and accuracy when serving
and hitting from the forecourt and midcourt.

2. Backhand Grip

- This grip is used to hit shots that are on the backhand side
of
your body.
- Hold the racket as you would on a forehand grip.
- Turn the racket anti-clockwise so that the V shape moves
leftwards.
- Place your thumb against the back bevel of the handle for
greater leverage and power.
- The racket handle shall also rest loosely in your fingers.
- Can try shortening your grip and place it nearer to the shaft
to increase control and accuracy when serving and
hitting from the forecourt and midcourt.
B. Badminton Stance

Basically there are 3 types of badminton stance.

1. Attacking Stance

-You'll need to use this stance whenever you hit

an overhead
forehand stroke.
-An attacking stance enables you to quickly execute
attacking
shots. Speed is very important in badminton.
-You'll have the advantage to hit better shots if you're able
to hit
the shuttle early (hitting the shuttle at the optimal
height).
- During a rally, if you anticipate that your opponent will
return a
weak shot, switch to the attacking stance and prepare
to do stance
2. Defensive
- Use theadefensive
killer shotstance
to win after
the point.
you performed a:
• High Serve
• High Clear
• Drive
- A defensive stance is very helpful in defending your
opponent's attacks (smashes or net shots).
- When you're on a defensive stance, you're able to defend
wider angles.
- For example when you're on a defensive stance, you'll find
it a lot easier to retrieve the shots (regardless of whether
your opponent smashes to your forehand or backhand
area)

3. Net Stance
- The only time you need to adopt the net stance is after you
performed a Tumbling Net Shot
- A net stance is important if you're looking to strike your
opponent with a badminton net kill whenever an
opportunity arises.
- This stance enables you to quickly dash to the net area
and perform the kill.
- The net stance will enable you quickly jump forward and
strike a net shot.

C. Footwork

Good badminton footwork is simply having the ability to reach the shuttle early while on balance. You can
skip, shuffle, bounce, glide, chasse step or lunge on court. So long as you reach the shuttle fast,
depriving your opponents of time, you can use all the above movement that suits best to you depending
on the situation.

Although there are no fix movements on performing the badminton footwork, there are some basic things
to remember.
Bend your knees slightly with your feet shoulder width apart. Stay on the balls of your feet and hold your
racket up in front of your body. This is the ready position you shall assume in the center of the mid-court
area.
This center area which can be referred as your base is not fixed. It is an area where you are in your ready
position and can possibly reach all shots hit towards your court. Position your base accordingly after
considering yours and your opponent's strength and weaknesses.

For all shots that are played in the frontcourt, take a small step first followed by a bigger step, extending
your racket leg to reach the shuttle. The bigger step performed is known as a lunge. The timing of the
shot will be improved if the landing of your racket leg is simultaneous with the shot. For all shots that are
played in the midcourt, extend your racket leg to reach shuttle that are hit towards your racket side of your
body. Extend your racket leg or non-racket leg to reach shuttle that are hit towards your non-racket side
of your body.

For all shots that are played in the backcourt, rotate your hips and shoulder and move back far enough so
that your body is behind the falling shuttle. This will increase the power and variety of your stroke. If you
can't get back fast enough, you will most likely be forced to hit a weak clear.

Below is a diagram showing you the direction and area that you have to cover during play.

Unless you are confident where your opponent will play the next shot, try to return to your base every
time after you make a shot. Always be ready to react quickly and be alert.

D. 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.

Use this badminton serve during singles play to move your

opponent as far back in court as possible, thus opening up
his court. Be more cautious if you use this serve during
doubles. Opponents with strong attacking abilities will work
this serve to your disadvantage.

- Played with a forehand underarm action.

- Stand two to three feet behind the short service line.
- Relax your body and bent your knees slightly.
- Lead with your non-racket leg and place your racket leg
behind.
- Bring your racket back to almost your shoulder level then
swing
it forward following the rhythm of the stroke.
- Hold the shuttle by the feathers and let it drop slightly in
front
1. Highof you.
Serve
- Hit it with the flat face of your racket and follow through
until
your racket reaches the non-racket side of your head.
2. Low Serve

Use this badminton serve when you want your opponent to lift the
shuttle. It is commonly used during doubles, but you can use it
during singles too if your opponent's attack is too strong. You can
use either forehand or backhand to play this serve.

2.1 Forehand
- Stand two to three feet behind the short service line.
- Relax your body and bent your knees slightly.
- Lead with your non-racket leg and place your racket leg behind.
- Bring your racket back to your waist level then start your forward
swing.
- Hold the shuttle by the feathers and bring it closer to meet the
racket instead of dropping it in front.
- Contact the shuttle at a higher point but still below your waist
line.
- Push the shuttle with the racket face and try to make the shuttle
skim the tape of the net.
(If you normally use high serve during singles, mix the low serve
in occasionally. You might be able to catch your opponent off-
guard if you can execute it well.

2.2 Backhand

- Stand in a comfortable and balanced position with your racket

hand in front.
- Lead with your racket leg and place your non-racket leg behind
with your feet pointing towards your opponent.
- Carry out a short back swing then bring the racket forward.
- Hold the shuttle on the tip of the feathers in front of your waist
level.
- Push the shuttle with the racket face and try to make the shuttle
skim the tape of the net.
- You can try to shorten the grip for a better control of the racket.
- Beware of breaking the Service Rules.

3. Flick Serve

Use this badminton serve when you are under pressure

from a rushing opponent. It is a rather useful tool during
doubles. However, you might be left exposed if your
opponent anticipated it. So, use it sparingly and keep
your opponent guessing.

You can use either your forehand or backhand to

perform this serve. Give the impression that you are
going to push the shuttle as in the low serve, but
instead use your wrist to flick the shuttle over. Wrist
action is the key to executing this serve well.
4. Drive Serve

Use this badminton serve to add some variation to your serving

game. This is considered an attacking serve and can be used in
singles and doubles. The shuttle will travel at a flatter angle pass
the net with pace.

It may win you points outright or force a poor service return if your
opponent is unprepared. However, make sure you contact the
shuttle below your waist and not make a service fault.

- Played with forehand underarm action.

- Stand in a comfortable and balanced position, a bit further from
the service line.
- Lead with your non-racket leg and place your racket leg behind.
- Place your racket a bit below the waist level and bring it back
parallel to it.
- Swing the racket forward following through.
- Hold the shuttle by the feathers and let it drop slightly sideways
to your body.
- Hit the shuttle and let it pass the net at a flatter angle.

E. Types of Shots

The court is rectangular in shape and divided into two halves by the net. The two halves are further
divided into forecourt and backcourt areas. The courts are always marked for both singles and doubles
games and the net poles are planted outside the double's lines.

The rally is initiated by the serve. A serve is always hit in the upward direction and its attacking potential
is limited by various restrictions and service laws. A serve can be of different types - high serve, low
serve, drive serve (hit flat towards the back area of the opponent's court) and flick serve(hit upwards, but
low trajectory).

There are many different types of basic badminton shots, which are played from different areas of the
badminton court. From the forecourt area, the various shots that can be played are:

1. Net Shot: dropping the shuttlecock into the opponent's forecourt, as close to the net as possible.
2. Net Lift: playing upwards towards the back of the opponent's court.
3. Net Kill: the shuttlecock is aimed steeply towards the floor of the opponent's court, close to the net.

Badminton shots from the mid court area include the following -

1. Smash: when the shuttlecock comes to you at a high level in the midcourt area, hitting it aggressively
towards the opponent's floor, to finish the rally.
2. Drive: when the shuttlecock is at the net height, at the side of your body, hitting it with sufficient pace to
the opponent's midcourt or backcourt area.
3. Push: hitting the shuttlecock softly into the opponent's forecourt or front midcourt area. This shot too is
played in the same situation as a drive.
4. Lift: playing upwards towards the back of the opponent's court, in response to a smash or a push shot.

Most badminton shots in the back court area are played overhead. Some shots in this area are -

1. Clear: hitting the shuttlecock high to the opponent's backcourt. Clear shots are of two types - defensive
clear and attacking clear.
2. Smash: hitting the shuttlecock steeply towards the opponent's midcourt, at high speed.
3. Drop shot: hitting the shuttlecock downwards towards the opponent's forecourt.

Besides these there are various advanced strokes which are more or less, slight variations on the
aforementioned basic strokes. The purpose of an advanced stroke is to introduce an element of spin into
the shot catching your opponent unawares.

Slicing, hitting the shuttlecock with an angled racket is a technique commonly used for advanced strokes.
Slice shots veil the direction in which the shuttle is going to hit and to make the disguise powerful shots by
making them travel slowly.
 IV. SIMPLIFIED RULES
1. Scoring System
o A match consists of the best of 3 games of 21 points.
o Every time there is a serve – there is a point scored.
o The side winning a rally adds a point to its score.
o At 20 all, the side which gains a 2 point lead first, wins that game.
o At 29 all, the side scoring the 30th point, wins that game.
o The side winning a game serves first in the next game.
o 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.
2. 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.

3. Doubles
o A side has only one ‘service’.
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.
o If players commit an error in the service court, the error is corrected when the mistake is
discovered.

In a doubles match between A & B against C & D, A & B won the toss and decided to serve, player A to
serve to C. Player A shall be the initial server while C shall be the initial receiver.

Course of action / Score Service from Server & Winner of

Explanation Service Court Receiver the rally
Right Service
Court. Being A serves to C A
Love the score of and C are the A&B
All the serving initial server and
side is even. receiver.
A & B win a point. A & B Left Service
will change service courts. Court. Being
A serves again from Left 1-0 the score of A serves to D C&D
service court. C & D will the serving
stay in the same service side is odd
courts.
C & D win a point and also Left Service
right to serve. Nobody will Court. Being
change their respective 1-1 the score of D serves to A. A&B
service courts. the serving
side is odd.
A & B win a point and also Right Service
right to serve. Nobody will Court. Being
change their respective 2-1 the score of B serves to C C&D
service courts. the serving
side is even.
C & D win a point and also Right Service
right to serve. Nobody will 2-2 Court. Being C serves to B C&D
the score of
 change their respective the serving
service courts. side is even.

C & D win a point. C & D Left Service

will change service courts. Court. Being
C serves from Left service 3-2 the score of C serves to A A&B
court. A & B will stay in the the serving
same service courts. side is odd.
A & B win a point and also Left Service
right to serve. Nobody will Court. Being
change their respective 3-3 the score of A serves to C A&B
service courts. the serving
side is odd.
A & B win a point. A & B
Right Service
will change service courts.
Court. Being
A serves again from Right
4-3 the score of A serves to D C&D
service court. C & D will
the serving
stay in the same service
side is even.
courts.

Note that this means:

o The order of server depends on the score odd or even same as in singles.
o The service courts are changed by the servicing side only when a point is scored. In all other cases,
the players continue to stay in their respective service court from where they played previous rally.
This shall guarantee alternate server.